By Mike Finney

DOVER — When Andre Boggerty was announced as Dover’s newest city councilman just after 9 p.m. Tuesday, a large piece of history was also made, as his election to the council at-large seat marks the first time the entity will be composed by a majority of African Americans.

In the history books, Mr. Boggerty, who is now the fifth Black councilman on the current council, ranks right up there with James C. Hardcastle, who became Dover’s first Black city councilman in 1974, and the long and distinguished career of Black Councilman Reuben Salters.

The moment wasn’t lost on Mr. Boggerty, who received 470 votes (53%), 176 votes more than runner-up Michael Lewis’ 294. LaVaughn McCutchen tallied 125 votes to finish third in the only contested race in Dover’s 2021 municipal election.

“It is always an honor to be a part of making history,” said Mr. Boggerty, who will take over the seat being vacated by Tim Slavin. “I think what you’re seeing is Black and Brown communities standing up and investing time and attention to local and national government. We are not just voting. We are looking for opportunities to become involved at both levels.

“However, my primary focus is working with council members to address the needs of our city that impact all of its citizens. That’s why I ran on the platform of ‘All Voices, All People ... One Dover.’”

Once Mr. Boggerty is sworn into the nine-member City Council in May, he will join four other Black city councilmen — Gerald Rocha Sr. (1st District), Ralph Taylor Jr. (2nd District), David Anderson (4th District) and Roy Sudler Jr. (4th District).

“It most assuredly is (a historic moment for Dover), but I think it’s overshadowed by the fact that we have a completely different makeup of counsel,” Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen said. “We now have a female on council, also (Tricia Arndt), and the great thing about it is each of (the council members are) dedicated to the bright future for the city of Dover.

“It kind of sends a signal to the rest of the world, I think. People are elected not on who they are or what they are but what they can bring to the table in service to their community.”

Councilman Anderson said that while the Black council majority is noteworthy, there are other things that made the day stand out to him, as well, such as another council majority made up of military veterans.

“What is most encouraging to me is that it is not earthshaking news,” he said. “Most of the councilmen who won did so with a diverse coalition, and our new councilwoman (Ms. Arndt) won unopposed. The voters found the people who they believed had the pulse of the community and supported them, White or Black.

“An interesting note is the rise of veterans. With Councilman Boggerty, there is now a majority of veterans, plus our mayor and city manager (Randy Robertson). I believe that relates because vets are committed to representing the whole community and are used to communicating across ethnic lines. I think, in part, that is why the community embraced these candidates.”

A look at U.S. Census data from 2019 shows that Dover’s demographics are rapidly changing, along with the demographics of its City Council members.
Two years ago, Dover was estimated to have an overall population of 38,166 residents, and Black/African Americans actually passed Whites as the majority population of the city at 46.5%. Whites made up 43.1% of the capital city’s population in the census findings.

Mr. Boggerty said he believes it can be a bonus for councilmen to mirror their constituents.

“I absolutely think it is critical for council to reflect the demographics of the constituents of Dover, not just in race alone,” he said. “When we elect representatives, we are saying, ‘I trust you to be my voice, to hear me and to consider my decisions on issues that impact me.’

“When people can see themselves reflected and hear their concerns, interests and cares voiced with passion and a commitment to change, it empowers those not at the table because they know someone is advocating on their behalf and that solutions are not that far away.”

Councilman Fred Neil of the 3rd District said he believes that Mr. Boggerty was elected due to his experience and qualifications, and not because of race.

“I welcome Andre as a member of the council because of what he brings to the table, including his experience on the Police Advisory Committee formed by Chief (Thomas) Johnson,” Councilman Neil said. “I would hope that his election means the electorate, regardless of race, saw him as the best qualified candidate to serve all the city.

“If you review the voting records, you do not see the color of the voters’ skin. What you see is voters who care what happens in their city. It’s called democracy.”

Mr. Boggerty said that having a diverse mix of colors and paintbrushes can help open up a wider range of viewpoints and can make a stronger Dover municipal government.

“Different viewpoints are healthy for the growth and progression of our city,” he said. “It’s inside the exchange of differing views that we find commonality. At the end of the day, we all want a better, safer, more productive city.

“Together, we can make that happen by keeping each other thinking and considering one another’s plights, as we share in those differences through citizen and council partnerships, exchange and work.”

So while it is the job for all members of City Council to work together, it is important to acknowledge the history that was made in Dover when Mr. Boggerty won Tuesday’s election.

Chelle Paul, who chairs the Criminal Justice Committee for the NAACP Delaware State Conference of Branches, noted the history that took place in Delaware’s capital city this week.

She said “honorable recognition” should be given to Cecil Wilson, former NAACP Central Branch president, as well as Mr. Salters and two other Black former members of council, John Pitts and Sophia Russell. “Their leadership paved the way for this historic moment here in the city of Dover,” she added.

“The majority of City Council is now made up of Black educated men that have taken an oath to serve the city. This is definitely a historic moment; however, these councilmen will have to do their jobs better than any other councilmen that have held these seats.”

She added, “They need to be inclusive of all the needs of all residents in the city that they service. We continue to speak on bridging the gap between the Black community and local government. This is the time to bridge that gap. These councilmen are now set to a higher standard by everyone. I have no doubt that the entire City Council will continue to work as a team, regardless of who holds the majority and continue to make positive change for Dover.”

Mr. Wilson said it was indeed a special milestone for the community of Dover.

“The African American community should celebrate our historical election of Mr. Boggerty to be the first African American (majority council) to represent the entire city of Dover,” he said.

Mayor Christiansen said Dover has a proud history of electing councilmen of different races, especially over the past 40 years.

“The city of Dover has elected folks to council, probably since the middle-’80s, that — regardless of their race — they were elected to council,” Mayor Christiansen said. “We have Councilman Salters, Councilman (William “Thunder Eagle”) Daisey and a number of other folks who stepped across that line.

“It might not be anticipated by a lot of folks in the city, but we, as mayor and council, are going to move forward to work on behalf of all of our citizens, and we’ll savor this historic moment.”