Wilmington’s Mayor is the chief executive of city government. The Mayor serves a four year term and is responsible for the conduct of the executive and administrative work of the city and for law enforcement within the City of Wilmington. All City of Wilmington offices are elected at the same time, in the “on-years” when the Delaware governor and U.S. President are up for election.
Salary: $200,000/year
Party: Democrat
Campaign Facebook Page: facebook.com/carneyforWilm/
Education: St. Mark’s High School; Dartmouth College – undergraduate; University of Delaware – graduate
Campaign Email: info@johncarney.org
Additional Information: John Carney, Delaware’s current Governor, is running for Mayor to bring experienced leadership to Wilmington. As Governor, John drove new job creation, built Wilmington’s first new school in over 50 years, made the largest state investment in housing, and turned the state’s $400 million budget deficit into a half-billion dollar surplus. John has lived in Wilmington for over 30 years with his wife, Tracey. They have two sons, Sam and Jimmy.
Work Experience: Delaware Secretary of Finance, Lieutenant Governor of Delaware, U.S. Representative. Governor of Delaware
Campaign Website: johncarney.org
Neighborhood/area of residence: The Triangle
Campaign Phone: (302) 268-6089
Campaign Twitter Handle: carneyforWilm/
Q: What motivated you to run for Mayor of Wilmington?
A: As an almost 40-year resident of the City of Wilmington, I care deeply about this City and its residents. Wilmington needs an experienced leader to move our city forward, and I have a track record of getting the job done. I will bring my experience to tackle Wilmington’s challenges head on. I have always listened to the needs of our communities to make lasting change across the state, and as Mayor, I will do the same to improve life here in Wilmington. During my time as Governor, we’ve driven new job creation in the City of Wilmington, built the first new public school in more than 50 years, and made the largest state investment in affordable housing. Now, I am ready to take that commitment to the next level as your Mayor.
Q: What are the most urgent issues in Wilmington at this time?
A: ● Working with state officials, local leaders, school districts, and community leaders to improve public education in city schools. ● Expanding access to both rental and homeownership affordable housing opportunities. ● Protecting taxpayer dollars and making sure the City has a strong, sustainable budget. ● Investing in small and minority-owned businesses across the City.
Q: How will you balance the rights of residents with the commercial growth underway in Wilmington?
A: In order for Wilmington to be successful, we need a city where everyone can live, work, and raise a family. We need to continue the important work of investing in our neighborhoods through programs like the Wilmington Neighborhood Conservancy Land Bank, and the investments being made in the Eastside and Riverside neighborhoods. At the same time, we need to ensure that there are commercial areas that are successful. Striking that balance is exactly what I have done throughout my career and during my time as Governor. Whether it is investing in disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs) and making the largest investment in affordable housing, to creating the Delaware Prosperity Partnership and the Opportunity Funding program.
Q: What can Wilmington do to grow new jobs in the city?
A: As Mayor, I will continue to make job growth a priority for all residents. In my two-terms as Governor, we have invested in programs like the Delaware Site Readiness Fund and the EDGE Grant programs to help businesses large and small to grow and employ Delawareans. As Mayor, I would capitalize on the momentum of job growth in the City from news like Incyte choosing Wilmington as its new home to more than 500 employees. I will work with the Office of Economic Development and the State to attract employers of all sizes to Wilmington, and continue to support small- and minority-owned businesses. We must also work to invest in career and job readiness programs to ensure that we have the workforce to support the available jobs.
Q: How could the city council and mayor improve their relationships?
A: I’ve knocked on over 6,000 doors across the City, and many residents have shared they want a city government that works together. Each neighborhood is different and has different needs. But I believe my administration could work with the Members of City Council to address the needs of their districts while improving the City as a whole. My top priority would be working together with the City Council on the budget. And finding common ground on priorities is a good place to start. I have the experience as Lt. Governor, as U.S. Congressman, and as Governor to work together with everyone to find common-sense solutions to complex problems. Wilmington needs leaders who will work together to get things done. I will be that kind of leader as Mayor.
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