Karl Baker

The News Journal

The News Journal and WHYY have forged a coalition with community groups to host four debates for candidates in the Wilmington mayoral race. The debates this spring and summer are planned across the city — two downtown and one each on the east and west sides — and will be broadcast on television and radio, as well streamed live online.

Invitations were sent Thursday to the seven mayoral candidates — Sen. Robert Marshall, D-Wilmington; City Council President Theo Gregory; former City Council members Norman Griffiths and Kevin F. Kelley Sr.; Mike Purzycki, executive director of the Riverfront Development Corp.; Mayor Dennis P. Williams; and Eugene Young, advocacy director at the Delaware Center for Justice.

Wilmington mayoral race may have crowded field

Each debate is expected to last 90 minutes and will focus on a different topic, with questions developed by citizens and journalists:

March 15: The city’s economy — The Baby Grand, 818 N. Market St.

April 21: Public safety — Howard High School, 401 E. 12th St.

June 14: City development and the arts — The Baby Grand

July 19: Quality of life — Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 808 N. Broom St.

All of the forums are at 6:30 p.m. and will be open to the public.

Partners are the neighborhood organizations West Side Grows Together and East Side Blueprint Communities, The Grand Opera House, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church and Howard High School.

"We're delighted that so large a coalition came together to put on these debates," said David Ledford, vice president of news and executive editor of The News Journal. "All involved believe this election is critical to the future of Wilmington and a meaningful public discussion of issues will be helpful to voters."

All of the candidates are Democrats and are seeking the party’s nomination in the Sept. 13 primary. No Republicans have entered. The general election is Nov. 8.

Williams is seeking his second term in office.

Wilmington mayor, without a mandate

Mark Fields, executive director of The Grand, said they became involved because the election is critical to their success and want to ensure the next Wilmington mayor will promote the city's art scene. There are many thriving arts establishments in the city, he said, but not enough people in the region are aware that they exist.

"Our fate has always been tied to the fate of the city," said Fields, whose group also operates The Playhouse on Rodney Square. "I don't think we're making enough of the (cultural) assets that we have."

Live coverage for the 6:30 p.m. debates will be at delawareonline.com and rebroadcast on WHYY’s television and radio stations and website.

Contact Karl Baker at kbaker@delawareonline.com or (302) 324-2329. Follow him on Twitter @kbaker6.