N.J. Primary: Three way fight for Camden Mayor among Dems

Camden residents are preparing to cast ballots for the city’s next Mayor. In tomorrow’s primary election three Democratic candidates are competing to lead a city that’s often cited as one of the poorest and deadliest in America.

Camden residents are preparing to cast ballots for the city’s next Mayor.  In tomorrow’s primary election three Democratic candidates are competing to lead a city that’s often cited as one of the poorest and deadliest in America.

The city of Camden is largely run by the state, based on legislation that expires in 2012.

Rutgers-Camden political science professor Richard Harris says that means at the top of the next Mayor’s to do list, will be developing a relationship with the state-appointed Chief Operating Officer.

He says the front runner is Democratic candidate Dana Redd, who is also City Council vice president and a state senator.

Redd: As long as there’s a good working relationship or the Mayor is doing things that aren’t perceived by the COO as problematic, she can go off and do whatever she wants.  But there’s always this kind of sword of Damocles hanging over the Mayor’s head.

Harris says through the Office of the Chief Operating Officer, the state has controlled the economic redevelopment agenda, and been responsible for the administrative functions in the city.

Also on the Democratic ballot are Eulisis Delgado and Elton Custis. No Republican candidates have filed to run for Camden mayor, but the Democratic nominee is expected to face a number of independents in November’s general election.