Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Hill-Driver makes it official


UPDATE: Each day that passes, the list of candidates grows longer and longer for a replacement for former Mayor Gary Becker.

The most recent name to be rumored for the top city post is Lesia Hill-Driver, the director of the Dr. John Bryant Center, located on Racine's south side.

At 2:09 Wednesday, February 4, 2009, Hill informed the Insider News, that she was in the parking lot of City Hall to file a declaration for her candidacy which will allow her to be placed on the May primary ballot. "I have the heart for the people and I know I can make the right decision to move city government forward," she said moments after signing her candidacy papers.

She joins State Rep. Robert Turner, another African American, who has declared that he is also a candidate. Turner, Hill, Greg Helding, Jody Harding, James Spangenberger, and Peter Karas have declared that they are candidates. Today the name of John Dickert, who was a supporter of the former mayor, has surfaced as a possible new candidate.

On the informal poll of voters on our blog site, Jody Harding, who is a member of Racine Taxpayers Association is leading with one vote over Pete Karas. Please vote.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

It was intereswting the way Jody Harding went from 5 votes to 25 votes within an hour or two in your poll. I guess some people have nothing better to do than stuff the ballot box.

Anonymous said...

This will be a bloodbath!

Anonymous said...

Also interesting how Turners name is situated at the top of this survey. How about the fact that Turner wants to run for mayor and if elected he wants to keep both jobs, State Rep. and Mayor. GREEDY GREEDY GREEDY, just take it to the bank off our backs. Here's an idea, how about everyone we elect go part time and do two jobs, that'll fix our problems!!! Rob Turner, we want to know right now - DO YOU INTEND TO RESIGN THE ASSEMBLY SEAT IF YOU ARE ELECTED MAYOR???

Anonymous said...

I think your point is well taken Anon. 12:31. I have decide to support Jody Harding. I like the
fact she brings an outsiders perspective to the Mayors Desk. She is not easy to push around and will listen to Common Sense ideas, and see how those ideas match the mandate of Our City, and our budget, and whether it would require raising taxes to accomplish. No tax increases, No spending if it doesn't make sense.

Anonymous said...

I will not vote for Turner if he does not give up his state seat. I do not want a mayor who needs a part time job. I want my new mayor dedicated to the challenges of Racine. I also do not want a state legislator who has a part time job. Aren't you making enough with one job? Are you that poor at managing your personal finances? If you are, then no way do I want you to be my mayor or state legislator. Turner, you are already in a position to make a difference in Racine. What have you done with that power? Why would holding another seat make you better than the other candidates? Come on Racine...rise up, get educated and vote the best person in office.

Anonymous said...

I've said it before, and I'll say it again.

Lesia Hill-Driver has already had a wonderful opportunity to postively impact our community through the Bryant Center. In my opinion, she wasted that opportunity. The only time I ever witnessed any real action taking place there was when she used the passion and activism of the orginial civil rights leaders of Racine to save her job when everyone thought Becker was closing the Bryant down.

In my personal opinion, this is just an opportunity for her to increase her paycheck and power status.

Anonymous said...

I need to look at other candidates. Turner will not give me an answer if he will be a part-time Mayor. The question was asked before and no response.

Anonymous said...

Since she is on the city payroll, will Ms. Hill-Driver take a leave of absence from her job as director of the John Bryant Center to campaign for the April primary?

Certainly, she wouldn't want the impropriety of campaigning for mayor while being paid by the city to "taint" her campaign!

Anonymous said...

Why are people hating on Lisa?

Anonymous said...

KEN, please check you spelling before you write these articles. John Dickert and Jim Spangnberg's names were reported wrong. You lose creditability for inaccurate reporting. Get it right if you are going to be a true INSIDER. Also, in one way or another, didn't we all support Gary Becker, especially in the beginning? Aren't we called to support and work with our government?

Anonymous said...

This is not not a good source of reporting! Anyone who gets anything from this is just another sheeple that can't make thier own decision!

Anonymous said...

I love how this article has to point out that only "John Dickert" supported the former mayor. A lot of people did you idiots! How do think he got elected in the first place. There was no way to foresee what this guy was hiding in the closet. The other joke is this...Why in hell would anyone vote someone into office just because they are black. That is the dumbest thing I've ever heard of. You need to vote for the policy....not skin color! The black community will suffer greatly if this type of thinking is allowed to breed more ignorance!