Seven Candidates Vie for Wilmington City Council in Tight Race
Wilmington, North Carolina, is in the midst of a heated election, with seven candidates vying for three seats on the City Council. This race marks the first time in recent history that there are no incumbents running for the open seats, as longtime member Charlie Rivenbark has opted out after serving six terms. The remaining incumbents, Luke Waddell and Clifford Barnett, seek reelection amidst a competitive field of challengers.
Candidate Overview
The candidates running for Wilmington City Council include:
- Luke Waddell (Incumbent, Republican) – Elected in 2021, he operates a local realty group.
- Clifford Barnett (Incumbent, Democrat) – Currently serving as Mayor Pro-tem, he has two terms on council.
- Cassidy Santaguida (Challenger, Democrat) – A software product manager and previous candidate for New Hanover County Commissioner.
- JC Lyle (Challenger, Democrat) – Former planning commission chair and leader of a nonprofit real estate firm.
- Chakema Clinton-Quintana (Challenger, Democrat) – Director at Live Oak Bank’s small business center with experience in civic organizations.
- Richard Collier (Challenger, Republican) – A civil engineer with terms on the county planning board and Wilmington Planning Commission.
- Kelly Roberts (Challenger, Republican) – A security engineer running for office for the first time.
Fundraising Efforts
This election has seen unprecedented financial activity, with candidates collectively raising over $300,000. Key fundraising figures include:
- Luke Waddell: $132,081
- Richard Collier: $85,352
Both Waddell and Collier received endorsements from the New Hanover County Republican Party, bolstering their campaigns. Conversely, the New Hanover County Democratic Party endorsed Lyle, Santaguida, and Clinton-Quintana, who collectively raised significant amounts of money, putting them in strong positions against incumbents.
Key Issues and Candidate Positions
Throughout the campaign, various pressing issues have been brought to the forefront, including:
- Balancing urban development with housing affordability and green spaces.
- Addressing homelessness within the city.
- Improving the Wilmington Police Department’s culture and officer retention.
During a recent candidate forum, Waddell and Roberts emphasized the need for thoughtful development. In contrast, Lyle and Santaguida argued for responsible growth coupled with the need for more parks and affordable housing solutions.
Homelessness Solutions
The candidates expressed differing views on how to effectively tackle homelessness. While Waddell introduced a public camping ordinance aimed at regulating overnight camping on city property, Barnett voiced concerns that it could criminalize homelessness. Candidates like Santaguida called for increased emergency shelters and long-term solutions.
Wilmington Police Department Concerns
Recent reports highlighted significant challenges within the Wilmington Police Department, including over 200 officer departures attributed to low pay and burnout. New council members will need to prioritize officer compensation and retention strategies to ensure a stable and effective police force.
Conclusion
The Wilmington City Council election embodies a critical transitional moment for the city as new leadership aims to address various community concerns. With a mix of incumbents and fresh faces, the outcome will influence Wilmington’s policies on growth, homelessness, and public safety for the next four years.
