Velda Jones-Potter has been tongue-tied in defending her record, especially about her contract with the city of Wilmington. In yesterday’s News Journal Velda Jones-Potter tries to set the record straight.
I believe it is important to note that my work with the city began two years before I was appointed to serve as state treasurer, at which time I promptly discussed my consulting business with the Public Integrity Commission. My responsibilities as state treasurer have been and continue to be my top priority. That commitment is unwavering.
Regardless of those who seek to politicize this during an election season, and this paper’s editorial board’s criticism, the fact is that all too often women are not afforded the opportunity to develop and achieve their full potential and are grossly underrepresented in leadership roles in both the private and public sectors. This fact shouldn’t get lost in the shuffle.
With that said, let me be absolutely clear — I do not currently have a contract with the city of Wilmington, nor will I accept a contract with the city or any other government entities so long as I hold public office. The continuation of my previous contract in 2009 had everything to do with my desire to complete what I know was important work to help support people in the city of Wilmington.
That last paragraph has two contradictory statements: I do not currently have a contract with the city of Wilmington and The continuation of my previous contract in 2009. If you have a continuing contract from 2009, don’t you have a contract with the city? She also contradicts her earlier statement to the News Journal (from the original August 26 NJ article):
She said she won’t take on any new outside jobs, but will continue to run the Wilmington program.
“I want to devote all my energy to the treasurer’s position,” she said. “I’m also passionate about the Wilmington program. I have not been silent about it. I’m very transparent about it and intend to continue it.”
Personally, I think it’s a fairly good piece by Jones-Potter, or would have been if she had said these things on August 26 instead of September 8. Better late than never? She also has another defense:
As a first-time candidate for elective office, I admit that I’m not really a “politician” or someone who has ever tried to jump into the spotlight. I’m a finance professional with a legacy of service to my community, who answered Gov. Jack Markell’s call to serve as treasurer because I knew I could help people. And I agreed to run not because I like to campaign or give long speeches or see myself on TV, but because I truly believe that the treasurer’s office can make a real difference in the lives of Delawareans, and I know that we are.
My summary of her defense:
– This program is an important program
– It started before I was Treasurer
– I informed the Public Integrity commission
– My contract with Wilmington is a continuing one from 2009, not a new one (still puzzling over that part)
– I don’t intend to continue
– I’m not a politician
– I’m good at my job