On eve of election, the favorite for Wilmington mayor talks priorities (video)

In less than 24 hours, Wilmington voters will have their say once again, electing who they believe is best to lead their city.

Democratic mayoral candidate Mike Purzycki who beat out seven other Democratic candidates in Delaware’s September primary is credited with much of the success at the Riverfront but what’s going through his mind today when it comes to the rest of the city?

Purzycki shared some of things he doesn’t like to see around town and part of his vision. He believes image is everything.

“If you don’t have a vision for where you want to be you’ll never get there so I think you really have to believe in what your objective is and I do…I’m a big dreamer,” Purzycki said.

One of the things on his agenda is dealing with the blight.

“We have neighborhoods that are 80 percent rental properties, so now you’re dealing with landlords who have a profit motive, who have a requirement that they obtain licenses. There’s no reason for someone who doesn’t keep their property up to get a license to rent the unit, so now you’re really getting in their pockets,” Purzycki said.

As a landlord himself, Purzycki believes you have to change the way of thinking especially those who own rental properties amid homeowners.

“If you’re a landlord you’re an investor, if you’re an investor then you have value,” Purzycki said.

In addition to that, the list goes on when changing the look of the city. Purzycki said everything boils down to money and resources.

“If we try to do everything, we will get nothing done and I hope everybody understand that,” Purzycki said.

So the goal is do a little at a time and focus on one thing before moving onto something new instead of juggling multiple projects.

“It doesn’t mean that we are ignoring anybody, it just means that when it comes to bringing all the resources to bear we’ve got to be strategic,” Purzycki said.

Two other candidates are vying for the mayor’s seat as well. Republican Ron Martin and Independent Steve Washington.