CANDIDATE PROFILE: Wayne Dougherty
Two-term mayor seeks re-election
Wayne Dougherty won the four-man race for mayor in 2007 in what was a turning point election for the City of Havre de Grace.
Since then, he’s been at the helm as the city fights to work its way through a tough economic era. Keeping Havre de Grace in good economic standing has been paramount for Dougherty.
“I think we’ve got a handle on that. I think in these four years, we’ve clearly demonstrated we’re dealing with the economy,” he said. “You look at the other jurisdictions with the problems they’re going through. I feel comfortable. I think we have done a good job for the citizens. And, keep continue doing that.”
Dougherty and his wife ran a travel business based in Havre de Grace for 37 years. Today, he estimates he works approximately 70 hours a week as the city’s mayor.
“I personally can’t see in Havre de Grace right now, the position of mayor with somebody doing less than 50-60 hours a week. I do a lot more than that. But I can’t see any less time being involved. It’s everyday—especially with the economy right now. Many projects that we have going on right now. It’s a full-time job. You actually have to sit there [to understand]. I would invite anybody from the public to follow me through the day.”
Dougherty ran unopposed in the 2009 election after defeating Gary Wasielewski, John Correri and Fred Cullum in the 2007 election. Dougherty beat Wasielewski by 49 votes.
“I’ve been through enough elections that nothing surprises you,” he said. “Personally, I have a campaign that I’m running. I don’t have as much time as I’d like to devote to that campaign because I’m busy here. I’m doing the people’s work. I think that’s the most important thing to remember, I am doing the people’s work. I’m still out in the community, as I always am. I’ve ran campaigns differently before. I wasn’t in the position I am now. I think sometimes you have to be very cautious to separate the job you’re doing from the campaign. And I will not mix the two.”
Dougherty means that last point—refusing to type his statement in running for Mayor on City letterhead, instead typing and printing it from his home computer. He also won’t take calls regarding the election at City Hall, referring contacts to his cell phone.
He refuses to “sling any mud” in the election, and vows that if he does not win in a bid for a third term, he’ll continue to be active in the community.
Asked about his relationship with his challenger, Councilman Mitch Shank, Dougherty paused before saying: “There’s a political, and then there’s the other. Personally, the political is people do what they feel they have to do. People have a different opinion of how things should be done. I’m the type of person that I listen to what people are saying. I listen to other opinions. I’m more than willing to work on a consensus if there is a separation. So personally, I can only say I run the city I best I can. If I get suggestions from council members, I will work as close as I can with them. I think we’ve been successful with that.”
Dougherty has grown to appreciate the job of Mayor, and says its one that nobody can truly understand until they’ve done it.
“Its like any other job, when you’re on the outside and you’re looking in, you don’t realize it until you’re actually there, what exactly is really involved in the position,” he said. “What is really involved in what information can be released, especially when it’s a personnel issue or a legal issue regarding contracts. If its proposed legislations that are in draft forms. If something goes out of here in draft form, a lot of people take that as ‘Well, that’s what it is now,’ when it’s strictly a first draft. But being on the inside is a lot different than being on the outside and looking in.”
Hollee Sifford
11:42 pm on Wednesday, April 27, 2011
I have dealt with Mayor Daughterty in several different situations ..He is VERY PROACTIVE in the RELAY FOR LIFE every year offering his time to speak and give a proclamation..As far as approachable ...I have NEVER been put to the side when I came to him with anissue or question.He is also very proud of the high school kids and their accomplishments and recognizes them at a city council meeting..I have attended SEVERAL meetings of these types and he is very humbled at the accomplishments of these students.To me he represents to these kids that are the future and people need to make notice of them
James P. Miller
7:39 am on Thursday, April 28, 2011
It amazes me that some people think the Mayor has to be retired or rich to do the job. The previous mayor worked a full time job and the city ran fine. Don't believe for a minute that the mayor has to be there 60 plus hours a week. Ask the question why? All that time and still a bloated budget with a token tax cut. It's time for a new direction. It's time to put the taxpayers first. That's why I'm supporting Mitch Shank for mayor.
Jason Fenner
9:47 am on Thursday, April 28, 2011
Ok, I must say that I think it is extremely distasteful and unprofessional for a sitting councilman to attack the current mayor on his own campaign article. The Patch made it very clear that they wanted every one to be respectful of one another and to say only positive things, and leave out the negative.
Tom Barnes
7:55 am on Thursday, April 28, 2011
I can echo Hollee's words almost exactly. I have dealt directly with the Mayor many times over the last several years and I have watched him at a distance in situations I was not a part of. Whether in dealings with me or with others he is always kind, compassionate, caring, thoughtful, insightful, and giving. But most of all he is passionate. He is passionate about Havre de Grace; he is passionate about it's people. That passion for our people and this town resonates across all demographics regardless of race, age, family status or even political party. He isn't just passionate about downtown, or one side of 40 or whether the problems are "up the hill" or downtown. He is taking care of all of us, not a particular groups wants and needs - ALL OF US (yes, I feel like I should shout that out). He doesn't seek name recognition, glory or fame - and certainly not a fortune considering the amount of hours he actually works versus the pay. And yet, regardless of that pay, he is consistently giving and sacrificing his time for our town.
Tom Barnes
7:55 am on Thursday, April 28, 2011
The Mayor has been steering Havre de Grace through the recession. He has kept us from problems that small cities across America have had to face and he has made sure we haven't had to make many of the sacrifices they have had to make. With him, we have seen store fronts that were vacant fill up and businesses bloom not just downtown but up and down 40. One can't deny this. He keeps on trying and he keeps on succeeding and THAT'S the kind of Mayor we need - the one we have is the one that's the right fit for us. He knows the art of compromise and doesn't dally in partisanship of any kind. Like it or not, current history proves that he has weathered this current storm well and we remain a little treasure on the Bay.
So, when it comes down to it, all one has to do is look at the current people running for Mayor and compare past accomplishments, compare leadership skills and compare approachability & demeanor. With this talk about "a new direction" it seems to me it would simply be a u-turn into a catastrophe. My confidence - and my vote - resides in Wayne Dougherty.
hdgBusiness
10:26 am on Thursday, April 28, 2011
Last night at the Bully Rock debates Mitch proposed a new taxing district for Bully Rock. He suggested that the residents of Bully Rock be given a lower tax rate than other residents of the City. He suggested that other residents of the City subsidize City services for the residents of Bully Rock. Is this something that seems fair to other residents? Don't expect that Mitch will make this same suggestion tonight at the debate downtown.
Mark
4:15 pm on Thursday, April 28, 2011
Bulle Rock residents are the ones subsidizing the rest of HdG. We paid $1.6 million in property taxes to the city for nothing. Get your facts straight.
diane
10:07 pm on Thursday, April 28, 2011
I believe that what was proposed that the Bulle Rock residence pay only what is fair and comensurate with the services provided by the city. Our properties are assessed higher than most of the comparable properties in the downtown area already. We are not provided the services that the other residence of Havre de Grace benifit from and I believe that taxing the residence of the Bulle Rock community at the same rate is unfair and alienates the community. I aplaud Mitch's proposal...he has my vote.
Jolene
10:51 am on Thursday, April 28, 2011
Wayne Dougherty IS good at championing the non-profits, and congratulating students and young athletes. But Wayne's business experience is limited to running a small bus tour group company, acting as the middleman for groups wanting to take a tour. He has not faced the challenges of the brick and mortar merchants, nor does he understand those challenges. How can the city encourage and support businesses and tourism? Relax some of the archaic code so that businesses can place "al fresco" tables on the sidewalk in nice weather without lots of city hall red tape. Allow businesses some leeway in discreet "sidewalk sale" carts, etc. Drop the outrageous charges for businesses to be included in city marketing materials, and on their website. Support downtown merchant "rules" to standardize business hours so that the downtown businesses are actually open during reasonable hours.
diane
10:15 pm on Thursday, April 28, 2011
I learned of a proposal to bring a hospital to the 95 & 155 intersection. I don't know about anyone else but I think this is a horrible idea. The placement of the facility does not make sense...this is an idea place to draw in commuters along the route 95 corridor, I don't believe a hospital does that. I'd like to see Havre de Grace become a city that people want to visit and support the struggling businesses in the area. I'd like to see a plaza go in that provides services that the commuters are looking for...a Starbucks for one...and move the visitor center to the facility so that commuters can learn about our charming little town and hopefully visit the downtown area.
James P. Miller
12:38 am on Friday, April 29, 2011
The MOE Zoning that was placed on the property along Bulle Rock Parkway allows a hospital. The property was purchased by Upper Chesapeake Health Systems from the owner. Upper Chesapeake has teamed up with the University of Maryland Medical System and plans to build a new facility on the site. I have not seen the plans for the proposed hospital.
Maxwell
10:27 am on Friday, April 29, 2011
Upper Chesapeake Health's partnership with the University of Maryland Medical System brings exciting access to top level care to all citizens of Harford and Western Cecil County. UM Doctors are already staffing some of the critical areas thanks to students and residents, Oncology services guided by the Greenbaum Center will be available to our citizens for care from diagnosis through all phases of treatment, Stroke and Heart attack victims will be treated within the 90 minute window. This is a win-win for our community. Hospital Board officials have stated that plans for the Bulle Rock site are 2-3 years out.