Former state representative Nancy Wagner plans to make a political comeback next year, but rather than throw herself back into the Legislative Hall fray, she’s decided to run for mayor of Dover.
Wagner, a Republican, was ousted from her 31st District representative seat by Democrat Darryl Scott in 2008, but since then she said she’s had time to think about how much good can really be done in the General Assembly.
“I had a lot of people who wanted me to run for the House again, but I really did not want to go down there and fight about money,” she said.
But after 16 years in the General Assembly, Wagner said she knows plenty about working through budget challenges, something she thinks would serve her well in the mayor’s chair.
“This is an opportunity to be helpful and I’m particularly concerned because we’re in such desperate times right now,” she said. “I think it’s important to have someone who understands the relationship of the city budget to the state budget.”
Other planks in Wagner’s platform include promoting cooperation between the city and Kent County Levy Court, promoting tourism in Dover and making it easier for businesses to get up and running.
Wagner said she understands the recent debate ignited by Dover City Council over a local service function budget that would exempt city residents from certain county taxes, but she thinks the city could be a little more tactful in its discussions with Levy Court.
Instead of playing hardball with the county, Wagner said the city should try to work out cost saving solutions that work for everyone.
“We need to always look at opportunities for the city to partner and work with the county and vice versa,” she said.
Wagner also said no matter how unified council is on the local service function issue, they need to realize the slim chances such a change would face when presented to state legislators, who represent both county and municipal residents.
“I am definitely in favor of the local service function budget issue being addressed. I’m fairly realistic that becomes a tough issue for the members of the General Assembly,” she said. “It’s a fairness issue, but I’m realistic.”
If elected, Wagner would be the first mayor in more than 50 years that hasn’t first served on council.
Incumbent Mayor Carleton E. Carey Sr., a former at-large councilman, has filed for re-election, but wouldn’t comment on Wagner’s candidacy.
Carey said his big campaign issue will be economic development and he plans to highlight his ongoing efforts to attract businesses and jobs to Dover — projects like a possible cargo and passenger terminal at the Kent County Aeropark.
To date, that project has failed to gain ground, but Carey said his persistence demonstrates a commitment to economic development.
Wagner said she’s in favor of new business development too, but wants to do more to cut the red tape for entrepreneurs.
“I want to make sure that we are as clear and clean as we can be in the way we work with small business to make their process easy,” she said. “From what I hear from people who are dealing with businesses, it’s tough, there’s bureaucracy.”
Wagner also wanted to assure voters that Dover mayor would be her full-time job.
Though she wouldn’t resign her post as community relations director at Delaware State University, she said she would not get paid by the college while on the city’s clock.
In Dover, the mayor’s position is full-time and comes with a $45,000 per year salary.
Mayoral terms last two years and elections are held in even years. Dover’s 2010 municipal elections will be Tuesday, April 20.
Dover, Del. —
