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Wilmington City Council Swears in 1st District Councilwoman Linda Gray

March 1, 2019

WILMINGTON–Linda Gray, a former parole officer, and magistrate judge is the new 1stDistrict Council Member of the City of Wilmington.

By a vote of 8 to 4, the full body of the Wilmington City Council voted this evening to select Gray, who was sworn in and immediately took her seat.

“My overall vision is for communities to take pride in the city, their districts, and their surroundings,” Gray wrote as part of her vision submitted to the Committee. “Elected officials must continue to increase the community’s quality of life, encouraging homeowners, renters, and visitors to come together.”

Councilwomen Linda M. Gray sits in her seat during a regular City Council meeting Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019, at Louis L. Redding City County Building in Wilmington, DE. Photo By Saquan Stimpson

Gray replaces former Councilman Nnamdi Chukwuocha, who left the seat in November after his election to the Delaware General Assembly.

“Not only am I happy my colleagues and I were able to bring this matter to a resolution I am looking forward to working with Council Member Gray,” said Council President Hanifa Shabazz. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the seat that will serve the residents of the 1stdistrict very well.”

To fill the vacancy, the City Charter called for the formation of a special Ad Hoc committee made up of five members of city council including the President, who served as Chair. Council Members would later decide the selection process should include the entire council.

Through legislation sponsored by Councilwoman Michelle Harlee, a Committee of the Whole was convened on February 15th, which ended with Gray’s name being sent to the full council for tonight’s vote.

“Sometimes the legislative process isn’t pretty, but I was confident we were going to get this done and we did,” said Councilwoman Harlee. “Now, we can get back to the business of the city.”

Councilwomen Linda M. Gray is interviewed by the media after a regular city council meeting Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019, at Louis L.Redding City-County Building in Wilmington, DE. Photo By Saquan Stimpson

Gray has been a resident of the 1stDistrict for more than 40 years and has served in various capacities with the Brandywine Hills Community Association, 1stDistrict Planning Council, Brandywine Zoo, The Rockwood Foundation, Wilmington Arts Commission, and the inaugural First Night Wilmington Planning committee.