Mayoral Q&A: Side-by-Side Responses
Special Election Candidates Respond to Resident & Press Questions
Readers of The Weekly may already have perused the Q&A’s below in the most recent issue of the paper. New Castle Topics is pleased to offer an online space for this resource, so that it can easily be shared with anyone who may find it useful. We have also opted for a different format…
The three candidates who answered the questions posed (Ethan Bradbury, Valarie Leary and Angel Ramos, Jr.) have their responses grouped below by question so that it is easy to compare what each had to say. The free-form response provided by Charles Snatchko (a.k.a. ‘Scrumpy McGrumpy’) is reprinted at the bottom.
A live candidate forum will be held on Monday, July 24, at the New Castle Senior Center, and also broadcast live on Facebook and later posted to YouTube. Like the written Q&A, this is a collaboration with The Weekly, whose editor, Theresa Buchanan, will moderate the event.
After initially agreeing to participate by phone, Mr. Snatchko has indicated that he will not be involved with the Forum, which will proceed with the other three candidates. Those attending in person are asked to arrive at 6:15 to ensure the live event can begin promptly at 6:30 on Monday.
CANDIDATE Q&A RESPONSES
1. What specific experience would you bring that would add value to [the] City?
Ethan Bradbury: I’ve a great deal of experience dealing with all sorts of people from all walks of life. I’ve been all over the world and interacted with a number of cultures, socioties, and peoples on my travels. That has given me a unique perspective, an outside view looking in, one that allows me to remain more objective while making decisions.
Valarie Leary: I will bring significant value to the office of the Mayor having just recently served 6 years on City Council (2017-2023), along with my in-depth understanding of current and approaching issues. My occupation as a Paramedic requires interpersonal skills, efficient communication, situational awareness, calmness under pressure and adaptability; all skills which strengthen leadership and certainly pertain to city government.
Angel B. Ramos, Jr.: The experience I will bring that would add value to City Council is my leadership and team building skills, listening and problem-solving skills, and my open-mindedness and adaptability.
2. If you are good friends with anyone on Council, do you think it would be difficult to oppose them?
Bradbury: No. I’m not friends with anyone on the council, thus I would never be faced with a conflict of interests like that. But, even if I was I would have no problem taking a hard line with them if I felt they weren’t holding the towns best interests at heart.
Leary: I wouldn’t find it difficult to oppose anyone if I felt it was the right thing to do. Keep in mind that the Mayor does not have vote on council but she/he can offer insight, possible strategic direction, and different perspectives from the residents and key partners. The Mayor does have the ability to veto legislation. The key here is communication and seeking a common ground to the benefit of the residents.
Ramos: I will not find it difficult to oppose anyone on Council especially if it’s the right thing to do for our City and its residents. It’s not about friends. It’s about all of us working together for One common goal.
3. People say we have traffic problems. What do you think? How would you mitigate those concerns or change things?
Bradbury: For starters I would not build any more apartment buildings in our small town with its 200 year old, tiny, over taxed road system. The bottom line is that we have too many people as it is and can’t afford an influx of hundreds of more cars on our roadways. To alleviate the congestion we already face is a truly puzzling matter it will require a great deal of thought. Any solution will be contingent on the level [of] resources the city can allocate to it.
Leary: Our primary challenges revolve around DELDOT and the potential infrastructure implications tied to development. As is common among small cities, we have state-owned roads that intersect our town, causing certain areas to become segmented. However, I am confident that we can address these issues by cultivating stronger relationships with key stakeholders, including DELDOT and WILMAPCO (the Regional Planning Commission). Additionally, we can be more transparent with local citizens about timelines and any updates. By doing so, we can make every effort to effectively mitigate or even modify any concerns that may arise in the future.
Ramos: I feel that yes there is a traffic problem in our City. I would do my best to mitigate these concerns by working with the State and other agencies to find a solution and put those solutions into Action.
4. How have you contributed to the City of New Castle?
Bradbury: I’ve done a great deal of work for people living in the city whilst working with my father as a carpenter. Apart from that all I try to do is be a good neighbor and Samaritan to the people around me and offer any help when I can.
Leary: Since moving to New Castle in 2007, I have been actively involved both directly and indirectly with nearly every event and non-profit in the city. In 2015, I saw that A Day in Old New Castle and the Summer Concert Series were in danger of not occurring, and I stepped forward to lead and rally resources to make sure those signature events continued and they do so to this day. It has been my honor to serve on the boards of the New Castle Historical Society and the New Castle Community Partnership for several years, and the Downtown Development District Taskforce.
Ramos: I have contributed to New Castle but supporting my church and other organizations via donations and making myself available when needed.
5. Have you attended Council, Commission, Board or Trust meetings?
Bradbury: I’m afraid I haven’t been to as many as I would’ve liked. The harsh reality is that my schedule did not allow until recently and before that I was too young and quite frankly had no interest in the local goings on.
Leary: Yes, besides serving on City Council for six years, it has been my honor to attend a variety of Commission, Board, and Trust meetings over many years.
Ramos: I have attended meetings in person and have kept myself informed by watching, listening, and reading the recorded minutes of the meetings via the news paper and other sources when it became available. All of that together has helped me stay informed on what is going on in the City.
6. What attracts you to serve the residents of the city?
Bradbury: This town is my home, it has been my home for my entire life and thus I care deeply for it and it’s people.
Leary: Serving on Council for 6 years was another way to serve the town I love as well as having a direct hand in helping to preserve property values and improve quality of life throughout the city. I would continue to serve with the same energy I have always had except in a different role as Mayor.
Ramos: I am very proud to be part of this historical city. I have lived here for 20+ yrs and enjoyed sharing that time with my family and friends. Serving this City I feel is my calling. It’s my desired mission to preserve its rich history, ensuring the well being and safety of our residents, and enhancing its growth.
7. There has been discord on City Council lately. What can you do to help restore some order?
Bradbury: Any disagreement can be solved through rational, civil discourse. Parties that are in contention simply need a mediator to help them reach a reasonable compromise. I can do that. As I said, I have no friends on the council, but I also have no enemies.
Leary: I have always maintained and will continue to maintain a professional decorum, and encourage others to do so. Disrespect, contempt and personal attacks create unhealthy relationships on Council and commissions that negatively affect fairness and productivity. As Mayor, I can only suggest a path forward through the discord and work towards a consensus building.
Ramos: I hope to restore order by instilling the value taught to me by the Marine Corps of Teamwork, Honor, Integrity, and Discipline.
8. Where do you stand on the apartment projects under development?
Bradbury: Against, firmly. This town has too many people for its over taxed civil infrastructure as it is. If the ability to expand that infrastructure in some way becomes evident then I would be open to revisiting the possibility.
Leary: Property rights are paramount and have to be considered on all proposed developments regardless of my personal views. Proposed developments must work within the framework of the recently revised Comprehensive Plan, be reviewed by the Planning Commission, and if necessary, submit any zoning or special exemptions to the Board of Adjustment, before being brought to City Council (IF required).
Ramos: I am not against growth in our City but I feel by adding too many apartment projects it could worsen the current traffic issues we have and put a burden on our infrastructure.
9. How will serving the city, which is more than just monthly meetings, fit into your schedule?
Bradbury: Easily, my schedule is quite open right now. I am still a student at the university so I will need to attend classes and so on and so forth. But that will be no more intrusive than a normal job that I’d wager anyone would have to keep whilst being mayor of New Castle.
Leary: During the last six years I have successfully integrated the responsibilities of City Council with my work, volunteer, and personal schedules. My work schedule allows me to be able to set aside the needed time for the Mayor’s duties, and with digital communication tools, there will be easy access to the Mayor.
Ramos: I understand that serving City is more just attending meeting. I feel that it’s the duty of the Mayor and other elected officials to make the needed time to serve both in front and behind the scenes.
10. How do you plan to involve residents in city decisions?
Bradbury: The council meetings are inconvenient to attend, held at early hours on weekdays when most people are at work. I intend to hold open forums on weekends in an informal setting where the people can speak their mind and really communicate with their local government, or at least with me. I can’t nor would I force other officials to attend. The frequency, specific times, and duration of those forums would depend on public interest and people’s availability. I want to be approachable, I want the people of our town to be able to voice their concerns with me as easily as possible.
Leary: I have always encouraged residents to contact their City Council and commission members to communicate their opinions, as well as attend Council and commission meetings. I will address more effective communications programs to allow residents to be more informed of the coming decisions and continue to promote more influence and participation by our residents in their City’s activities.
Ramos: I plan to get the residents involved by ensuring that there is a clear line of communication between Council and its residents. I will do my best to encourage them to communicate in advance their views and concerns with their elected officials, attend the meetings and get involved. Not one person can do it alone. Like the saying goes, “It takes a Village.” By working together, we can do wonders for our City.
11. If you could change one thing about New Castle, what would it be?
Bradbury: The railway. It’s a menace. Not only does it disturb the peace every time it goes by, but it’s also transporting extremely hazardous chemicals right through the middle of our town. What’s worse is that it more often than not is traveling at a ridiculous velocity. Train derailments are becoming more and more of a concern across the country and this train transports materials that put most to shame. The damage would be incalculable both to property and the environment. Now I’m not so diluted to think I can shut down the whole operation overnight, but something has to be done to make it safer for the town.
Leary: I would like the city to work toward more consensus building, which happens with more training for our commissions and government, as well as more participation by the residents. We need to eliminate personal animosity which is destructive in governing bodies. There is a need for more effective synchronization of all of the activities of City Council and its various commissions as it drives towards more clearly announced goals.
Ramos: I would establish cultural and community centers that fosters a sense of belonging, encourage social interaction, and promote local arts and cultural activities strengthening the community’s fabric.
12. How did you resolve a challenging ethical issue you have faced?
Bradbury: I’m afraid there is nothing I can put here without breaching the confidence of others involved.
Leary: As a paramedic for 20 plus years, ethical issues and decisions occur frequently. Protocol, policy, training and procedures guide me to maintain the highest standards in resolving the issues we deal with. I brought the same critical thinking skills to City Council and will bring them to the office of the Mayor.
Ramos: To be honest, I can’t recall facing an ethical issue. I have been blessed to have been surrounded by good family and friends. The Marine Corps values of Honor, Courage, and Integrity has reinforced what I learned as a child and it has made me the man I am today.
13. What would you change in the candidate filing process?
Bradbury: Nothing, I thought it was quite easy and intuitive.
Leary: The filing process should be codified (i.e., make the process a law). Candidates should be able to file by electronics means. A committee consisting of a council person, Board of Election member, and a legal advisor should be considered. In this way, the committee would be able to fully explore the requirements and consider the best way to accomplish them.
Ramos: I would not chance much but improve transparency. Enhancing transparency in the candidates filing process helps build trust and confidence in the electoral system. Clear guidelines and publicly available information about the filing process can contribute to a more transparent system.
14. Why didn’t you run for mayor during the regular April election?
Bradbury: Time and circumstances simply didn’t allow.
Leary: I am the only candidate who ran in the first round and came in second in that race.
Ramos: During the April election I had found and identified a candidate for Mayor that I could support and I made the decision to wait for the next opportunity to run for elected office.
15. What do you see as the Mayor’s role and in what ways are you qualified to serve in it?
Bradbury: I see the mayor as a leader, someone to keep order and maintain objectivity. A mediator, a decision maker, but above all a communicator. Transparency starts at the top, and that’s exactly what I intend to be. As for qualifications I studied political science at the university of delaware, before I decided to switch my major to archeology and history. I may not have much experience in local government, but what I can do well is communicate, and I can say with certainty that I will always place the towns well being above my own.
Leary: In every city the role of the Mayor is different. In New Castle, the Mayor is the executive officer of the City and Justice of the Peace who is empowered to administer oaths, perform marriage ceremonies, issue proclamations, and approve or veto new ordinances (laws). He/she also has the power to declare a state of emergency if there is imminent danger. Specific duties include serving as a MSC Commissioner, chairing Board of Adjustment and Board of Appeals meetings and making Mayoral appointments to Boards and Commissions subject to confirmation by City Council. My community and civic leader experience enables me to serve as a “public face” of the City and I have demonstrated my abilities to be accessible and listen carefully to concerns and perspectives of constituents and businesses as well as developing strong relationships with officials, local and state agencies.
Ramos: The role of the Mayor in City government is to provide overall strong leadership and strategic direction for the City. The experience I have gained serving the government, managing people and time at my job, and serving as a leading member of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America has prepared me to fill this role.
16. Have you read the Comprehensive Plan, and how does it relate to the responsibilities of the mayor?
Bradbury: Yes, although it was only brought to my attention recently and thus I will no doubt need time to digest it properly. From what I can ascertain it looks like it would be a valuable tool regardless of weather it is followed to the letter. I found the demographics and population growth projections to be interesting despite being over a decade out of date.
Leary: During my time on Council, many issues concerned the Comprehensive Plan and the City Code. I am familiar with and have reviewed several sections in depth as needed. The Comprehensive Plan is not the official resource for the responsibilities and duties of the Mayor. Chapter 3 of the Comprehensive Plan does provide information regarding the city structure and services as well as services provided by others within the Community. While this chapter is a succinct reference, the information found there is derived from the City Charter and Code which are the “official” documents of the city. The Comprehensive Plan will need to be updated in the next review as some descriptions are no longer valid.
Ramos: I have read the Comprehensive Plan and the way it relates to the duties and responsibilities of the Mayor. It provides a framework for the Mayor to guide the city’s development and make informed decisions. By aligning their duties and responsibilities with the goals and strategies outlined in the plan, the Mayor can work towards creating a sustainable, inclusive, and thriving community.
17. What do you see as the mayor’s role on the Municipal Services Commission (MSC)?
Bradbury: [No Response.]
Leary: The Mayor is one of three Commissioners (the other two being appointed by City Council) who direct the business affairs and management of our City water, electric and lighting systems. The Mayor represents the City and its residents and businesses while working to enhance communications at all levels.
Ramos: The Mayor’s role on the Board of MSC is to provide oversight and leadership, make needed appointments to the MSC, represent the city and its interests to the public, collaborate with other agencies to improve municipal services.
18. How many city elections have you voted in, of the last three (2019, 2021 and 2023)?
Bradbury: One.
Leary: Local elections are just as important as national and state elections because they decide so many things that affect our daily lives. I believe voting is the foundation of our democracy and is my civic duty. I voted in all three of the last three city elections.
Ramos: I have voted on some elections in the last three years but not all of them.
19. Why did you decide to run for mayor?
Bradbury: To put it simply, New Castle is my home and always has been. I believe this town, its people, its history, its very spirit need to be preserved.
Leary: Having been actively involved in local nonprofits and serving 6 years on City Council, I felt that being elected Mayor would enable me to continue my service to the community while leveraging my leadership, liaison and interpersonal skills to benefit the City of New Castle.
Ramos: I decided to run for Mayor because I saw a need to bring back Honor and Integrity to the City and to provide a fresh perspective. I am deeply committed to the city I have been apart of for many years. I believe I can collaborate with the city council and city organizations and listen to the needs of ALL residents throughout the our city to stay focused on the future and common good. I want to build trust and a culture of mutual respect that makes progress possible.
Statement from Charles Snatchko In Lieu of Answering Questions from Residents & Press
Mr. Snatchko’s unedited statement is reproduced below.
run with this :
This city is so stuck in the times of today. What it needs is a true person that is there to fight and make the changes that everyone is so scare of. It is time to bring back the values and this is where it is going to start.
August 5th is the time.
People are there to say there Mayor but most do not care they want the title. Come on it pays less that 4grand a year but then you don't want to make changes.
What do you have to put on the table?
What do i have? i got email and a phone it was published in the news paper Just email your questions and concerns i got answers to what you need..
Now for the flooding in the city it is a huge issue that only the state of Delaware can fix. Over the times the dredging fills up. there is a way to do it to divert the water away from out business. I got a plan and the answer it will be summited to the state when i become mayor.
We are a historic little town that draws 100's in every weekend and it is a busy time of the year. Yes we need to work on the economic of the city. But as for new Places opening up where are they going to be housed. We have no open commercial spots other than 1 that has failed in many years.
No the answer is not to go and build a shopping mall. The answer is to cater to the small business open up public space for them to have little carts to displays within already formed business.
A plan for economics has been draw up and will be released to the public soon after the election.
The voice of the citizens are what matter and they are to be heard and will be heard.
Every thing that is stated will be taken in to consideration and then provided to the proper figures for researching and studies.
Yes i know how to run a business i run one every day one of the worlds biggest to be blunt about it . I have taken Small business that were going under and turned them in to million dollar Business. I do got a degree in Business.
I encounter 1000s of people every day and offer support. I dive deep in to problems and show results. I admit when i am wrong.
I will ...
Take the Situation and what it faces.
Take the task that involves
Provide Action
Show results.
I am obsessed with the needs of our city and the citizens.
I am against New apartment construction that will harm the city and out natural resources.
There is no need for debated or forums what is needed is a person that gains the trust of others. No matter who they are where they live or how much they make.
Trust is a hard thing to earn.
Respect is even harder to earn.
The people of New Castle Deserve the ANSWERS.
They Deserve the right to be proud of the city they invest in and live in .
It Just takes one person to PROVIDE it to the citizens
So On August. 5th VOTE SCRUMPY MCGRUMPY
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