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UD policy scientist takes Newark City Council seat
5:04 p.m., Nov. 29, 2006--During his career at UD, Douglas Tuttle, instructor and policy scientist with the School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy's Institute for Public Administration, has had many ties with Newark and recently added a new one as the Newark City Council's third-district representative. When the incumbent resigned, the mayor of Newark, Vance Funk, called upon Tuttle to fill the post until a special election was held. “I had to make the decision as to whether I wanted to run for councilman in the special election to finish out the incumbent's term. For the past 14 years, there has not been an election because there was only one candidate, but this year, Susan Eggert was persuaded to become a candidate, as well,” Tuttle said. With an election in the offing, the council did not want to endorse either candidate, so Jim O'Neill, professor of economics, filled the seat until after the election. “During the campaign, I went out to meet and get to know my constituents and find out what their concerns were. I visited approximately 900 households, handing out literature and talking to people,” Tuttle said. “Their concerns were usually quality of life issues, such as crime, traffic, economic development and water runoff.” There was a big turnout for the special election on Sept. 26, and the race was close, but Tuttle won by 39 votes. Tuttle has called Newark his home for 27 years but his ties to the city go back much further. “I came to Newark first as a student, living in a residence hall before moving into an apartment. I worked for UD Public Safety for many years, became director and worked closely with the Newark police, before joining the Institute of Public Administration,” Tuttle said. In his current position, Tuttle coordinates education and training initiatives for government leaders in the region, including the Academy for Excellence in Local Government Leadership, a workshop series acquainting newly elected officials with such issues as budgeting, grant opportunities, new election laws, land use and zoning and best practices. He also coordinates the Municipal Clerks Certificate Program and the annual Delaware Institute for Local Government Leaders. Because of these activities and contact with mayors and other officials in the region, Tuttle is familiar with municipal issues, and also those specific to Newark, such as electrical power and reservoir issues. “Newark buying and providing electricity to residents is a win-win situation,” Tuttle said. “The rates are competitive and reflect Delmarva's rate structure. Selling electricity provides half of the city's operating budget, which, in turn, keeps city property taxes low. Although a problem arose [this year] in connection with the city's contract with UD, delaying the rebates while the cost of power goes down will help solve the issue.” In spite of an ongoing lawsuit against the city about the reservoir, Tuttle said city officials were right to step up to plate and have the reservoir built instead of dealing with water shortages every few years. “What I discovered in my campaigning is that many people don't know that the reservoir is up and running and providing water. Newark does not have to buy water, except in emergencies, which is a big plus in terms of supply and also financially,” he said. He also said robberies and crime have increased in Newark and a GIS (Geographic Information System) for the city would be useful in analyzing crimes and tracking where they are likely to occur. Public awareness and cooperation with police are important factors. “In general, criminals go where it's easiest,” Tuttle said. “Serving on the council is an opportunity to give back to the community, which has been a part of my life for such a long time,” Tuttle said. Article by Sue Moncure |
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