Wilmington City Council begins new era with new faces

Wilmington's City Council turned over half its members and gained its first female president during Tuesday's general election.

Three-term Councilwoman Hanifa Shabazz was elected president. She ran unopposed after winning the Democratic primary in September.

"I’m elated for the opportunity and privilege to make history, and I'm looking forward to being an example for other women, young or old, who have the courage and wherewithal to have leadership roles," she said.

The new guard includes several members who have never held elected office: Zanthia Oliver, an employment specialist who runs several hot dog stands, will take over District 3; Michelle Harlee, a DuPont employee, will represent District 4; community activist Vashun Turner will take the District 5 seat; human services professional Yolanda McCoy will lead District 6; and community development strategist Rysheema Dixon will fill an at-large seat.

Councilwoman at-large Loretta Walsh was re-elected, and former City Councilman Samuel Guy will return to the at-large position he filled from 1997-2001.

Overall, Council is losing over 70 years of experience and institutional knowledge. Seven of the 13 current Council members are departing either to retire or because they attempted to run for other political offices.

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City Council President Theo Gregory served for 28 years. Gregory and one-term Councilwoman Maria Cabrera ran in the Democratic primary for mayor, a crowded race won by Mike Purzycki. One-term Councilman Darius Brown lost the city treasurer race to Velda Jones-Potter. Two-term Councilman Justen Wright lost his bid for City Council president, and Councilwoman Sherry Dorsey Walker, who served one term, ran an unsuccessful campaign for lieutenant governor.

Samuel Prado and Michael A. Brown, Sr., who did not seek re-election, both put in three terms.

Shabazz said she is looking at a "glass half full."

"It’s what the city needs, a different viewpoint," she said. "That's the only way you can bring about change."

Three-term Wilmington Mayor Jim Baker, a former City Council president, said the group is in for a "real tough transition."

"Everybody coming on has their own ideas about what they want accomplished," he said. "But they have no idea what it takes to operate the government and the budget of the city."

Baker said he believes at least eight years pass before a council member hits their stride.

Last week, Council passed legislation allowing for a $30,000 transitional fund that will pay for new member orientation. Shabazz said that will cover inauguration expenses and a full-day golf retreat for team-building and training. Baker said that was a good move.

"Rather than to throw them in there and say 'learn,' this way you can teach them about the rules and procedures of council, the budget, how the relationship can be with the mayor, with each other, and setting priorities for that Council looking forward."

Shabazz said she envisions the new council to be more focused on the bigger picture, such as the city's growth and development.

"We get so consumed with constituent services issues that it takes away from our responsibility to be the legislative branch," she said. "We need to update our code so it creates an environment where businesses can thrive."

Baker said effective council members have the ability to compromise and understand it's impossible to please everyone.

"There are times when you have to vote on an issue that is for the betterment of the whole city as opposed to a district," he said. "You have to be smart, brave and compassionate enough, and understand these intricacies."

The new Wilmington City Council 

City Council President: Democrat Hanifa Shabazz, 100% (uncontested)

District 1: Democrat Nnamdi Chukwuocha, 100% (uncontested)

District 2: Democrat Ernest "Trippi" Congo II, 80.76% (Republican Scott Spencer: 19.24%)

District 3: Democrat Zanthia Oliver, 100% (uncontested)

District 4: Democrat Michelle Harlee, 100% (uncontested)

District 5: Democrat Vashun Turner, 93.11% (Libertarian Nadine Frost: 6.89%)

District 6: Democrat Yolanda McCoy, 100% (uncontested)

District 7: Democrat Robert A. Wiliams, 100% (uncontested)

District 8: Democrat Bud Freel, 100% (uncontested)

At-large: 

Democrat Rysheema Dixon, 24.31%

Democrat Samuel L. Guy, 25.28%

Democrat Loretta Walsh, 28%

Republican Ciro Adams, 7.08%

Editor's note: An earlier version of this article misstated the length of time Councilman Justen Wright has served on City Council. He is finishing his second term.