And the plot thickens. First State Representative Robert Turner, an African American, and a veteran politician, announced that he would be a candidate for Racine’s mayor after former mayor Gary Becker was caught in a child sex sting operation at Brookfield Mall in Milwaukee.
In January, Representative Turner in a press release said, “I believe I not only have the tools, but the honesty and integrity to restore credibility and fiscal responsibility to the Mayor’s office in Racine.” He seemed to be one of the top contenders until bloggers started to question whether he planned to give up his state position if he elected.
In January, Representative Turner in a press release said, “I believe I not only have the tools, but the honesty and integrity to restore credibility and fiscal responsibility to the Mayor’s office in Racine.” He seemed to be one of the top contenders until bloggers started to question whether he planned to give up his state position if he elected.
Soon after Turner entered the race, State Representative Cory Mason hurriedly exited out of the competition.
Then, enter Kim Plache, a well-known community leader in Racine, and former state senator turned community activist. She joins the ranks of a growing number of candidates seeking the city’s top post and seems to rank high among voters. Shortly after her announcement, she was quickly criticized for being a “carpetbagger” when she decided to rent an apartment and move back into the city from Mt. Pleasant. She was also looked at unfavorably by bloggers for jumping out of the Racine Unified School Board race and into the Mayoral race.
Now the name of John Dickert, a Real Estate Broker and a Political Analyst for WRJN, has again surfaced as a most likely candidate for the open seat. Some years back, many feel that he ran a nasty campaign against Rep. Turner. After losing that election, Dickert has been somewhat salient in the political front.
Interesting you say. Wait and second, there’s more. While we were preparing this article, Mr. Shakoor II, another African American, walked through the door and handed us a press release announcing that he had decided to tip his hat towards being a mayoral candidate.
At this time, it is exciting to see three qualified African-American candidates seeking the top city office as mayor.
Let’s take a look at our choices. Robert Turner: For many years, Robert “Bob” Turner has been the war house for the Dems Party, and throughout his political career has been very pro union, voting an almost perfect union vote during his tenure in Madison. He was a longtime Alderman holding the seat that Shakoor II holds now for over 20 years. In my opinion Turner would rank high among the general voters as well as the African American community voters. Let me also add that Turner has announced that if he's elected he will give up his seat at the state captol.
Yet statesman like Shakoor II has always shown the drive, and hard work that is necessary to win elections like the one we are witnessing unfold. Well liked by the majority community, and gifted with the Obama personas, “Q’ could be a spoiler in this race.
One of three women to hop in the race is Lesia Hill-Driver, the Director of the Dr. John Bryant Center, and as the only African-American female candidate left in the race, could also make a surprise finish. Hill-Driver, who served as a member of the County Board for 10 years, also is no stranger to galvanizing large blocks of voters. Recently, when former Mayor Gary Becker threatened to close down several community centers, Hill-Driver was able to mobilize over 500 voters over night.
The Insider News wants to know how each of these as well as all the candidates feel about issues prevalent to the African American community.
We have compiled four questions that we are asking each candidate. Their responses on video will be posted on our web/blog site at Racineinsider.blogspot.com for your viewing. Already, Jody Harding, and Greg Helding have been interviewed and can be seen on our web/blog site.
Feel free to share your comments with us.
