Candidate Q&A for Nov. 4 Special Election
Candidate Responses, Polling Moves Across the Street, Souder's Step Up, and More
Brian Mattaway and Alice Riehl are running for New Castle City Council in the Special Election set for Saturday, November 4, from 8am to 6pm.
Polling will be at the Good Will Fire Company on South Street, rather than at the Senior Center as in previous elections this year. Monday, 10/30, is the last day to register to vote in order to participate in this election. Friday, 11/3 at 12pm is the deadline for requesting an absentee ballot from the city office.
View all of the official details on the City website, here.
Below, please see the responses candidates provided to questions posed by The Weekly and New Castle Topics, including those submitted by the public. Their unedited responses are grouped here by question to make for easy comparisons, and alternate in order from each topic to the next.
Following the Q&A, read on for further info about this Fall’s campaign, including a message from Council President-Elect Suzanne Souder, who will not be on the Nov. 4 ballot.
You can also check out video statements from the candidates, here.
Candidate Q&A 🗣
You both have been fairly visible citizens, serving on Council sub-committees and attending meetings throughout town. What have you learned through these experiences that you want to bring to City Council?
Brian Mattaway: I’ve learned a lot by observing, listening, participating and asking questions at meetings throughout town. The most prominent is twofold:
We have the most professional and committed city employees and first responders.
I’m in awe of the talent and love of community through volunteerism that is displayed by the residents who diligently serve on sub-committees and groups.
As for takeaways to further lift the community I’ll advocate for:
Ongoing Training and Development Initiatives
A City-wide comprehensive Grant Writing Program
The necessity for succession planning and building the bench for future leaders and positive difference makers.
The need for the City to establish measurable savings goals to fully display our fiduciary duty.
Alice Riehl: The first thing you learn when you get involved with the City is that we have many intelligent, engaged, enthusiastic and generous people who live here. That’s what makes the City work. As far as practical lessons are concerned, I’ve learned two things:
We are a small city with a big history and an outsized role in the state. We sometimes cannot solve our own problems with our limited resources. We need to look to county, state and national resources for help, both with ideas and with funding. We do this for the most part, but there may be resources we don’t even know about that might be very helpful. For instance, when the Sea Level Rise Task Force was looking into funding for protections against flooding, we found that the Department of Agriculture had a program for watershed management that we could be a part of. Now we have a commitment from them for a large project, worth approximately $37.5 million, to protect the entire City from flooding, at no cost to the City. We should always be looking for similar opportunities and creative ways to address our needs;
I learned that communication is essential, both between the Council and the residents and between the Council and other entities in the City. My first goal as a Council person would be to improve channels of communication, both through social media and by attending other committee and commission meetings.
What attracts you to serve the City of New Castle residents?
Alice Riehl: I searched a lot of places to live before I settled in New Castle 13 years ago. Since then, I’ve tried to serve it in many ways: by opening my house for Spirit of Christmas, by using my sales experience to run the ad sales for A Day in Old New Castle, by taking on the chairmanship of the Home Treasures section of Arasapha’s May Market, by volunteering to chair the Sea Level Rise Task Force. When I was co-owner/co-editor of the Weekly, I attended meetings of City Council, the Planning Commission, the Board of Adjustment, the Historic Area Commission, and the Trustee meetings, among others. I have met and have relationships with many of the City personnel. I have a good feel for how the City works. I also have administrative and executive experience, which I believe will stand me in good stead as a Councilperson. I’m a problem solver and I look for innovative ways to approach issues. Bottom line, I want to serve New Castle because I love it and I feel my talents would be useful to it on the Council.
Brian Mattaway: May 13, 1985, my life and those of many others was drastically changed. The home that I shared with my parents and siblings was destroyed by fire because of the MOVE Bombing on a residential block in West Philadelphia. Up in flames went family heirlooms, pictures and everything that defined us.
We became homeless and were placed into temporary housing. Over the years it was determined that the rebuilt homes were poorly constructed, the builder went to jail for embezzlement, the city attempted to take the homes via eminent domain and refused to standby their previous unwavering pledge of support. The saga continued through my most formative high school years, all but almost a dozen homes were sold to the city under duress and fear by aging and confused neighbors. The City of Philadelphia then boarded up the homes and left us to effectively live on an abandoned block that became a magnet for all types of nefarious behavior.
My parents were a part of the dozen that stayed and sued for civil rights violations. In 2005 they were successful in Federal Court and got to keep their home in addition to a cash verdict. Osage Avenue remains the residence of my parents today. Some thirty-eight years later I realize that we lost community, friends, memories and never returned to normalcy.
The spirit of community, the love of neighbor and the selflessness of servant leadership is something that I watched my parents epitomize as a youth. They stood in Philadelphia so I can stand here without fear. It was pressed into my soul, and I’m mandated to carry it forward here in the City of New Castle.
I’m a survivor and it is that fierce sense of urgency that motivates me every day to lead and want better for the residents in our community. Simply put I love it here, the people and our promise. This is where I want to live and raise my family.
Where do you stand on new apartment projects and how do you balance the rights of property owners with many citizens’ vocal opposition to any major project?
Brian Mattaway: I’m an example of a resident who graduated from apartment dweller to homeowner within our village. This experience gave us a glimpse into everything we loved and cherished. It’s important to have mixed residential options for citizens throughout their life cycles.
Delaware was recently listed as a top ten moving destination according to Forbes. This is good news as we could certainly be on the list that is rapidly losing residents, economic influence and prestige. Recognizing that dynamics are always subject to change, I believe that strategic and pragmatic growth is required. I understand resident concern with multiple uncompleted projects in play simultaneously. There are always positive and constructive lessons learned and they should be synthesized.
I fundamentally believe that this community’s history, legacy and future is most ideal with most housing structures being homes. The New York City renter-based model doesn’t seem to fit our local culture, road infrastructure, etc.
We as a community need to honor owner rights and balance them against others from being improperly infringed upon or due irrefutable harm. An extensive review of the comprehensive plan, conducting citizen workshops, partnering with our city solicitor, county/state officials and urban planners are most necessary.
Alice Riehl: I am generally against the approval of any more apartment projects. This is not only because of the increase in traffic they would bring, though that is a justified concern. I’m very worried that the building of more and more apartments will change the very character of New Castle. This City has traditionally been a community of single-family homes, most of them owner-occupied. In this kind of environment, there is a spirit of community and sense of belonging. I worry that the addition of more and more apartments will erode that sense of community, since more and more residents will be transient and not invested in the City or its future. I also believe that if you have too many rental properties in a neighborhood of single-family homes, it can cause property prices to stagnate or even drop. That’s because tenants don’t always maintain homes to the level that owners who actually live in the property do. The character of New Castle is what draws people here and I believe we should be very protective of that character.
There may be legal reasons why some apartments can be built, but I think we should have the mindset of limiting apartment development wherever possible.
Serving the City is more than just meetings – there is a good amount of work behind the scenes. How will this fit into your current schedule?
Alice Riehl: I am retired and can and will spend as much time as necessary to fulfill my role as a City Councilperson. I am used to working hard and getting things done. I believe in finding the facts of any situation, whether that be through research or personal investigation before making a decision. I will also be available around town to answer any questions any residents might have.
Brian Mattaway: Serving the City as councilperson fits quite well into my schedule. This is evidenced by my present steadfast commitment to be present and active in a host of city events, initiatives, etc. Presently I have a full-time job with flexible work arrangements. Throughout my career I’ve established a high level of energy, efficiency and effectiveness at work and in satisfying obligations.
I’m in solidarity with my family and they recognize this call over my life. Serving the city, all residents and communities would be the fulfillment of my vocation. This would bring pure joy to my heart and is the manifestation of my life’s mission. Therefore, if elected my salary would be donated to New Castle City non-profit organizations.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decisions that get made in Council?
Brian Mattaway: I’ll continue my efforts to be visible, approachable and engaging throughout town and at meetings to understand the full picture and to hear resident concerns. It’s important to be physically present in all communities. I’m glad to see pop-up meetings but I’ll go further by periodically walking communities to listen and learn. Additionally, I plan on championing resident ability to talk not just at the beginning of council and sub-committee meetings before any matters are presented or discussed but also after. We should explore enhanced communication and engagement through modern technology in real-time, conduct resident surveys, leverage online petitions to show our power as a voting block and consider referendums on most serious decisions.
Alice Riehl: People are often asking me why did the City do this or that? What are they doing with the equipment in Battery Park? Why did they take down the tree on that street? I think the City has been a bit lax in letting people know what is going on and why. That’s why they ask me, because I try to keep up with things, and because it was my job when I was at the Weekly. For my candidacy, I put together a Facebook page and have tried to answer some of the questions that I have been asked recently. I intend to continue to do that after I am elected. People can ask me directly, or on Facebook, about any issue they want and I will try to keep everyone informed. I think that with knowledge will come engagement.
If you could change one thing about our City, what would it be?
Alice Riehl: I would change the tension I have felt over the last few years among the citizens of New Castle, as reflected even in the Council’s meetings. This tension is not just in our community but in the nation, and the world as a whole. We all need to take a deep breath, realize that we all have the best of intentions for New Castle, and lower the temperature in our conversations.
Brian Mattaway: Should I be elected one of my first tasks will be to bring humanity back to the table by changing the way we interact:
Issuance of welcome letters to new residents. Letters would include a brief description of our history, organizations, coupons to restaurants and a questionnaire about skills and talents should they be interested in volunteering or be contacted.
Recognition of new residents at City Council Meetings.
Issuance of letters to residents when they sell their homes to understand trends, if we have had any ill effects, to seek ways to continue to stay in contact and thank them for being a member of the village.
Recognition of youth achievement and scholarship. Children are our future and if they are disengaged now, they will become disengaged as adults. We need to invite student government bodies to sit in on and participate in meetings.
Creation of a Citizen Engagement and Community Relations Sub- Committee. We presently have groups that focus on everything except our most prized possession (One Another).
Recognition of the life’s work and accomplishments of those neighbors and friends who die in this community by simply saying their names and giving a moment of silence or perhaps a loved one an opportunity to speak (1-2 minutes).
Creation of a Police Advisory Board that is made up of citizens, mental health and education partners. This would be chaired by Chief McCabe and staff.
What would you change in the Candidate filing process?
Brian Mattaway: I would make the forms available online for printing. This would allow prospects access to the information so consideration can be given without being required to physically come into the City Building. I would maintain the requirement for candidates to go into the building as a filing requirement as proof of residency, etc. is needed. I understand that online submissions would provide the most flexibility, however our City Solicitor has raised some potential concerns that seem to be unresolved (i.e., computer crashing or other dispute). Finally, I would enhance the procedure by mandating a witness signature and the last filing day should have an expanded window to 7pm.
Alice Riehl: I know there was something of a brouhaha over the filing process recently. As far as I know, no one who wanted to be a candidate was prevented from filing. That would be my criterion for a good system, so I’m fine with what we have now. However, I do support the efforts by Councilman Zubaca to make the voting system easier, perhaps putting it online or making mail-in voting universal. Whatever increases engagement, I am for.
Have you read the City of New Castle’s Comprehensive Plan?
Alice Riehl: Yes, I have read the Comprehensive Plan. It is an incredible resource. It gives a granular description of the City from demographics to infrastructure to transportation to energy policy—just about anything you want to know about New Castle. It has a specific section on Sea Level Rise that we referred to on the Sea Level Rise Task Force. The Plan states goals for the City, and outlines strategies to obtain those goals. It should be a guidebook for everyone who serves the City as a Councilperson or other official.
Brian Mattaway: Yes, I’ve read the Comprehensive Plan, frequently refer to it and encourage all stakeholders in the City to review it periodically in respect to topical issues, progress improvement, areas for opportunity and unintended gaps. All municipalities and counties in the State of Delaware are required to complete, update and put into practice the said plan every ten years.
In general, a plan highlights every aspect of our community such as purpose and goals, implementation strategies, existing conditions and futuristic plans. All kinds of maps, graphs, pictures and demographic data are referenced.
Functionally it’s critical for us to view this as a SWOT ANALYSIS (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats). The document is fluid and is constantly under construction and requires us to partner together to optimize our collective strength while minimizing our weaknesses. Every City Sub-Committee should have this plan in their purview in weighing daily decisions. Some along with Council can make adjustments and modifications.
Finally, it’s paramount to note that these plans are meant to be collaborative and inclusive of all stakeholder opinions through workshops and surveys. Only when we have engagement and participation from residents, business owners, visitors, etc. can we be our best.
How many city elections have you voted in of the last three - 2019, 2021, 2023?
Brian Mattaway: Voting is very important and impactful at the local, state and federal levels. This act of democracy often drives the allocation of resources. I’ve voted in the past two elections having been a newer resident. We are very fortunate to live in a country where everyone can exercise their franchise.
Alice Riehl: I have voted in every local, state, and national election since I moved here. I consider it an obligation and a privilege.
What qualities would you look for in appointees to City boards and commissions?
Alice Riehl: I’d look for knowledge of the particular subject, or at least a very keen interest, reliability and intelligence. I’d nominate someone who wants to have an impact.
Brian Mattaway: I’d first like to thank the men and women who presently serve on the City boards and commissions. They too are leaders and difference makers in our community and are often underappreciated for the countless hours of commitment and work that is included.
In respect to qualities of appointees the criteria would include the following:
Willingness
Individual Thinker
Ability to make and participate in meetings
Team Player
Someone who asks questions and doesn’t rush to judgement
Applicable Skill Set and Transferable Skills
Good Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Finally, we are a community of neighborhoods it’s imperative that city boards and sub-committees reflect that true diversity which includes sex, age, length of tenure as a resident, race, etc.
What courses have you taken or what periodicals do you subscribe to for your knowledge of the environment in order to propose or vote on these issues? Please define ecology vs. environment.
Brian Mattaway: As a graduate of Purdue University (Land Grant Institution) in the heartland of America I took several classes that had an indelible impact on my compass of our global community and my individualized impact. Classes covered a myriad of subjects such as: Agricultural Economics, Mico/Macro Economics, Business Ethics and Various Science Disciplines.
Climate Change and Global Warming are happening, and we have contributed adversely to rising sea levels, melting ice caps and the proliferation of extreme weather events, etc. It is important for all people to view themselves as global citizens and stewards in our life journey. My family owns a homestead/farm in the Mississippi Delta that functions as a cemetery for ancestors and a working farm where soybeans are harvested. Unfortunately, torrential flooding and changing weather patterns at times have ruined the crops, soil and displaced gravestones.
Presently I digest information through television, radio and online platforms and am keenly aware that federal, state and local laws must be obeyed in respect to the environment, vulnerable populations, etc. While I have a working knowledge it’s best to defer to the subject matter experts as nuanced law can also be applied to business sectors, particular environments, regions and habitats.
Ecology and the Environment are interconnected and can negatively or positively affect one another. The former deals with all living organisms (bacteria, plants, animals, algae, etc.). The latter is defined by the atmosphere and surroundings where objects exist and is comprised of living and non-living factors.
Alice Riehl: Ecology is the system by which living things interact with the environment and each other. The environment is everything around us. I subscribe to the New York Times and the Washington Post, which both cover environmental and ecological issues. I am an avid consumer of all materials about the environment and our place in it. I have been interested in environmental issues for a long time. I served on a committee that addressed the issue in Upstate New York when I lived there. I initiated the first recycling program at the Atlanta TV station where I worked in the late 80s. And that is why I immediately volunteered for the Sea Level Rise Task Force when I heard it was being formed. My interest in ecology is the reason I no longer plant any perennial flowers in my garden that are not native. I have regularly contributed to the National Wildlife Federation and Save the Bay. The environment will be one of my priorities on the Council.
Souder Steps Seamlessly Into Council Presidency
The vacancy on council was first created by the resignation of former council president Michael Platt. As the only person to file for that office, current council member Suzanne Souder is, under Delaware law, considered as automatically elected to the position.
Where the number of qualified candidates for an office is equal to or less than the number of seats up for election, the Board of Elections shall declare the candidate or candidates elected.
- Delaware Law § 7555 (j)
In order to run for president of council, Ms. Souder had to vacate her council member’s seat, which is the position for which Mr. Mattaway & Ms. Riehl are campaigning. Souder announced her resignation along with her candidacy in August in order to allow simultaneous elections for both offices (rather than prompting another special election). Candidates in New Castle officially assume their roles once sworn in, following Election Day.
As a practical matter, however, Ms. Souder (whose resignation will be effective upon the swearing in of her replacement) has already stepped into the role of president. As the longest-serving member of council, she has been presiding over that body’s meetings in a temporary capacity since the position was vacated.
Council President Elect Souder shared her thoughts in a statement to New Castle Topics, below:
When it became clear that I would not have an opponent in my campaign for President of City Council, like many, I assumed that my name would still appear on the ballot. Then the City Solicitor informed the Council that State law did not require this, as described [above]. It feels a bit odd to become President of Council this way, but I still have the same commitment to work for the best solutions to the issues we face.
I still want to hear from residents about their concerns. Since being elected to Council in 2019 I have always tried to respond promptly to anyone who contacted me. Communication between residents and elected officials is never limited to the confines of a campaign. I will also reach out to residents by attending community events such as the fire department's open house and the Halloween parade, and by participating in some of Mayor Leary's community outreach events. If you have a question or concern, please feel free to contact me by email.
I urge everyone to vote for a new member of Council on Nov. 4.
Thank you to Alice Riehl and Brian Mattaway for taking the time to answer questions from the press and public, and to Suzanne Souder for her statement.
… But Why No Live Candidate Forum this Time?
Many have asked, and we do not want to leave un-addressed, why New Castle Topics did not organize a public forum for the candidates in this election, as was done for the previous two elections this year. It was not for lack of desire, but simply lack of time.
One of the downsides of being a nimble, mostly-one-person operation is that we just can’t do everything we’d like to, even with support from our great community. And unfortunately, both the “day job” and other personal commitments got in the way of being able to organize and prep for such an event this time.
In addition to partnering with The Weekly to maximize distribution of the candidate info above, however, New Castle Topics has offered both candidates the opportunity to share short video addresses through our various digital platforms and hope to have at least one of those later this week as part of October’s “New Castle Digest.”
Local politics and elections are important, so thanks to YOU for reading…
And please remember to VOTE, November 4!