Two Blacks make Racine Post’s list of possible mayoral candidates

“Will there be more who throw their hat into the ring?”

Who’s running? That's the big question insiders in Racine politics are asking these days as they look ahead to next spring's mayoral election. Mayor John Dickert is a shoo-in to run for re-election, but who else may run for the four-year term? (Remember, Dickert is only finishing out Gary Becker's term.), explained the Post.

The Post said that they have spent the last few months bouncing names around among political insiders and gathering input on who may be thinking about the mayor's office. Based on those conversations, and a dash of wild speculation, they have put together a list of people they think may run for the city's top spot next spring.

While they have exercised largely educated guesswork, they have established some criteria for who made the list. 1.) Are they known in the community? 2.) Can they raise enough money ($50K+) to win?

As we looked at possible African-Americans candidates, we also looked at who could meet some of the same criteria.

The Post stated that they wanted to emphasize that no one on the list knows about this story or offered any input specific to this list. It came almost entirely from the minds of Racine Post editors and is likely deeply flawed.

The two African-Americans mentioned on the Post list were Bob Turner and Lesia Hill-Driver.
Turner was the runner-up last time around and may be eyeing a rematch with Dickert. According to the Post, if Turner runs, he'll have support of the local labor unions and the experience to fine-tune his message on local issues. If you believe the whispers, this could happen.

The Insider News believes that this is more likely than not. Just off the Fall Primary, Turner, who won by a hefty margin, is highly considered the most likely candidate to run against Dickert. After all, the two have faced previous election battles where each has been a winner. This would be a true show down of long time political rivals.

Hill-Driver, the candidate that I personally supported in the past has the best message for the voiceless of Racine. The Post said this about her: “A family emergency kept Hill-Driver from running much of a campaign two years ago, but when she did campaign, she proved to have a strong grasp of local issues, and the ability to talk with voters. No idea if she'll run again, but with proper support, she'd be a legitimate candidate.”
We agree 100% to the Post assessment.

A surprise to me was that Q. A. Shakoor II, a veteran Alderman and County Board Supervisor, was left off the Post list. Although he has run for County Executive and Mayor in the past and lost, he still has strong name recognition throughout various neighborhoods in Racine and Racine County. He would be somewhat successful in raising money. By email Shakoor II said, “No, not at this time. I'm really truly thankful to the Almighty, and enjoy the stage of life I am at to this point. I appreciate the citizens of the 8th District, for the honor to represent them as Alderman & County Supervisor, within this wonderful Racine County.”

The person I would strongly support and recommend would be Donnie Snow. He has been a Racine County Supervisor for 12 years and has worked for the city for 30 years. He has been a department head for over 12 years. He oversees a seven million dollar budget for the Park, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department. He has hands on experience and knows how to maneuver around city government. Snow said that it has crossed his mind in the past, but it would not be in his best interest to run for the position at this time. It is believed that Snow is paid an annual salary of $100, 000, much more than the salary of the mayor’s office.
When asked, Deputy Chief Art Howell, the highest-ranking African-American on the Racine Police department, he echoed Snow’s feeling. He too would have to retire from the police department in order to run for the city’s top position. Howell, who is paid about $90, 000 annually, also makes more than the mayor’s position. Howell said that people in the public have suggested he run for mayor, but most feel that he would be best suited to be Chief of Police one day.

Racine's next mayor will be elected to a four-year term on Tuesday, April 5, 2011. If needed, a primary election will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011. The filing deadline for anyone seeking office is Jan. 1, 2011. Candidates can take out papers to run for office from the City Clerk's office starting Dec. 1, 2010. They must collect at least 200 signatures to be placed on the ballot.
Racine's mayor makes $69,400 per year, plus benefits.