Wilmington City Councilwoman Hanifa Shabazz is looking for a promotion in 2016.
Shabazz officially launched her campaign for City Council President Monday with series of events around the city starting in her home district – the 4th District.
She says the city has tremendous potential, but is being held back by some key issues.
“Wilmington is facing many challenges – most notably, violent crime, structural deficits, barriers to business development, limited pathways to employment and equitable, high quality education for city children," said Shabazz. "I’m running for City Council president to break down the barriers that are preventing Wilmington from reaching its fullest potential.”
Shabazz has 12 years represented the 4th District for 12 years. She says she now hopes to convince voters outside her home base that her track record there shows she has the skills and leadership necessary to tackle Wilmington's varied issues city-wide.
“I just need to get out to the rest of the community and let them know what my experience has been and what I’ve already contributed to the city as a whole," said Shabazz. "I think the 4th District is a microcosm of the entire city because of its diversity – with businesses and low and high-income residents. I think that they will see I’m already very much aware of what their issues and needs are and they’ll be able to know that I’ll address them."
She specifically pointed to her effort to bring the CDC to Wilmington to look at its violent crime issue and her work to procure state funds to help mitigate flooding in Southbridge as examples of her ability to get things done.
Shabazz also believes voters want to elect a Council president and mayor that can work together, but adds she’s not ready to back any of the seven candidates running for mayor. That group includes incumbent Dennis Williams and current Council president Theo Gregory.
City Councilman Justen Wright is the only other announced candidate for Council President. Shabazz and Wright are both Democrats.
