1. Dennis Williams Can’t, So Won’t, Defend His Public Safety Record.
Just stop and think about what the Mayor’s absence from last week’s Public Safety debate says. It says that the entire raison d’etre for his mayoralty (‘You won’t recognize this city in six months’) has been an utter disaster. Shooting worse than ever, the Mayor turning up his nose at professional assistance and cash from the General Assembly. His legacy so disastrous that he dare not even show up at a debate that can only serve to spotlight his abject hubris and failure as mayor. Nevertheless, the Mayor chose the week that he chose not to defend his public safety record in public to file for reelection. Somehow, that suits him. For you completists out there, Maria Cabrera has still not filed for Mayor. Nor will she.
2. Harris McDowell Gets a Primary Challenger.
Not exactly one to get the heart racing, however. One Joseph D. McCole, an apartment dweller along River Road. The only Joseph D. McCole I could find is a realtor with Weichert, he’s in his early 60’s, and he’s a Virgo. Need I point out that it’s gonna be exceptionally difficult for someone who is not from the city to win a primary where the focus is on the Mayor’s race? If someone like Dave Brady, who at least had name recognition, couldn’t come close, I can’t see McCole being competitive. But more power to him.
3. Waynna Dobson Enters Wilmington At-Large Primary Race.
Someone, Dorothy Parker maybe, coined the term ‘famous for being famous’ decades ago. Long before ‘reality TV’ (arguably the greatest oxymoron ever) became, um, reality. Which brings me to Waynna’s World. Would-Be Famous for Being Famous. There is a receiver in my brain that automatically switches off when I see stuff like this. Do people actually need someone to tell them that anything’s possible? Are the people telling them this anything but charlatans? Leave-your-brain-at-the-door stuff. Sorry, I know I’m gonna get some blowback on this, and perhaps it’s justified. After all, she is a ‘candid and transparent spokesperson.’ She is also known for ‘uplifting all whom she encounters’. Guess I’ve never met her. This probably isn’t fair, but she is an Executive Assistant to…County Executive Tom Gordon. At least she knows her way around a sleazy government. She should feel right at home.
4. Rysheema Dixon Joins Her. And Impresses.
She actually has a website and everything. She had prepared for this run since late last year, and only just filed. I’m impressed with her bio. I mean, really impressed. An Americorps Alum, with a legit record of accomplishment, even at the age of 29. Achievements in business and community organization. A lot of community involvement. I think we need more substantive candidates like her for office throughout the state, and fewer legends in their own minds. I can see her as part of Wilmington’s future.
5. Libertarians Field Gubernatorial Candidate.
BTW, didja know that John Carney hasn’t yet filed? (Nor has Colin Bonini.) Keep hope alive! But, I digress. Sean Goward has gotten the Libertarian nod, and, since I can’t bring myself to vote for Carney, let’s check this guy out, shall we? I’ve checked him out, and I’d say he’s worth checking out. Libertarian principles that Steve Newton (I think) would embrace, as might some of our readership. Perhaps including me. There’s nothing he’s written that would automatically cause me to dismiss him from consideration.
6. Rethugs Field A Couple of Retreads for State House Races.
Lee Murphy in the 6th RD against Debra Heffernan, and Judy Travis in the 10th against (most likely) Sean Matthews. I just love Murphy’s website, which could easily be renamed unemployedgenericactor.com. Be sure to check out his resume to learn what other Special Skills he possesses in addition to: ‘Driving Stick Shift’ and ‘Extensive Wardrobe’. He’s not just an empty suit, he’s a lot of empty suits. I hope he runs every two years for entertainment value alone.
Judy Travis has run and lost a couple of times for State Rep. First, against Bryon Short (Short 57%, Travis 41%), then, following redistricting, against Sean Matthews (Matthews 55%, Travis 45%). BTW, It’s pretty easy to put your name on the ballot every two years. All ya’ gotta do is change the Election Day date (check) and change out-of-date references (oops) on your website. Oh, Lee? Judy? You might want to provide an up-to-date picture so that people will recognize you. Just a helpful suggestion. Don’t let the 55-45 margin from 2014 fool you. Some of those votes were from bitter ex-Dennis Williams supporters, and, as we know, 2014 was a disastrous year for D turnout. It’ll be a lot less close this year, as will the primary between Matthews and Williams.
7. Rep. David Wilson On His Way Out?
Signs point to yes. One Robert Mitchell has filed as an R in Wilson’s 35th District. Well, it looks like he’s gearing up for a primary with the marble-mouthed auctioneer based on his allusion to the September 13 primary here. He looks like someone vaguely famous, but I’m not sure who. John Laroquette perhaps? Anyway. Jee-zus, that generic mission statement has killed a couple more of my remaining brain cells. I guess no sense in saving them until Carney wipes out whatever’s left.
8. Like Father, Like Son.
Quite the stealth election. Ken Woods won the Special Election in New Castle County Council District 1 last Tuesday, and will fill out the term of the late Joe Reda. Woods’ father represented the district before resigning and paving the way for Reda’s appointment and subsequent election. Like his father Bob, Woods is a union rep with the Sheet Metal Workers. Woods got about 70% of the vote against chronic R candidate Doug Suiter.
9. Filings.
State Senator Patti Blevins (D-SD 7); Wilm. City Councilman Nnamdi Chukwuocha (CD1) (yes, I cut and pasted it).
All in all, a pretty active week. What’d I miss, and whaddayathink?