Pair of write-in candidates seeking Democratic nomination for 4th Ward

Residents of Mansfield's 4th Ward will consider two write-in candidates for the Democratic nomination in the May 2 primary election.

Incumbent Alomar Davenport is being challenged by political newcomer Cynthia Antoinette Daley. The winner will face Republican Harold Wayman in the November general election.

Davenport, 45, is finishing his first term on council. He initially pulled his petitions before the filing deadline before deciding to be a write-in candidate.

For Davenport, a policy analyst, it was about finding the proper work-family balance. His 6-year-old son lives out of state.

"I spend a considerable amount of time with him," he said. "I wanted to make sure that I could efficiently do both (roles)."

Daley, 56, is an accountant at Healing Hearts Counseling Center, a behavioral health and wellness organization. She is treasurer for the local chapter of the NAACP, a financial assistant at the New Beginning Full Gospel Baptist Church and a board member for the North End Community Improvement Collaborative.

"I love Mansfield, and I want to serve my community where I can work with others to improve the quality of life," she said. "I want to see youth being more involved in improving themselves by acquiring a skill or for them to utilize the opportunities that will improve their quality of life."

Davenport chairs finance, public affairs committees

Davenport chairs both the finance and public affairs committees for Mansfield City Council.

"The biggest reason that I'm seeking my second term is I believe there's a lot of unfinished business," he said.

Both candidates tout the significance of the forthcoming NECIC Community Center. Davenport is also focused on the neighborhood around Ocie Hill, which is being demolished.

Davenport would like to see a district along Bowman Street with different funding sources, along with beautifying that corridor.

He said residents of the 4th Ward need to feel seen and heard.

"Over the last two decades, we in the 4th Ward have watched resources disappear," Davenport said. "All we've seen is things go."

Daley, noting the rash of violence involving young people in the 4th Ward, said she wants to create resources for them, such as encouraging them to go to a career technology school or become an apprentice.

"In doing this, it gives them a sense of belonging and shows that we care and love them," Daley said. "Youths need positive role models and opportunities to occupy their time."

Daley voices concern about youth and seniors

She also is concerned about the aging population.

"The seniors are living on a fixed income, and many are not able to maintain their lifestyle the way they would like to because the costs of home repair, food and health care are too high," Daley said. "We as a community need to take care of them because they were the ones who took care of us and created an easier pathway for us by making numerous sacrifices."

Davenport says many of his constituents complain about not enough being done for that side of town. He believes the NECIC Community Center will change that.

"It's a replica of what the Ocie Hill building used to be," he said. "It's something that was there that we're trying to bring back."

Both candidates for the Democratic nomination have lived in the 4th Ward for some time. Davenport grew up near Johns Park and graduated from Mansfield Senior.

He moved New York City for college and moved back to the 4th Ward because he wanted to run for city council.

"Being the chair of the finance committee has allowed me to have a voice, which means the 4th Ward gets a voice," Davenport said. "I am going to continue to fight for the needs and the wants of the 4th Ward."

A native of Jamaica, Daley has lived in the ward for 17 years and raised three children there.

"I intend to be a councilwoman who will be of service to all residents of the 4th Ward," she said. "I will make myself available to anyone that has a concern because that is what makes democracy work. I will listen to the people to hear their questions, complaints, suggestions and challenges in the community and work with various individuals and businesses to find a solution."

mcaudill@gannett.com

419-521-7219

Twitter: @MNJCaudill

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Pair of write-in candidates seek nomination for Mansfield City Council