Gov, John Carney and New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer on Wednesday released the following statements praising Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki. Purzycki announced Wednesday he will not seek a third term in 2024.
Carney, who is serving in his second and final term, issued a statement sayiing his seriously considering running for mayor of the city with about 70,000 residents, WHYY reported. Meyer announced earlier this year he will run for governor and will face off against fellow Democratic Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long.
“The mayor has dedicated much of his career to helping Wilmington be successful. He managed our city through some of the most challenging times in recent history, guided by compassion, fairness, and a commitment to doing the right thing. When his term ends next year, he’ll be leaving city government better than he found it, with a professional, efficient city workforce focused on improving the quality of life for Wilmington residents. We’re fortunate to have had Mike Purzycki leading our largest city for the past seven years, and Wilmington is better off because of his service,” Carney stated.
Meyer’s statement
“Historically, the County Executive and the Mayor of our largest city have had a contentious relationship. I am proud that Mayor Mike and I have developed a historic partnership between our state’s largest city and largest county. Together, we have created additional affordable housing opportunities by eliminating red tape and combining our Section 8 Housing Voucher programs.”
“We have addressed homelessness by collaborating to create and sustain the Hope Center. And we saved taxpayers millions of dollars in legal fees by partnering to solve a 25-year-old sewer dispute. I thank the mayor for his partnership – his prior service as a County Councilman and as the founding leader of the Riverfront. And I look forward to another 15 months of partnership for the people.”
