EDIT: City of Wilmington Mayoral Cattle Call — Announcement Season Edition 2015
This is the first Cattle Call I’ve written for the Wilmington Mayor’s race, even though there has been a fair amount of public positioning and “listening” going on among potential candidates. My work has taken up way too much of my time over the past several months, but it is well past time to start thinking about the folks who say they are running and who are “thinking” of running. What is interesting right now, is that so very many candidates are declaring and are circling around declaring for what would be Mayor Dennis Williams’ second term. This is a field that you would expect to see when a politician is term-limited out and the field is open, OR you would see this kind of field when the incumbent is widely seen as incredibly weak and mostly a failure. There’s been a rush of candidates declaring recently, so let’s take a look at the field so we can talk about this again come the New Year.
Mayor Dennis P. Williams — Incumbent Mayor of Wilmington
Mayor Williams is in and announced that he was running back in March. As you can see by this announcement (and other media appearances), Mayor Williams thinks he is doing a fine job dealing with public safety and overall getting the city to “turn a corner”. No idea what corner he thinks we’ve turned. but the city is well on pace to surpass the 2013 violent crime rate and no one know what he is doing to address that. It is fair to say that much of the business community doesn’t respect him or the job he’s done especially well, and I can count on one hand the people I hear supporting him. That would include Councilwoman Sherry Dorsey Walker, Rick Jensen, Ed Osborne and folks from the WFD. Not exactly ringing endorsements. Williams campaigned on knowing what to do about crime in the city and it turns out that he was clueless and not really able to come to grips with the multiple problems. He failed on his biggest campaign promise and isn’t working all that hard to turn that around, either. I hear a great deal of buyer’s remorse among Williams voters, so of course he is weak.
Kevin Kelley — Director of Management Services, DHSS
Kevin announced in early September that he would run again for Mayor. He’s been getting a fair amount of grassroots encouragement to run for almost two years to run, which is about when the Williams Buyers Remorse set in in earnest. Kevin was second in the 2012 Mayor primary, losing to Williams by about 1100 votes. Kevin is the main beneficiary of the city’s collective buyer’s remorse for their Williams votes and his challenge is going to be in keeping those votes and getting those votes out. I think that there will be enough dynamism in this field for folks to get out to vote *for* someone rather than just vote against Williams. Still, Kevin Kelley is still one of the genuine good guys and that is definitely recognized around the city.
Theo Gregory — Wilmington City Council President
Gregory announced in August that he had formed and exploratory committee for Mayor, then formally announced six weeks later after Kelley and Norm Griffiths announced. And after Hanifa Shabazz announced her run for City Council President. You gotta scratch your head over a candidate who is in largely because he was boxed into making a decision. And you gotta wonder about a candidate who is largely running on the entitlement of *his turn*. He claimed that he has proven to be a leader and that he could galvanize the city. I am not sure where that was, but I do know that there was a vast outpouring of support for the implementation of the WPSSC recommendations and he utterly failed to get that done. Utterly. Gregory and Williams will battle over the largest pool of reliable D voters in the city — Districts 1 and 2.
Norm Griffiths — former Wilmington City Council President
He’s in and people are wondering why. I’ve heard from folks who have talked with him that he feels that he has the time since he is retired from DuPont and can fund his own campaign. No one has heard from him since he left office, but more importantly, Griffiths was widely expected to run for Mayor in 2012 and declined. Frankly, I think his best shot was in 2012, but he also couldn’t summon up the energy to fight for Wilmington residents concerned about public safety then, either. Still, I think that Griffiths also fights for votes in 1 and 2 and will be more credible in neighborhoods west of 95 than Gregory will.
Eugene Young — Advocacy Director, Delaware Center for Justice
Eugene is a young man from Wilmington’s East Side who has spent his career in public service, including founding and running the Delaware Elite program. Eugene announced this month, with a hugely professional announcement (a nice press release, an intro video, and a website launch) controlled by the campaign (not forced by the media) and designed to capitalize on the groundwork his folks have been executing since the beginning of the year. He also started walking the neighborhoods on the day he announced. This promises to be a highly energetic and focused campaign effort by a young man (and a young-ish team) looking to change Wilmington’s tipping point to a positive one. He has alot of work to do to ask for votes all over the city, but he seems committed to spending the shoe leather to do that. I think that the campaign that he and his Team plan to run will upend the usual path to running for Mayor here, which should have some long term political consequences, not the least of which is energizing a group of young Wilmington professionals to weigh into a conversation about creating the city they want to live in.
Robert Marshall — Senator, Delaware Legislature
Senator Marshall announced last week, launching a campaign that is one cycle too late. He announced for 2012, then proceeded to simply not run. As most folks understand it, Marshall put out a poll to assess his position and found that in the field that included him, Bill Montgomery, Kevin Kelley and Dennis Williams, Marshall came in last — after Montgomery, interestingly. It sounds as though he wants to run on the minimum wage effort — which was good — but it is hard to bypass the fact that Marshall has been largely invisible on the city’s big issues (invisible, period). That will include both Public Safety and Education issues that have been central to the political discussion here. Frankly, I think that since he re-won his Senate seat by a squeaker, you’d think that he would have gotten the message and gotten visible. That largely hasn’t happened, so I can’t imagine how he imagines his path to winning from behind his cloak of invisibility. And if you are a Wilmingtonian — Marshall and McDowell put the stop on an effort by the Wilmington delegation to push the Williams Administration to adopt the WPSSC recommendations. Of course, opportunities for accountability need to be taken when they are available and Marshall couldn’t bring himself to support the people he wants to vote for him for Mayor.
Mike Purzycki — Executive Director, Riverfront Development Corporation
Purzycki has been making the rounds talking to many parties about possibly making a run for Mayor of Wilmington. He looks like he could be the candidate of Wilmington’s business community — it is just too bad that Wilmington’s business community largely doesn’t live in the city. Then, of course, he has the name recognition problem. And once he gets past that, he will have to convince folks that he will be the Mayor for all of Wilmington, not just the Riverfront and Downtown. My guess is that he is set to replay the Bill Montgomery story, but starting much further behind in the field. I hear that he will announce this week.
Darius Brown — Wilmington City Councilman, 3rd District
There are two stories of what Darius plans to do: one, he is running for Mayor; two, he is running for City Treasurer. But again, we are talking about one more City Councilperson with a thin resume (and some issues with constituent services, as I hear it) who will work harder at a promotion than in getting the job he was elected to done. Still, if he is running for Mayor, he’s another one who needs to be reminded that social media doesn’t substitute for doing the job you were elected to.
Maria Cabrera — Wilmington City Councilwoman
Maria has been talking about this and has had some minor encouragement to run. She’s worked for the city previously and run a small business or two — both efforts with some issues in their wake, issues likely to be brought up in a campaign. She’s been in the City Council since 2012, and like many in Wilmington’s City Council — has a very large and active public profile, but has little in terms of accomplishments in governing. She’s openly flirted with running as a Republican, which is why I have her listed as a purple candidate. I think that her real theory of winning right now is that since Hillary is likely to be the D candidate, it will be the year for women candidates so this is what she can capitalize on. Still without much of an actual resume, unlike Hillary. On FB recently, she posted this as to why she (and others) were almost two hours late to last Thursday’s Public Safety Meeting:
Four additional members joined the meeting at 6:45 PM. There were multiple events taking place where City Council members were active participants. The Hispanic Summit, 20th Anniversary Springfield College Wilmington Campus, Delaware African-American Historical Society to mention a few. It’s always a juggle. Although I didn’t hear anything convincing during the time that I was there!
This was a City Council Meeting of the Whole regarding Public Safety — supposedly providing an accountability moment for the City’s claims for implementing recommendations from the WPSSC (this is another post, oy) — and attending all of these visibility events was more important that the City’s safety. My bet is that she doesn’t run — she’ll have to give up her Council seat and I seriously doubt she wants to do the real work of running for Mayor.
Scott Spencer — Transportation Consultant
Do not know if he is running for anything this cycle. Have heard he is looking at running for Mayor and have also heard that he is looking to run for a city-wide City Council seat. I wouldn’t tell you that I heard any of that from people who would be credible on this.
Robert Bovell — Bailbondsman
Rumors abound that he might run for Mayor again, but this time as a Republican. No one knows. But given his last showing, I’m not sure he’d be much of a game changer.
Matthew Meyer — Teacher, Attorney, Former Member of the Diplomatic Corps
Not sure how I forgot Matthew, especially since I have spoken to him several times. He is an interesting and smart young guy, with some success in a few careers. Matthew has been making the rounds and exploring, but hasn’t officially (that I know of) declared. Much like Eugene Young, Matthew sees what is on the horizon for the city and gets that business as usual won’t cut it.
So what do you think? Who did I miss?
I’m in camp Eugene. It’s time to shake this up. I walked several blocks in my neighborhood with Eugene last week. The man listens. I mean really listens. He doesn’t “tell” people things. He didn’t use scare tactics, you know, the fear vote. I learned about so many issues I hadn’t even known about just by listening to my neighbors speak with Eugene.
I saw Scott Spencer during that walk. Scott (who I’ve known all my life – we grew up in the same neighborhood) didn’t say one word about running for mayor to me. Take that for what it’s worth. (which probably isn’t much) 🙂
I agree. Go Eugene!
Mike Purzycki is not Bill Montgomery. He’s tall, handsome, rich and charismatic, and has support and contacts in state government.
I know people who must live with conditions in the city don’t want to hear this, but most of the next mayor’s challenges will be financial. Eugene Young is not the man for that job.
And, of course, the candidate who ultimately wins will be the one whose racial support is split the fewest ways.
Geezer, that sounds like the same campaign strategy that Mitt Romney and Donald Trump use. I’m tall, handsome??, and rich; Nobody can handle America’s finances like me.
This is the crap that every rich businessman throws up as a rationale for why he should lead we smallfolk. Then they get into office and realize that running a government is not like being a CEO. You actually have to work with the people rather than in the dark. You need to be able to build consensus in the business community as well as on the Eastside; In Happy Valley and in Hilltop. It requires more than just being able to turn a profit. If anything, running a major Non-Profit (As Eugene Young has) is more relatable because the ultimate goal of any government or Non-Profit is to manage its finances efficiently and provide services….. NOT JUST TO MAKE A PROFIT. Besides, I’m tired of these old names. Eugene Young is asking for my vote. Apparently, unless my last name is LLC, Purzycki could give a damn.
Purzycki, I guess (I MAY BE WRONG), is attempting to solidify the business community and every other rich person who only seems to care about city crime when they look at the property values of their derelict rental houses in West Center City.
I’m open-minded, but the best candidate for me would be one who is (1) highly competent, as demonstrated over a career; (2) ethical by nature, even when no one is watching; (3) positioned to appoint a talented cabinet with the guts and grounding to disagree with the boss when warranted; and (4) knowledgeable and known enough to be responsive to the neighborhoods, and earn multi-ethnic support.
A candidate who cannot bring the confidence of the business community, and multi-racial support, will not be qualified to be mayor.
Well, at least the problem is clear. In this corner you have all the resources (eg, cash money, big business) to fix the problem. In the other corner you have people in places where those resources need to go but nothing to offer the elites or con them into thinking it’s in their financial interest to help relieve the suffering.
The candidate John describes does not exist. I don’t think she or he has ever existed actually. The Purzycki type has no heat with the people and the Young type has no heat with the money. Neither one of them will make any difference. We didn’t like the last mayor. We don’t like this mayor. We won’t like the next mayor. However, I wish the next one godspeed and all the best. Sincerely.
Speaking only for myself as a city resident, if you’re looking for real change and improvement, stop. It’s hopeless. Best we can do it survive and keep the bicycle upright with whatever the minimal amount of forward momentum is required for the balancing.
My understanding is that Purzycki’s arm is being twisted. Perhaps this younger generation has no idea who he is, but he’s hardly an anti-government rich person; he’s pulling down something like $250K annually to run the RDC, and he owns (or used to) a large Newark apartment complex. Without the benefits of government, he wouldn’t be rich.
The question isn’t whether he could run and win; it’s why on earth he’d want the job.
The disqualifier on John’s list of attributes is the “honest even when nobody is looking” standard. There aren’t enough such politicians in the state to achieve a quorum on City Council.
Mike Purzycki is not Bill Montgomery.
Which no one is claiming. But he will likely replay the Montgomery election story:
> Garner lots of city business support.
> Spend alot of money.
> No one knows who you are. Still.
This problem is more pronounced for Purzycki since he hasn’t had any occasion to be out and about working with anyone in any neighborhoods — unlike Montgomery.
The city’s biggest problem in 2012 was its finances and nothing has changed — other than we have an Administration who produces numbers that no one has any confidence in. The good news is that the problems are relatively straightforward (but compounding as no one pays much attention to them); the bad news is that dealing with them needs some political cojones (and some vision) which isn’t apparent in either branch of City government. Even though the preview of Purzycki as some kind of financial savior is fun, his only interest is going to be in the business interests of the city and the people who live here don’t need more of that. Of the people running, there are two who could effectively stop the kicking of the can down the road — Kevin Kelley because he is an accountant by trade and probably still knows the city budget better than pretty much anyone besides Bud Freel and Young by virtue of the kind of folks that he has been able to attract to his team. And kicking the can down the road is not the theme of his campaign.
Still — it is amusing to read that the city’s finances are going to be its biggest challenge in 2016. I noted that repeatedly and recall that there were people right on this thread who thought that Dennis Williams’ experience with the JFC was a major calling card. I wasn’t buying it, of course, but plenty of others did.
If Purzycki’s arm is being twisted (I doubt that, but sill), it is from a faction of the downtown business people who were full-throated Williams supporters in 2012. I suspect I know who this group is now, but these people don’t live here and certainly don’t command any votes here.
I mean where is he going to canvass? He’ll probably go up to the 1st and 2nd because that is where the action is and to the 8th because those are his neighbors. He’s got quite the row to hoe to get to the votes needed to survive a primary.
Are you sure Purzycki plans to run in the Democratic primary? If he runs at all, I would think–and have heard–it would be as a Republican. Surely he knows that’s his only chance, and depending on the outcome of the Democratic primary, it may well be a good one. (I rather like the idea of a second chance if the wrong person comes out on the top of that heap and would certainly choose Pyrzicki over at least one of the declared Dem. candidates.)
I like Young, but he’s very young and seemingly inexperienced. For that reason, it’s smart he listens.
Edited to include Matthew Meyer in the mix, who is definitely thinking about running.
Mike Purzycki has always been a Democrat. County Councilman, 1982-88.
Re: “honest even when nobody is looking” – That’s the point. It’s unsurprising that city councilmen in large one-party towns range from the mediocre to the brawlers to the little-tin-boxers, with an occasional Loretta or DiPinto [or Norm G] trying to do things right.
But the mayor is different. Hal Haskell, Tom Maloney and Bill McLaughlin were able to accomplish much in face of surly hostility from 9/13 or more of their city councils. Cassandra’s dozen will have to be winnowed so that a unifying challenger can send DPW to his two pensions.
“Apparently, unless my last name is LLC, Purzycki could give a damn. ”
I don’t think that’s true – Purzycki is President of the Hope Commission and has been for some time. Talk is cheap I know but hearing him speak on it I don’t get that impression.
Kevin Kelly, hands down.
If you are looking for real-world change once in office, then your vote should be for Kevin Kelley. He has the vision, experience and the relationships within the communities to get things DONE as mayor. That’s the winning combination.
He has proven over the years that he genuinely cares about the people in this city and is willing to put the work in. And Kevin understands the issues like no one else, he spends time with people in the community every day, he knows what dynamics are fueling are the problems and he has real solutions.
We really need to unite behind Kevin, he has the right vision, real solutions, and he’s the best positioned to beat Williams.
I am extremely impressed by the talented team Eugene has built for this campaign . His volunteers are energetic, diverse, smart, strategic thinkers who are building a change coalition . This is the kind of team that will make things happen. It gives a strong indication of the type of people he would have advising the Mayors office. You can’t help but be impressed with his field team ,
Rufus Y. Kneedog says:
October 27, 2015 at 7:00 am
“Apparently, unless my last name is LLC, Purzycki could give a damn. ”
I don’t think that’s true – Purzycki is President of the Hope Commission and has been for some time. Talk is cheap I know but hearing him speak on it I don’t get that impression.
Rufus, your defense of Purzycki is very weak. I have never heard any positive feedback on the Hope Commission. What I have heard is people wondering if it actually exists and if it does exist what does it do? The much ballyhooed re-entry center on Vandever Avenue? I have heard no positive feedback on that.
There are 2 folks on this list I could not identify if they were standing in front of me and one is Purzycki.
Having worked with and been supported by Maria Cabrera on numerous tough situations throughout my 9 years as a resident of the City of Wilmington, she has what it takes to knock down walls and turn this city into one that is thriving and safe. Maria cares about folks — really cares — and she is not afraid to voice her opinions which are right on the mark for where this city needs to go in order to regain its integrity.
Maria’s responsiveness to any situation that I’ve brought to her attention is nothing short of excellent. She’s met me at the building where I used to reside, along with the Fire Chief, in order to solve tough building code issues and assisted with budget planning. She’s assisted with helping me solve issues with parks and recreations where it appeared as though portions of our city had been desolate for years in some of the most visible, highly-populated areas. Maria is a trooper and has NEVER let me down — all while maintaining her current position and working on 100’s of other initiatives within the city.
I have no doubt that Maria Cabrera could do the job of Mayor and more importantly, do it well. Tough as nails, heart of gold. It’s not so often that you find genuine people like Maria.
With all due respect, knocking down walls is not the mayor’s job. I love Maria, but I have little doubt that she could NOT do the job of mayor. Well, wait…she wouldn’t be worse than the current occupant of the job, so that’s unfair. I don’t think she’s the best CHOICE for the job.
Thanks for your reply, Geezer. I understand where you are coming from with respect to the financial aspects and were our town needs to go in order to be successful. But part of the job of the mayor is to be a spokesperson for his/her residents as well. Maria is charismatic, passionate, smart and more importantly, when she speaks, people listen. She’s a natural-born leader. Will Maria personally be “knocking down the walls?” — I sure hope not. But if she points me in the directly of the wall, hand me the sledge!
Definitely agree that our current occupant is, well, hopefully not going to be re-elected! That would be catastrophic.
I agree with Lori. KEVIN KELLEY is the candidate for the job. Kevin is a visable and effective leader. His public safety and budget management experience is what Wilmington desperately needs.
All your bizarre idealism and boilerplate platitudes really brightens up my lunch-hour.
If I had b-roll footage of the Cabrera and Kelly, I could create :30s spots by the end of the day, just using the comments on this thread.
Is a natural-born leader better than a visible and effective leader? Have you ever really met someone who is both tough as nails and has a heart of gold? I already feel myself slipping into a sort of electoral fugue state.
I get the caring and charismatic but the passionate has got to go. We need another adjective that begins with ‘c’ to really end on a rhetorical flourish. Consuming, maybe, or committed. Yeah, committed is good.*
(*Note: Coincidentally the word cliché also begins with the letter ‘c’.)
Thanks for your comments back, Dorian. In response, wouldn’t a natural-born leader posses those characteristics (c-word) and already be visible and effective? Hence “natural-born.” In my opinion, it’s not really possible to say that someone cannot be both tough and caring without actually meeting the person and working with him/her on different projects. I encourage you to reach out to Maria and I’m sure you’ll have the same experiences.
My statements above were only meant to say, “Hey, I’ve worked with this person for a number of years and she really has a way with people and can get things done.” I am a supporter of Maria and her mission — and it’s nice to see cool, calm, collected, charismatic (and any other positive c-words you can think of) try to make a difference in a city that so desperately needs an update in its leadership.
Frankly, No one knows how a candidate will do until after they become Mayor. None of them have been a Mayor except Mayor Williams. This was his first shot and now “if he wins”, we won’t know how he will do after his, “learning Curve.” I do know that when Maria Cabrera ran for City Council, she was an unelected public servant for 20 years before she decided to run. As far as her campaign promises from 2012, she has fulfilled them. Maria Cabrera has kept her word on the platforms that she committed to when she ran back in 2012. When we all volunteered to help her, we had no money, no signs, and no time but she won. She has been working in the front line (she is also the only Councilperson who lives in crime stricken community.) Her platform was public safety, economic development, Constituent and Youth Empowerment. She (with the help of Wilmington Police and the Trinity Vicinity Civic Association cleaned up the corner of 8th and Monroe in Wilmington (seemingly very lucrative drug corner,) now that corner is litter free and the liquor store owner is working with the city to keep loiters away-BAM PROOF THAT SHE CAN DO THE WORK SHE PROMISED. Years before she decided to run, she was founder/for the Hispanic Business Association of Delaware – BAM – Economic Development. Many businesses are still in business with business plans and because of the proper resource today, Maria still helps those businesses thrive. Constituent and Youth Empowerment. Maria has shared so many folks to me who were not yet registered to vote and now I get those referrals and register them in English and Spanish and give them the tools they need so they can make informed voter/candidate decisions- BAM- Another knock out of achievements. The sky is the limit Maria. These commitments fulfilled are just a few. I don’t play around when it comes to candidates making promises and not fulfilling. She knows that is very important to me and Thank you Maria for working tirelessly to bring them to fruition because I know that is important to you too.
I think it is presumptuous to think that Maria Cabrera is running solely based on Hillary Clinton running. Its also presumptuous to think that Hillary Clinton will be the democratic nominee this early in the game, but thats neither here nor there.
As for my experience with Maria I have nothing but great things to say. I have a ton of respect and admiration for her. Maria’s passion to get Wilmington on the right track is never faltering. You’re claiming she has no record in governance while simultaneously reminding us that she’s been on council since ’12. Council, as in an elected position. To say she has not governed in any capacity is disingenuous. Just in January of this year Wilmington adopted new nuisance laws which passed city council. Lets not forget who introduced that legislation- Maria Cabrera.
There have been few events which have happened this summer where I didn’t bump into Ms. Cabrera. From Coolspring’s Farmers market, to the Polish Festival, and even one of our neighborhood meetings in Midtown Brandywine. Where she finds the time I don’t know, but I can assure you when you see Maria (if you don’t hear her first) it’s not just small talk. She genuinely cares about Wilmington, it’s residents, and the many challenges we face. In my conversations with her the topics have ranged from deteriorating sidewalks, crime, nuisance laws and everything in-between. It’s refreshing to know theres someone actively engaging constituents, which is more than we can say about our current mayor.
I’d also like to say, it’s very PRESUMPTUOUS to think Maria Cabrera wouldn’t garner the support needed to make it to the Mayor’s office. Let us not forget a very important detail: Maria CABRERA is not only a woman, she is a LATINA in a city which has a huge un-tapped population of latino voters. I would not underestimate the support a Spanish-Speaking candidate, nor would I ignore the voter turn-out of one of the fastest growing minorities both locally and nationally!
As someone who has decided to roll the dice and comeback into the city (after a stint in the burbs for the last 3), I am excited to see a potential moyoral candidate with such fire and determination as Maria has.
“Have you ever really met someone who is both tough as nails and has a heart of gold?”
Yes, I have… I saw him on a weekly basis for about seven years. Incredible guy… Deeply committed to policies needed to grow the middle class. Wasn’t afraid to “mix it up” and fight for those policies and actions. Was at home in room full of inner-city residents talking about income inequality as he was walking amongst the Titans of Industry and talking economic policy. He was definitely a natural-born, visible, and effective leader.
His name was Josiah Bartlett… I miss him dearly.
Maria is charismatic, passionate, smart and more importantly, when she speaks, people listen.
Charismatic and passionate, but that is about as far as it goes. Lots of CW complaints about the city, but few true insights much less an interesting vision for either solutions or the city. No doubt she’s got much of the retail part of politics here down pat, but the actual vision or even governing is fairly thin. Little used nuisance laws or no. This city needs BIG vision and major policy changes to get itself together and there are few people who will roll up their sleeves to get that done.
I’m not sure that many people actually see the precipice the city is on and it is time to pick people who will work at addressing those issues more than their Facebook pages.
I have never heard any positive feedback on the Hope Commission.
I think that this is changing and The Achievement Center is doing smart work on a big problem in Wilmington — re-entry for people who have gotten out of jail. The Hope Commission may not have gotten to the place it was originally meant to, but I think they are carving out a place for doing quietly good work.
Thanks for all of the comments, everyone. I’m curious as to whether you are hearing any rumblings about who a GOP candidate might be. I do know that Maria Cabrera has flirted with the idea of changing parties to run for Mayor, but I want to know if there are folks who are committed GOP who are thinking of running.
You mentioned Scott Spencer and that you weren’t sure if he was running this cycle. I heard he was the R candidate for Mayor.
The R’s have been trying to build interest with monthly meetings that bring in a variety of speakers. Not sure if that is leading to any candidates.
Thank you Cassandra
Bill
Thanks for the analysis Cassandra. After reading your article I wish I had the skills handicap this race. Here’s complete BS odds:
Party Nominations
6-1 Mayor Dennis P. Williams — Incumbent Mayor of Wilmington
4-1 Kevin Kelley — Director of Management Services, DHSS
8-1 Theo Gregory — Wilmington City Council President
15-1 Norm Griffiths — former Wilmington City Council President
10-1 Eugene Young — Advocacy Director, Delaware Center for Justice
25-1 Robert Marshall — Senator, Delaware Legislature
20-1 Mike Purzycki — Executive Director, Riverfront Development Corporation
50-1 Darius Brown — Wilmington City Councilman, 3rd District
40-1 Matthew Meyer — Teacher, Attorney, Former Member of the Diplomatic Corps
20-1 (D) Maria Cabrera — Wilmington City Councilwoman
50-1 (D) Robert Bovell — Bailbondsman
4-1 (R) Maria Cabrera — Wilmington City Councilwoman
8-1 Scott Spencer – Transportation Consultant
6-1 (R) Robert Bovell — Bailbondsman
Prop Joe – Lol. You got me.
There is a middle aged man by the name Steven Washington who will shake up the race.
About Steven Washington, M.Ed.
Steven Washington is a solid member of our community
Steven Washington is an active member of the Wilmington Community. He is a homeowner who works and attends church in Wilmington and his children attend our public schools.
He is the Founder and President of the Norfolk State University Alumni Association, Delaware Chapter Inc. (NSUAA-DE) and the Founder and Chair of the HBCU Delaware Coalition Inc. (HBCUDE). Steven is concerned about the issues that affect us, our neighbors and our city. He needs your help to represent our city as the Mayor of Wilmington.
“Leadership isn’t something you just decide to take up one day. It takes skill. It takes commitment. It takes caring. But most important, leadership takes practice. You can’t learn it by watching. You have to do it yourself.”
Proven leadership, Steven Washington has done it. As President of the NSUAA-DE, he has called meetings when issues & problems arose in the field of education. Washington has made the plans and organized the HBCUDE in his city to increase the awareness of HBCU’s to youth and families throughout the state of Delaware. He has been in contact and negotiation with numerous city and state officials with the request of them to help build awareness of the HBCU college community. As Founder of NSUAA-DE and the HBCUDE, he started HBCU Delaware Talks, a talk show which is the only HBCU live television talk show in the country. His leadership has made these two organizations a strong team!
Washington has fought to keep his community strong and healthy in spite of the increasing crime rate. Committed to community service, Washington has been a volunteer and a youth mentor, coaching youth in the Stormins Classic Basketball Summer League for 12 years and has been influential to thousands as educator for over 24 years. He is concerned about low-income families, youth, and seniors. His plan as Mayor is to enhance education for the uneducated, work to provide a safe environment for raising families and provide more job training and resources of individual looking to be active and productive members of our city.
Vote Steven Washington, M.Ed.
Mayor 2016
Cassandra scratch one bull from the mayoral herd. Darius told me he definitely is running for Treasurer
I’ve hear candidate Steven Washington has an amazing UbNapp.
In a field this crowded, the incumbent usually wins.
I’m sure Steven Washington is a nice person…but I have to say Caution…nothing in what you wrote persuaded me to be interested in his candidacy. He’s a Dad? He’s runs a university alumni club? He’s “called meetings when issues & problems arose”? Wow. That’s some real leadership…calling a meeting. Does he also regularly take out the trash without being asked by his wife? Does he recycle? I know announcements are usually lite on specifics…but does he have anything more than his bold plan to “enhance education”?
About NCCAnon
Noticeably you’ve found away to advertise for the individuals you prefer to have in office. The people that we see in city council has been there since the dinasour days with very little change. People are actually being killed out there which means there’s a lack of eduation. Maybe we need new blood other than what you decide might be good for the people. I not political but l am tied of the same old faces with the same old promise.
Be mindful, the app is a safety app, not a security app. This app is for proactive people not reactive people. Have you noticed that our politicians in Wilmington, Delaware react to issues. We need to be proactive. The reason why we have not witnessed positive change is because our leadership throughout our local government display a fixed mind-set, in a reactive city, with a good old boy network. In order for positive change to take place, the leadership must grow their brains which entails having a growth mind-set, in a proactive city, with the demise of the good old boy network. There can not be good change without good sense. (change – cents) do the math.
Courage/SW, pick one name and stick with it. Sock puppetry isn’t allowed.
Oops! Apology
No problem.
So are Courage, Caution and SW the same person? Trying to grow my brain before I take a proactive ubnapp.
“Sock puppetry isn’t allowed.”
Not mention hawking one’s wares (unless DL is going to receive click through money).
Courage is not caution.
Courage shows no caution
When Camden, NJ is now a safer place to walk around you know Wilmington is doomed for years to come. Move out while you can still get something for you home..