New mayor and city council elected in Wilmington [video]

The Wilmington mayoral race officially concluded with Mike Purzycki coming out on top. He won 82 percent of the vote on Tuesday. He faced Republican Ron Martin and Independent Steve Washington.

“I am ready to lead. Wilmington let’s get to work,” Purzycki said.

Purzycki who’s credited with much of the success at the Riverfront views success differently when it comes to applying it to the entire city.

“I think we celebrate success when we get kids to stop settling their differences with horrific acts of violence,” Purzycki said.

In September, the number of shootings was up by 10 percent compared to reports in 2015.  However, ths summer the Wilmington Police Department reported that they seized 231 guns, taking them from the hands of criminals.

“When residents can walk and feel safe in their neighborhoods, that’s success,” Purzycki said. He also defined success as kids being educated in Delaware schools and when poor neighborhoods are rebuilt, employing more residents.

When Purzycki takes office in January 2017, he’ll work with a very different City Council in 2017. Hanifa Shabazz will take on the role of City Council President. She took to the podium to celebrate her win on her mother’s 89th birthday.

“What better gift could it be to give her and to accept this historical position on her birthday? To be the first woman president of Wilmington City Council,” Shabazz said. The seat became open when Council President Theo Gregory decided to run for mayor.

There will also be several new council members. Some of the names include Zanthia Oliver 3rd Dist., Michelle Harlee 4th Dist., Vashun Turner 5th District, Yolanda McCoy 6th Dist., and Samuel Guy, Rysheema Dixon and Ciro Adams all representing City Council At Large.