More Ethics Issues in Wilmington City Government
The next round of fallout from the Foxtail concert is detailed in Sunday’s NJ, where we learn that Parks and Rec Deputy Director Shawn Allen let Foxtail’s organizers use Allen’s non-profit to get a temporary liquor license. The problem, though:
Allen allowed Potter to use his nonprofit to help the concert despite a provision in the city’s code of conduct, which states that “no city employee, officer or honorary city official may represent or otherwise assist any private enterprise with respect to any matter before the city.” Under state law, only not-for-profit entities can receive what are officially known as gathering licenses to sell alcohol on particular days.
And:
Charles Potter, the mayor’s cousin, previously had not been linked directly to the festival that has ignited such controversy in Williams’ first year in office. Allen said he went to the legislator’s insurance agency, where Charles Potter provided him a copy of the gathering license application and later took it for processing.
After receiving a copy of the license, Allen said he forwarded it to Charles Potter.
Delaware Alcoholic Beverage Commissioner John Cordrey said such arrangements with non-profits are not unusual. For example, a wedding party could ask a non-profit to secure a gathering license to serve alcohol if a for-profit reception site did not have a liquor license, he said.
If you are a for-profit, though, you aren’t supposed to keep the profits from the alcohol sales if you have a non-profit standing for your gathering licence. The non-profit should be getting the profits, and Allen’s group did not. Allen says he had no idea that this was supposed to be the arrangement — although how you can not get the rules clear for a gathering licence (basically a one day liquor licence) that is being issued in your group’s name makes no sense to me. Most non-profits have insurance or even corporate structures that mean that you need to be very clear about your role, responsibilities and liabilities for liquor licences should be. And if Mr. Allen did not know, then it is especially despicable for Charles Potter to just use Mr. Allen like this — Allen has been a longstanding supporter of Potter and Williams and hanging Allen out to dry like this is not the act of friendship or loyalty supporters have a right to expect.
But the ethics problem again:
Allen allowed Potter to use his nonprofit to help the concert despite a provision in the city’s code of conduct, which states that “no city employee, officer or honorary city official may represent or otherwise assist any private enterprise with respect to any matter before the city.”
So what does it take for the City to enforce its Ethics Policy? Seriously, there’s little point to having one if you won’t insist that your employees (friends or no) live by it. Because you won’t be improving the trust relationship with Wilmington citizens if we continue to see the tatters of that policy, rather than a fierce defense of the City’s reputation and brand.
Tags: City of Wilmington, ethics
It would seem to me that the event could have obtained a Temporary Large Event License. The differnce is the fee $500 versus $5 non profit fee.
§ 512F. Any person licensed under §512 of this title hosting a temporary large event may share the profits from the event, including the profits from alcohol sales, with the temporary large event promoter, and such sharing of profits shall not be in violation of this title, including §561 of this title or any regulations promulgated by the Commissioner, provided that (1) the licensee shall be responsible for the purchase and resale or dispensing of all alcohol at the temporary large event as provided in and in compliance with this title and may not allow the temporary large event promoter to participate in such purchasing, reselling or dispensing, and (2) the temporary large event promoter shall, prior to the temporary large event, obtain a temporary large event license from the Commissioner. Application for a temporary large event license shall be on a form prescribed by the Commissioner, made under oath or affirmation and signed before two witnesses, containing a statement to the effect that the temporary large event promoter (i) will comply with this title and the regulations promulgated hereunder; (ii) agrees to submit to the jurisdiction of the Commissioner and the courts of the State of Delaware; (iii) is not a manufacturer, supplier or importer; (iv) has not been convicted of violating the liquor laws of this State or been convicted and imprisoned for a crime; and (v) such other matters as the Commissioner may prescribe by rule or regulation. The Commissioner may promulgate such rules and regulations with respect to the enforcement or furtherance of the objectives and provisions of this section as it may deem necessary, and all such rules and regulations that are not inconsistent with the provisions of this title shall have the force and effect of law.
Section 3. Amend §554, Title 4 of the Delaware Code by inserting a new subsection (oo) as shown by underlining as follows:
(oo) For a “temporary large event” license as provided in §512F of this title, the fee shall be $500 for each temporary large event and no application process fee as permitted under §554(x) of this title shall be assessed.
So, Charles Potter puts his friend’s job at risk so his son doesn’t have to pay $500 for a temporary liquor license?
In the unlikely event that Mr. Allen suffers the consequences, let’s hope Rep. Potter contributes at least $500 to Mr. Allen’s job search fund.
Ethics? Conflict of interest?
What is that? Never heard those words. Do they have a meaning? Aren’t they archaic terms?
As a resident of Wilmington one can only conclude that those who represent us and those they appoint believe the above statements are true.
I hate to have to be the one to break the news, but yes Elected and Appointed officials are and should be held to a higher standard. So, yes this is worthy of news coverage.
If you don’t like that truth then you need to stay out of the public service arena.
I’d move Potter even further down my 62 rankings list, but it’d be impossible to move him MUCH lower…
Unethical crap, in order to save $495. Sleazebags.
El Som,
I’m assuming you’ve already got him below Adkins, since Adkins voting record is likely more in tune with his constituents than Potter’s.
Thanks Paul, for adding in that info about the alternative license. That makes the entire business look even worse — using Mr. Allen in order to save his son $495. And if that’s true, it also means that Foxtail never had any intention of sharing the profits from alcohol sales with Allen’s non-profit.
From WDEL this morning the mayor told Allen to close his non-profit, and Allen will not lose his job with the city.
Learned some new details from El Sonombulo on with Al this morning.
Allen’s non-profit is not a 501 c 3
Y.E.S.S is a government instrumentality – whatever that is
but I think that means they got most of their budget from the government and worked
with governmental bodies, but I have been too lazy to look that up and know for certain.
Paul; Al and El Sonombulo want you to run for mayor.
Again I state- the elephant in the room- the lack of a funded, separate governance,informing and informative, transparent and yes sanctioning Ethics Commission. The institutional weakness, lack of understanding, willful ignorance and lack of judgment, undistinguished board does not give City Electeds, appointees etc a pass- Not so long ago the County went through similar controversies- and that gov survived and continues to function at a higher level (at least in this issue).
Ethics commissions, and ethics committees, are only as effective as those who create them enable them to be.
Ethics committees at the legislative level often tend to merely provide rubber-stamp OK’s to all sorts of conflicts-of-interest.
In other words, they provide cover, not transparency.
I think that I said some weeks ago that the City’s Ethics Commission was largely defunct. I’ve been told since that there is an Ethics Commission and they do meet, but apparently they no longer update their information at the City’s webpage (at least when I checked — the webpage seems to be unavailable this AM).
I support Charles Potter jr. The real problem lies with the Mayor n he needs to stop throwing everybody eles under the bus.
I think they threw themselves under the bus, but YMMV.
Where was the Mayor during the meeting? No where to be found, scared someone might ask him a direct question.smh
Unfortunately, this Where Was the Mayor line from the Potters is pretty well played out. Not even VJP claimed that the Mayor was in attendance at any of the meetings where the decisions were made. Almost 7 hours of questioning and plenty of opportunity and yet what was clear was that VJP pushed to make sure her son’s event was taken care of.
Punishment is suppose to start at the top, the mayor not 2 in charge. If something goes wrong the coach gets fired not the asst. Coach, the president not the vice. Ect
Um no. When the Asst. Coach is stealing from the team, the Asst. Coach is fired and with any luck is prosecuted. When you catch the Coach doing the stealing or if the Coach condoned it, then you fire the Coach. Responsibility is supposed to start with the individual at fault.
Individual at fault is the question. She lost her job for being a mother, The mayor makes the call, hes trying to play dumb like he dont know what happen. She was suprise to see so many cops there herself. He made the call
It is not at question. Too many people in the room were clear that she was the impetus to keep this thing going even though it didn’t have the safety the WPD wanted. She isn’t guilty of being a mother (one of the Potter talking points here), she was guilty of violating her Ethics commitment — not representing any other interests in front of the City while on city time. That was a very big conflict of interest and she mismanaged that every step of the way. Especially since she was the direct manager of most of the departments involved with approving the event application. If she had done this at DuPont, she’d be out of a job there too.
Dont know what Dupont have to do with it but no matter what when you get off work your now a mother not vice whatever, and she made it clear she was there and she had the right to be there as just a person like everyone eles.
Um no. She didn’t make that clear, as was made abundantly clear in the council hearing. And there is simply no way you are “off work” and facing your own employees who you still have authority over. That’s the conflict of interest part. She didn’t have a right to be representing Foxtail in front of the city. That’s the violated ethics part.
“She lost her job for being a mother, ”
And you lost your credibility with that lame-ass bullshit line.
What you’re saying, though you’re too dumb to realize it, is that the mayor couldn’t and shouldn’t have trusted his top aide to do the right thing by him and the city. Good luck selling that.
On the other hand, don’t worry. Mayor Williams’ chances of re-election are shrinking by the week.
No, really your to dumb to realize we need a new mayor anyway with the BS that he doing on his own. Cops walkin in town for panhandlers? What about unemployment, He adding a new part to Gander hill prison but what about employing more city residents which would probly limit so crime in this city. But u have no credibiliy anyway cause your head is so far up williams butt you cant see.
Employing more city residents? With what money? Your head is up your own ass.
Williams is a disaster. He’ll be one term and out. But that doesn’t change the fact that the Potters, supposedly his biggest allies, are, as usual, looking out for nobody but themselves.
Marvin J is a newbie here so doesn’t know anything at all about what anyone thinks about Williams. But hey — nice deflection, though from how badly both Potters have treated the city here. Williams has already been about hiring his friends, and family and people he owes for city jobs — he can’t employ everybody in the city. More jobs in the city is about attracting new businesses to the city AND in making the city safer for folks to be here. Chasing down panhandlers makes the suburbanites in suits who flee the city at 5:01 feel better, but there’s not more safety.
I think the policy probably has more to do with Buccini-Pollan than anything else. I can see them complaining that they can’t rent their properties with all those homeless people hanging around.
And by “all those,” I mean a dozen.
I think it is broader than that — the new offices across from Rodney Square, the BoA offices, AIG, other law offices have been complaining for awhile, and it is mainly about the sensibilities of their employees. At least that was the complaint during the Baker years. I’ve heard from WPD that plenty of the homeless in Wilmington are not native Delawareans — that they are being told by other states that Wilmington has lots of homeless services so that is the place to be. I don’t know if this story is correct, but I’m pretty certain there aren’t enough comprehensive services for our own homeless.
Wow. That sounds like the state of Nevada’s habit of buying mental-health patients one-way tickets to California and telling them they’ll get more services there.
It could be. I’ve heard stories of homeless people in NJ being given a choice by judges they might appear in front of — jail or go to Delaware. But like the WPD claim, I don’t know that I’ve heard that from anyone who might have first hand knowledge.
Cassandra, one small point. Though I haven’t seen the document, from what I have read and heard when listening to the hearing, I believe an elected or appointed person can not represent interests in front of the city (period) whether on their own time of city time. They just can’t do it at all.
For the most part you are an elected or appointed official 24/7. You give up the right to be a “private citizen” when you take the job, a downside of accepting the position.
Well Geezer have you ever talk to Potter (NO) well I talked to him today and he told me what I already new, you dont know $hit.
His wife is incompetent and a thief — what did her “leadership” classes consist of, teaching the rest of the incompetents working or the city how to pretend everything is someone else’s fault? — and he’s a pretend tough guy. Both of them never saw a taxpayer dollar they didn’t try to stuff into their own pockets. And instead of doing her job, she was busy ramming a rap concert down taxpayers’ throats.
Is there anything else anyone needs to know, other than that you’re another piece of pathetic Potter shit?
I’m glad to see a new entrant to this discussion – “marvin J” – I would hope everyone would keep the conversation as civil as possible- Peace- as for Rep Potter – well let the games begin for 2014- I’ve seen a Potter for Rep sign next to the on ramp to 95 Jackson st. I honestly don’t believe the Rep. needs more name recognition. Unless he is runining for another seat since the sign was in another Rep’s district.
Well its hard to speak civil to an uneducated junkie but anyway its so easy to sit behind a cpu and write negative stuff bout people but like I said before why should I waste time tryin to talk to someone so clueless and dumb. Its ok to disagree wit someone but this geezer dummy is dumb im mad at myself for even responding to such a low life. He needs to look in the mirror (since hes so perfect) then get help for himself. Ill prey for you cause u need it.
Marvin J, I think you mean pray not prey.
Prey implies you will hunt him down and eat him.
Pray means you hope his soul can be saved.
Uneducated junkie? At least I can spell. Maybe that ‘s hard to do with Potter’s dick in your mouth.
You defend Velda without even knowing the rules she broke. You have every right to support them, and I have every right to point out that you’re a suck-up to a pair of people whose name is now mud.
Sorry, not interested in a civil discussion with whores.
Your right pray, cuz the other word (hunt him down) aint worth it. Hes a nobody thats sits back and writes negative things bout people so he dont have to worrie bout me but other people might not be so nice.
Hey, sport, instead of threatening me, why don’t you suck my dick? Or are you too busy doing Charles?
we know things are not going well in your life but anyway I talked to both of them and there doing just find for your info. Charles has a smile on his face all day and Velda is enjoying herself in Europe. So do everyone a favor and go kill yourself hater lol
You must be a homosexual if you keep asking another man to suck your dick plus I know thats something you would never say to my face, so once again u just sit back in your little cpu with no woman no life and use your hand or whatever you do to get youself off (we dont care) and enjoy your boring life Asshole
Okay… I’m stepping in. (Sheesh, step away for a few hours!)
Knock off the potty mouth talk, guys. Thanks.
I was on here havein a desent conversation til this geezer guy got on here tryin to insult me n cursin at me. Regular people know its ok to disagree but this guy starts name calling n cursin hes crazy
No potted, er, pottered plants in this thread. Quite a debate.
It’s nice to see a new name here at DL. Welcome, Marvin J.
Please bring coherent arguments to the table or you will be destroyed.
IF you want to have a decent conversation, knock off the stupidity. I don’t know why a few dead-enders like you (and others I know, and they know who they are) choose to believe and trust these leeches on the black community, but they do. I dislike such people intensely, even though I don’t know them. That includes you, Mr. J.
This is, despite the jovial atmosphere, a site for serious political discussion. A person who says “she lost her job for being a mother” does not meet the minimum criterion for participating in a serious political discussion.
There are rules, Mr. J., to ensure that someone in her position cannot not screw the city by “being a mother.” She flouted those rules. You didn’t even know about them.
I apologize for the harsh language. It was meant to drive you away. I would like to say “with all due respect,” but I have no respect for anyone who wants to make this about the fact that he likes the people involved. That has no bearing on the situation. They are ripping off the taxpaying public. They are lucky they aren’t being prosecuted. They should do the right thing and exit public life.
Also, too: Who the f is “we”? Are you speaking for someone besides yourself? Mr. Potter, perhaps?
See if someone dont agree with u they dont meet the criterion or they dont know what is going on (who the hell are u to judge God?) Believe me I know everything that is being said and I know its a lot of lies out here. I got a big problem with people tryin to rip someones rep. apart with lies, I guess it makes people feel good to do that. If your not part of the solution ur part of the problem so god help u geezer and people like u. All this negative stuff is not working cause theres a lot of us out here still support them and dispite what u or anybody say they are good people period.
You say you know what is going on. What is going on? What are the ‘lot of lies out there’?
And what makes you a Potter supporter? I’d genuinely like to know.
The way I read that is that you and “a lot of people” would rather not look at the reality of these people you have supported.
What Velda Jones-Potter did was a firing offense. If her defense is “Williams knew all along,” that just means there are two guilty people instead of one. IN which case, I don’t care, because Williams, as I said, is one term and out. Hopefully the same is true for your guy Potter in Dover.
Whats going on is there is an attempt out here to tear a families reputation down not saying there perfect but its getting a little crazy wit the attacts on here. #2 there are lies out here im not going to get into all of them but until u talk to someone personally and form your own conclusion you have no credibity either believe me ive been accused of things I didnt do and its hard sometimes to prove your innocents. Your here a lie over n over again you start to believe it.#3 cause unlike most people I talked to him personally and Velda and they told me the truth about the situation and if people do there reseach instead of prejudgein people all the time this city would probly be a more friendly place to live. So just remember before u tear someone down ask yourself have u talk to that person, that person has a family kids, parents, ect. Its better to incourage, support instead of always being negative. Im sorry maybe im from a different area where people try to help. No wonder nobody gets along everybody hates everybody. Smh
Btw Potter will get re elected
Ok she got fired over a month ago what do you want? Her head on a platter?
Maybe politics is too cut throat for me, all u people on here just be aware where your time comes (and it will) How are u gonna feel and deal with it.
what does all u people mean/? – all people who write on this blog, all Christians,Jews , all atheists – all women, men-all white men/women – Black men/women Hispanic men/women etc- maybe the DELAWARE NAACP has a much wider role to serve and deal with on the use of “u people” And educate all delewareans.
Sorry, but if they have to talk to people in person to persuade them, they have no case. We’ve all seen and heard what they have to say. It is not convincing to say the least.
It was unethical, not to mention illegal, for Velda Jones-Potter to be involved in any way — on either side — of the Foxtail Fest. But perhaps you don’t understand the idea of government officials acting for the people instead of their own financial interest.
And keep in mind, that plenty of people heard VJP’s incredibly long statement at the hearing AND the answers to the questions posed to her. Heck, the entire business is up on the City’s website. And plenty of people were not convinced by that. It is the sign of serious propaganda when people tell you that you have to speak to the aggrieved individual in person to get the story — because somehow all of the other venues they’ve been telling their story in are somehow wrong.
What ever happen to free speech? I guess only bullies rule here…
Apparently you have no idea what free speech is. Marvin has certainly been allowed to say whatever he wants — as wrong and misspelled as it is. And the rest of us are allowed to criticize him and disagree with him.
I’m not usually the grammar/spelling police, but Marvin’s comments make my head hurt.
Also, what Cassandra said. You have no idea what free speech is.
I may have misspelled a few words but u get my point. As far as right and wrong all you have is an opinion like me so who is to say who is right and whos wrong. I herd everything vjp said at the meeting I was there plus I went the extra step and spoke to her. So since some people are so english grammar perfect, know the differents between fact and opinion.
We know the ‘differents’ between fact and opinion and all you got is opinion. What’s worse is that you need to ignore facts on the ground to get to your opinion.
“As far as right and wrong all you have is an opinion like me so who is to say who is right and whos wrong.”
I’ll try to explain: The city has rules for employee behavior. VPJ broke one simply by being in those meetings either as a city official OR a “private citizen” (which it is impossible for a public official to be). Everything else is justification for lawbreaking.
That’s why we’re right and you’re wrong.
Now either articulate what justifies this rulebreaking behavior — “she was being a mom” wouldn’t work in court and it won’t work here — or move along.
By the way, you are being treated the way I would treat any shill for any politician who tried floating such lame arguments.
Also know, there’s a difference between literate and illiterate. Your past English teacher must weep at night.
Fair, or not, Marvin, I can’t take your writings or opinions seriously.
herd? Even auto-correct would fix that.
She was a private citizen an as she explained at the meeting she did have that right. Do u have the rule book in front of you? Well go get it dont take it from me. As far as pandora its a shame im illiterate and still know more than you. Do me a favor use auto correct and get this word right (Hater) cause thats all you are, so your opinions means nothing. Come to the table with FACTS smart people.
She wasn’t a private citizen. Private citizens don’t get subjected to 6 hour City Council hearings into their behavior and judgments. The City Attorney read out the applicable parts of the Ethics Policy in the hearing, but apparently those are FACTS you want to ignore.
And you know what? If VJP had been so innocent as the propagandists charge — where’s the lawsuit? Because she’d have a doozy of one if in fact all of it was on the up and up. I’ll answer that one, though — there isn’t a lawsuit because they’ve be further embarrassed by what they’d have to discuss under oath.
Ok you now said the magic word (lawsuit). I know more than u think but im gonna leave that alone. This thing is far from over.
Yeah, we’ll see. Some folks like the bluster and the huffing and puffing. In the meantime, I’m getting my popcorn and my own copy of the City’s Ethics Policy.
Yep, I’m a hater. I hate it when people are unable to spell and punctuate correctly, yet demand to be taken seriously. Don’t want to be judged by that? Then present yourself as a literate person. Right now, you’re an embarrassment. And I’m so happy you’re not on my team.
“She was a private citizen an as she explained at the meeting she did have that right.”
She did not “have that right.” It was unethical. I wish it were illegal so she could be prosecuted.
I hope she does sue. That will get them out of our hair once and for all. At this point, I won’t be satisfied until they depart Delaware in the shame they have brought upon their own heads.
You know what I’m sick of? I’m sick of Wilmingtonians grading black politicians on the curve. Most of them couldn’t win a race for block captain outside of the city, because they continually promote themselves without helping anyone else, and they do it so clumsily everyone laughs at them.
You, Marvin, are the one who is part of the problem rather than the solution.
Grading black politicans on the curve? U really gonna go there. And everyone on here call me illiterate, dumb, and all kind of names.( Very sad).
Pandora im glad im not on your team cause im on a winning won. A lot of you need to seriously seriously look in the mirror. I cant believe im talking to a bunch of heartless, bloodsucking humans. God please help these people.
“Grading black politicans on the curve? U really gonna go there.”
Damn straight I am. I’ve never seen an electorate so willing to put up with the poor quality of representation they get from those they elect.
Then again, Tom Gordon is counting on the low standards demanded by city voters, so maybe they grade all politicians on the curve.
What is heartless and bloodsucking about demanding that public officials recuse themselves from issues involving a relative’s private business venture?
Bloodsucking is exactly what Velda did.
You clearly have no argument to make for these people. Give it up. You don’t have the brains for the job. But then, I’ve grown accustomed to the Potters failing to employ the right people. Thanks for proving the point.
All this stuff going on and she still encurageing her son to have another foxtail fest (not in delaware of course) and keep on with his goals of being a pomoter. Thats a mother for you, I hope all of yall kids are doing well and I really mean that. ##arealpersonwithaheart##
Who gives a crap? I’m concerned with her actions in public office. She has shown she’s unfit for that work. Whatever else she does is her own business, and as long as she doesn’t mix it with the public’s I couldn’t care less about her.
Im scared to ask but what color are you mr. geezer?
Why, you now want to play the race card? I’m white. But the chief difference between you and me is education. I’m not talking about your spelling, I’m talking about your reasoning. You apparently have no understanding of the term “public service.”
You brought race into this so u played the race card. U are the racist but thats your business, U think because I mispelled so words your more educated? Please, as a matter of fact you just showed your true colors, see people im not the bad guy.
There you go, playing the race card. Jackasses come in every color.
No, I didn’t play the race card. I pointed out that morons like you have no standards for the morons you elect. I don’t see white voters in Wilmington acting that way.
Who said you were a bad guy? I said you were a whore.
Since you have nothing intelligent to add, why not fuck off?
Because if there were white voters we wouldnt have this problem. Thats what u said and your not a racist? Id rather be a whore and how bout you fuckoff. This is not 1930s no more its 2013 get use to it.
Yep, I’m a racist. Which doesn’t mean a thing in the context of your ripoff artist friends. They would catch just as much shit from me if they were white. And I’d condemn their white supporters just as I’m condemning you.
Just so you know, when racists are talking about “blacks” in general, they’re thinking about people like you — uneducated, loyal to people who don’t deserve their support but get it because of their tribalism, and willing to overlook every kind of ripoff of the government as long as it’s one of them getting the goodies.
If we’re playing the race card, there’s going to be honesty, and this:
is not honest. This isn’t what Geezer said. And it doesn’t matter what year it is if voters aren’t going to ask for better behavior and standards from the people they elect.
By the way, “if there were white voters we wouldn’t have this problem” isn’t even close to what I wrote. Just more evidence that you’re a poorly educated dunce. But I knew that already, as I wrote that your execrable spelling wasn’t a problem as much as your pathetic excuse for “thinking” and you went ahead and said I was mocking your spelling (which is incredibly dreadful. Did you graduate high school?)
But yeah, you’re a cretin only because I’m a racist. Asswipe.
Geez,
Time to give it up.
To quote William G. McAdoo, US industrialist, lawyer, & politician (1863 – 1941), “It is impossible to defeat an ignorant man in argument.”
MW: Wise words. Thank you.
is DL using hashtags now? #awkward
I didnt see white votes in wilm acting this way, its the same thing but your a racist and I see you got a lot of support on here. Do u have at least 1 black friend? Do your daughter marry someone black? Whats wrong with black people mr geezer? Your just a racist peace of trash. Your a disgrace to yourself.
Im glad I expose him but I guess people that know him (geezer) already knew this.
Im ignorant but hes the admitted racist. U people are insane
You have that wrong — you are ignorant and he is not an admitted racist. You are the only one calling him a racist and for the most dishonest of reasons.
No, no, let him call me a racist. I believe all whites, whether they’re aware of it or not and whether they work to correct it or not, are at least a little bit racist to some degree. Even those who marry blacks.
It doesn’t change the factual content of the argument one bit. Even if I’m a racist, the Potters are still taking advantage of their black constituents for their own gain.
And really, Marvin, the only way I knew you were black is that you were defending the Potters. Do me a favor and identify some white voters who still defend them, even though VJP’s own statements amount to an admission of guilt.
Let’s have a little history lesson, Marvin.
Remember Leo Marshall? He ran Wilmington politics — as a “clerk” at city hall — for decades. Lots and lots of white people voted for his candidates, even though they knew Leo was as crooked as a dog’s hind leg. But I never heard his supporters pretend that Leo was pure as the driven snow, or misunderstood, or anything of the sort. They supported him because he did them favors, and nobody pretended otherwise.
If you want to support the Potters, have the grace not to insult our intelligence. Everybody can see what they did. It’s too late to pretend they’re innocent.
Its nothing left to say, you were ignorant from the start. So take your history lesson and shove it you know where. The Potters will not fall from this. Mad mr. racist ha ha ha. Have fun at your kkk meeting tonight
If there was nothing left to say, you should have shut up a long time back, Marvin. Those that ignore history are doomed to repeat it. With some smarts you might avoid being thrown under the bus like Shawn Allen was, but you’ll need to come up with some smarts first.
The kkk thing was unnecessary and you can consider that your warning.
You can warm me but not him? He brought up race, he started cursing, he wanted to be called a racist even brought up a point to support it and your gonna warn me ok. The kkk was nothing compared to what he said to me and im glad its documented. So if your gonna warn me warn him. Be fair!!!
Wow. This has conversation has declined from an intellectual discussion to an emotional out burst. I would hope we could refocus on facts. Please enlighten me to one piece of meaningful policy (legislative or administrative )introduced by the Potters. Let the discussion move onto how have they assisted the community by way the power of their offices.
Does this mean there’s going to be a lawsuit against the city, which will cost tax dollars to defend against?
Paul,
If the other participants on this thread would heed your suggestion, there will be nothing written beneath this post.
Thank you.
Marvin J has exposed himself as a whore.
But I’d like Geezer to explain this sentence:
I pointed out that morons like you have no standards for the morons you elect. I don’t see white voters in Wilmington acting that way.
Really? Then how the fuck do you explain how Charles M. “Bud” Freel STILL holds a seat on City Council?
It’s my guess that most of Freel’s votes come from white voters. It’s my OPINION that Freel is an old-line democrat who wishes he was Congressman Bob Brady of Philadelphia.
Yeah, I’ve never been able to figure out who keeps the Freels in power. My point isn’t that white politicians aren’t crooked or that whites don’t keep them in power. It’s that nobody pretends Bud Freel is anything but the crappy apparatchik that everyone knows he is. I don’t see anyone here telling us how Bud is just misunderstood, or that we have to talk to him one-on-one to know just how unfairly he is perceived. They’re more of the Irish craphounds who have foisted themselves on us whether we want them or not.
And if what you’re pointing out is that shitheels like the Freels are responsible for far more harm to Delaware than any 10 other city politicians, I can’t argue the point.
Bud Freel gets reelected because he is consistently good at constituent services. When a resident or business needs the City to respond they call Bud Freel. Hell, many members of City Council tell their residents to call Bud when they need something . The second reason is he has an incredible track record of attending civic meetings in every district. He maybe old school but people respond to elected officials that return phone calls and and fix their problems.
By the way this thread is getting long. What is the longest thread in terms of comments?
Bud Freel got elected at large in a majority- minority City – at large for years – because guess what- and people noticed- he returns calls, attends civic meetings and actually knows how government works and if he doesn’t know- he finds out- That being said- I’m very troubled by some of the new council people who do not do their due diligence on policy and expenditures but vote entirely political calculations. The same lack of effort and interest is shown not just by first timers- Mr. Freel’s district NOW is predominately white -8th district- but he continues to serve constituents outside of his district.(and he really is Not required to do so) He also has the advantage from some of his colleagues – as having served on the other side of the hallway in the Mayor’s office- perhaps someone in Delaware Liberal should grade out City Council people once a year.
I nominate Cassandra to do the grading. I know she woul appreciate my nominating her.
I agree Paul – I second the nomination
Paul and citydem, you BOTH owe me martinis now.
But that is an interesting idea, and I’m interested in what should be graded. I’ll start a thread to ask that.
Dry or extra dry?
I’m co-signing this:
When Bud was campaigning city-wide, he knocked on doors of probably every registered Democrat with a record of routinely voting all over the city — not just in the white areas. He is excellent at constituent service and problem-solving and he is the City Council person most interested in new ideas or what other cities are doing to address issues Wilmington might have. The other thing in his favor — watch a budget hearing sometime. Bud Freel might be the only person on City Council who understands those numbers — and the games that get played with those numbers — backwards and forwards.
That said, I don’t know much of the detailed history that I think that LeBay and Geezer are referencing, so I want to be clear that I am not justifying past deeds. Just that Bud Freel is doing a pretty excellent job as a City Councilperson now.
Extra dry, of course! With olives, too.
Done and Done at your choice–
Cassandra like lots of olives! I’m going to try and crash this get-together! May I suggest La Fia? 😉
The only reason why Bud Freel is still in office is because he ran back to run only in the 8th district. If he had stay at large he would have lost and since no one ran against him in the 8th he won. We hopefully will see a change in 2016 hopefully no more Bud Freel he even said the other day “I have been the councilmen in the 8th district for nine months now its time to move on.” So lets keep our fingers crossed in the 8th.
No one expected Maria C- to win at large- she came in third- and certainly ahs made herself available and visible in many communities- to her credit- but to say definitely Bud would have lost- at large- really? – clearly Bud’s work ethic/knowledge of that district/ and his political skills came into play to keep others from running in a primary – didn’t Matlusky – Ken, – file for the 8th and withdraw to run at- large? wonder why- must be because Bud had done such a poor job in Council- LOL
P, you can crash this martini-fest since I’m recruiting you to help.
And bobsmith6019, you have to have one name here or you are a bannable sockpuppet.
And if what you’re pointing out is that shitheels like the Freels are responsible for far more harm to Delaware than any 10 other city politicians, I can’t argue the point.
That was my point. Thanks for the reply.
Oh my. I’m recruited? Um… okay. But you should remember what I did to Rep. Dennis E. Williams. What a schumck.