Declaring that "Wilmington is a new state of mind" its mayor, Jim Baker, formally announced his candidacy for re-election to a second term.

Observers agree there is virtually no chance the bid will be unsuccessful. There even was talk among attenders at an announcement reception on June 23 that Baker is in line to become the first in the city's history to crash the no-third-term barrier four years hence. And it wasn't partisan hyperbole. This time around, he is not expected to be opposed. Hal Haskell, who more than 30 years ago was the last Republican to hold the job, said his party's leaders "would be damn fools" to pit someone against Baker. Campaign manager Jeffrey Goddess said his assignment is "full of glory, but doesn't require much effort."

That is not to say the Baker has found a sinecure. Police officers picketing outside the 'Baby Grand' theater in protest of their not having a contract, dramatically illustrated the city's major problem. "Unless the state steps up to bat sooner or later, this city is going to go broke. ... We can't keep chasing people out of the city with higher taxes," Baker said. John Rago, his press secretary, said there is no present indication that Governor Ruth Ann Minner intends to reconvene the taskforce looking for a long-term answer to Wilmington's fiscal woes. The panel last met more than a year ago.

Nevertheless, Baker, a career public servant with a recognized personal affection for the city, promised to build on such accomplishments as attracting investment in downtown residences.

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As the General Assembly appears poised to complete enactment of a measure setting statewide recycling goals, more comprehensive legislation has a ways to go.

Members of the Recycling Public Advisory Council hold a wide range of opinions about draft legislation crafted by the Delaware Solid Waste Authority. "There are some things in here that are going to be tough to make happen," said Paul Wilkinson, chairman of the gubernatorial panel. Although nothing approaching a consensus was reached during a rambling discussion at its meeting on June 23, there was agreement that a provision to have the three counties pay for collecting recyclable material through taxes or fees ranks first among the points likely to be disputed.

Running a close second is an authority recommendation that private trash-hauling companies bid for exclusive rights to collect recyclables in given areas. Bruce Georgov, president of Independent Disposal Services, said that would put smaller companies at a competitive disadvantage and could jeopardize their business. Donald Mulrine, the mayor of Newport, said his town and other incorporated areas, including the city of Wilmington, "cannot afford" the cost of adding separate collection of recyclables to their municipal trash pick-ups. (CLICK HERE to read previous Delaforum article.)

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Sherry Freebery said pending federal corruption charges have not altered her campaign strategy nor would they interfere with her ability to serve as county executive.

"It is impossible for me to be convicted of any of these political charges. ... It is impossible they will have any effect on the next four years," she declared at a political forum sponsored by the Greater Hockessin Economic Development Association on June 21. Since she was indicted on multiple counts, the county's chief administrative officer has maintained that she is not guilty of criminal wrongdoing. She and County Council president Christopher Coons are seeking the Democratic nomination to run for county executive against Republican Christopher Castagno.

Only one question about the federal indictment of Freebery and incumbent executive Tom Gordon, who is not eligible to seek re-election, was allowed under groundrules set for the forum. One of a series of joint meetings of the candidates, the event attracted about 100 people, many of whom wore Freebery or Coons tee-shirts. Coons said they did not alter his campaign strategy but that he is intent on dealing with "the situation that led to these charges." Castagno promised "a fresh start in county government" and added, "It all comes down to the judicial process and the voters."

Displaying her characteristic feistiness, Freebery quipped, "I don't need to order as many signs. It (the indictment) has given me good name recognition."

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HIT IN THE RING: Richard Korn, of Hockessin, said he will seek election to be county executive. A Democrat, he will face County Council president Christopher Coons and Sherry Freebery, the county's chief administrative officer, in that party's primary election in September. In a press statement issued on June 22, Korn said that, despite the fact he is a relative newcomer to Delaware, he is seeking the position because "our leaders have failed us." He said that alleged corruption by "those who are charged with it and those who failed to do anything about it" is the biggest issue before the voters.

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REPORT CARD: Students in the Brandywine School District, on average, fared better on this year's state assessment tests than did students statewide. Brandywine stood second among the five districts in New Castle County, according to a report issued by the state Department of Education on June 17. However, the enrollment in Appoquinimink, the leader, consists of 9% who are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, compared to 30% in Brandywine and about that range in the three other northern district. Here is how the districts, Brandywine schools and charter schools which serve the district fared:

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NOT TO WORRY: Claymont residents were told that the applying a 'hometown' zoning overlay to their community will not alter existing zoning patterns nor jeopardize their property. Councilman Robert Weiner told a Claymont Renaissance meeting on June 17 that he will sponsor an overlay ordinance only if residents "understand it and are comfortable with it." About 70 people, three times the usual showing, turned out for the meeting after receiving letters Kenneth Bieri, assistant planning manager in the Department of Land Use advising them that Claymont is slated to participate in the new program. (CLICK HERE to read previous Delaforum article.)

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Owners of property in the Brandywine School District most likely will see an 8% increase in their school tax in the coming fiscal year.

Financial officer David Blowman told the school board that he will recommend a rate of $1.2805 for each $100 of assessed property value at its tax-setting meeting in July. More than half of the 9.3¢ increase form this year will go to finance debt service on bonds which voters authorized to finance the district's building renovation program. The rate to finance operations will go up 1.3¢ to 98.2¢, the maximum authorized at the 2002 referendum. Both increases, which will add about $70 to the tax bill for a 'typical' residential property assessed at $75,000, had been anticipated.

He also presented a proposed tentative fiscal 2005 budget at a 'workshop' meeting on June 14. It would set total spending, excluding federally financed programs, at $106.8 million, up 3.6% from this year's budget. He indicated that total revenue is now projected to fall about $1.8 million short, with the difference being made up with money carried forward at the end of this fiscal year. Because that amount and the level of state financing for next are not yet know, the figures will be revised as the budget process moves forward to adoption of a preliminary budget in August and a final spending plan in December.

The proposed budget earmarks $2.1 million to finance components of the district's strategic plan, up from $1.5 million this year, with $500,000 of the increase to go for teacher recruitment. Depending upon enrollment, most of that will be spent to pay up to seven teachers beyond the state authorization.

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GREEN DAY:

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