City of Wilmington Mayoral Cattle Call — Post July Filings Edition
So the primary filings are in and done and the Democratic primary for Mayor in Wilmington is officially set.
Rep. Dennis P. Williams, State Representative 
He’s been set for this race for awhile. Between finishing off this legislative season and figuring out how to pay his taxes, much of his campaigning has been done by volunteers. He participated in most of the debates, notably sitting out the Party sponsored one.
Kevin Kelley, City Councilman
Kelley has been campaigning like crazy — going to community meetings, knocking on doors, holding events. He’s notably been visible in discussing the recent spate of crime in the city and in discussing solutions. In other words, Kelley is doing what people are asking the Mayor to do — demonstrate some leadership.
Bill Montgomery, Mayor Baker’s ex-Chief of Staff
He is still in, but seems to be struggling for support from people who can actually vote for him. It looks like he may have lots of support from downtown types who go home to the county every evening. Oddly, it looks like he is getting decent support in the 8th too — even though he was at the spear point of a number of development projects the 8th hated.
Scott Spencer
This is a genuine surprise — he actually filed and is in. It is really hard to see how he makes a dent though.
Robert Bovell, Bailbondsman and Perpetual Candidate
He’s definitely in and still claiming that he is a city resident. His big idea is to make the city a landlord to raise funds.
Rev. Derrick Johnson, pastor of Joshua Harvest Church
Definitely out as reported here earlier. Spent some time evaluating a candidate to support and seems to be supporting Kelley.
Steve Martelli, City Councilman
Martelli has resigned the council and is working for the State Department.
Hanifa Shabazz, City Councilwoman
Definitely out but now has a primary in the 4th from Dwight Davis.
Norman Griffiths, City Council President
He is out of it all — not running for Mayor, not running again for President of the City Council. Which leaves Theo Gregory running for President of City Council unopposed.
Senator Bob Marshall, State Senator
After telling everyone he was really, really in, it turns out he isn’t. So he has refiled to run for the Senate.
Kevin Melloy, Realtor
Not quite sure what this is about. But then, the GOP hasn’t done much to support its candidates in the City previously, and I don’t imagine they’ll start now. Melloy is popular largely in districts west of I-95, how that translates into fundraising and votes is tough to see.
I see this race as being between Williams and Kelley at this point. Some of the flurry of At Large filings is meant to try to boost turnout in the 1st and 2nd City Council Districts where the large pool of reliable D voters is. Now that the field is narrowed, I would hope that we’ll start talking about policy, but I suspect this is just going to get ugly. But watch where the ugly originates. The other thing to watch for are the promises being made to various groups in return for support. Keep in mind that the City is already facing a deficit for next year — city residents should pay attention to promises of programs, staff, higher wages and ask detailed questions about where the money comes from.
Tags: Mayor Race
Cass – Not sure where you hear the drumbeats. Obviously, no public polling, and finances will not be known for another month, but Williams is undercut by his (1) hideous personality and (2) even more hideous handling of the delinquent tax issue. “Asked by reporters, he basically hung up.”
Mainly this is just what I pick up around the city, so definitely not scientific. When you encounter groups of people, they are talking about Kelley and Williams mainly. I suspect that Montgomery might be winning the money, but I don’t think he is winning much in terms of grassroots support. I agree with you on Williams’ deficits and would include in that that he does not know what is going on in this city. What he has in his Public Safety Plan is largely a warmed over rehash of what the WPD is doing now.
Dennis Williams is the most promising candidate in this Mayor’s race. Here’s the case:
1- Eminent Domain: Dennis courageously stood up to the powerful developers on eminent domain abuse and really protected the little guy and small business man from abuse. Governor Markell signed Williams’ landmark state legislation which got nationwide coverage.
2- Open Bidding- City Contracts: Dennis openly called for true competitive bidding on all these no bid contracts that City Council passes. Montgomery and Kelly support these no bid contracts as the way of doing business. [e.g. They did for recent 20 yr. Honeywell contract even though other major firms said they would have loved to bid the recent $35 million contract.]
3-Public Safety: As a former cop, Dennis actually walked the streets fighting and solving crimes for 15 years on the Wilm PD and just gained critical FOP endorsement. He actually carried the shield and put his life on the line.
4- Standing Up for Indigent: Dennis even stood up to Governor Markell when they tried to wipe out money for the city’s most needy and indigent.
5- Two Terms: Dennis has called to change the city charter to allow only 2 terms for Mayor. Good enough for President and Governor. Only guy I have heard say he will do this on DAY ONE. We have seen what three terms gives us….loss of interest and abdication/ surrender by Mayor Baker.
6- Open Process for All/ Debates: He even called out the Wilm. Dem. City Committee when they denied debate status to Mayoral candidates who had not paid filing fee, even though it was full 2 months before filing deadline. Williams did the right thing. It was the only debate he skipped of over a dozen debates, on priciple!
He may not be perfect, but Dennis P. Williams is the absolute BEST choice for the city’s future. Shown many times he has the guts to do the right thing for the people. Williams stood with Dan Frawley even when Jim Sills challenged him . Now thats a loyal guy…….speaks a lot.
He didn’t call out the City Dems- he was in the room and didn’t register a peep on the format. The City dems are doing the same as the rest of the subdivisions and the state Party – in g=having filed candidates-The same format was applied for County exec and County Council President- two weeks after the Mayor Forum-no cpmplaints I guess it was ok for Carney markell Denn and Blunt four year ago with the same format – – what happened at Deeds debate? a no show
So Patrolman Williams supported his boss when Rep. Sills challenged to Frawley in ’92. Two thoughts: (1) That’s a qualification? (2) How many Frawley-oriented voters will find reason to support the prickly Williams in 2012?