Dover mayor's race heats up with three Democrats vying to unseat Blackman

Dover's mayoral election got even more crowded this weekend with two Democrats joining a field that already includes incumbent Mayor Carolyn Blackman and the man she ousted four years ago in a bitter contest.

First Ward Alderwoman Sandra Wittner formally entered the race last week, announcing a "Dover Forward" slate that also includes three candidates for the town's governing board. She hopes to become the first Latina to serve as mayor in a town with a population where 68% of the population is Hispanic or Latino, according to the U.S. Census.

"This town is crying out for leadership," said Wittner, an anesthesiology technician with the Atlantic Health System who was first elected to the town board in 2018.

Here's a look at the field, which also includes 11 candidates seeking four seats on the eight-member town board.

Democratic Committee backs Correa

Wittner was one of three mayoral candidates who spoke on Sunday before the Dover Democratic Committee. Despite her pitch, the committee voted to endorse another mayoral contender − former Third Ward alderman Edward Correa and his "Dover First" slate.

The endorsement means Correa will receive the coveted "party line," the top ballot position in the Democratic primary which often gives candidates an advantage. In solidly Democratic Dover, the June 6 primary is likely to be decisive in the municipal races.

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Correa received 12 votes in the closed committee balloting, followed by five for Wittner and two for Blackman, the incumbent. Former three-term Mayor James Dodd, who Blackman unseated in 2019, has also announced he will run, but did not enter the committee race.

Correa said he is running on a platform that includes "public safety, modern and responsible development, effective and responsive government and making Dover an arts and cultural destination in northern New Jersey."

Former allies, now rivals

Wittner and Blackman were both part of the Dover First team that unseated Dodd supporters on the board in 2018 and then Dodd himself the following year. Correa was also part of the Dover First leadership and was appointed to replace Blackman as the Third Ward representative in 2020 when Blackman took the mayor's office.

Since then, conflicts within Dover First led some Democrats to create a rival faction, Dover Forward, that does not include Blackman and Correa. With Wittner playing a lead role, Dover Froward candidate Karol Ruiz unseated Correa in last year's primary.

With Dover First, "we won the battle and removed Jim Dodd and his enablers from office," Wittner said. But "instead of change, we got more of the same. Instead of unity, we have even more division. Instead of openness, we've had lies and secrets. Things cannot continue this way."

Wittner's 'Dover Forward' slate

Wittner touted the accomplishments, experience and youth of her running mates. T.C. McCourt, running in Ward 1, would be Dover's first openly gay alderman. Jennifer Podesta would be the first Latina woman to represent Ward 2. Filling out the slate is Isaiah Strickland in the Third Ward. Well-known in the community as professional DJ who goes by the name DJ525, Strickland would become the first Black man ever to serve on Dover's governing board.

With an average age of 35, "This is likely the youngest slate in Dover history, but don't let our youth fool you," Wittner said. "We have the experience needed to lead this town and give a voice to those who currently feel their government isn't listening to them."

Rather than run a candidate in Ward 4, Dover Forward will encourage supporters to vote for incumbent Alderman Arturo 'A.B.' Santana," Wittner said.

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Correa's 'Dover First' ticket

Correa touted the experience of his Dover First slate, which also won the party committee's endorsement. The ticket includes Jessica Cruz in Ward 1; Cindy Isaza in Ward 2; incumbent Michael Scarneo in Ward 3; and former Ward 4 Alderman Carlos Valencia, who is seeking his old seat back.

"We are at a crossroads right now," Correa said. "We need strong compassionate and experienced leadership to address the priorities impacting our community."

Correa would become the first Latino Democrat to serve as mayor, and first Latino to hold the office since Javier Marin in 2004 to 2008.

Mayor Blackman's pitch

Blackman, speaking during the convention, spoke of her accomplishments. They include addressing a financial crisis that blamed on Dodd's mismanagement and leading the town through the COVID pandemic.

She said people ask her why she wants another term in office in such a politically volatile town.

"Dover is my home," she said. "I have been a resident for over 50 years and raised my family here. I have dedicated over 36 years of public service to the town of Dover. Although many people are power hungry for the mayor's position, I've proven I can represent all the residents."

Wittner disagreed.

"Our town is angry with us and rightfully so," she said during Sunday's convention. "The fact that they are even considering a rerun to the Dodd years should shake all of us to our core. I believed in the mission of Dover First but the leadership was clearly more interested in power and revenge than actually following through on any of our promises."

Dodd's ticket

Dodd's ticket in the June Democratic primary includes current Fourth Ward Alderman Santana; Claudia Toro, owner of the First Ward business Toro Taxes; Sergio Rodrigues in Ward 2; and Jhon Londono in Ward 3.

"This town is in a stalemate because no one from Dover First or Dover Forward has the courage to make difficult decisions and we the taxpayers suffer from it," he said.

William Westhoven is a local reporter for DailyRecord.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: wwesthoven@dailyrecord.com Twitter: @wwesthoven

This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: Dover NJ mayor's election: Three Democrats race to unseat Blackman