Democrat challenges mayor for nomination in primary
Citing concerns about the amount of “squabbling” in city hall, the chairman of the Citywide Development Corp. announced Monday he is challenging Washington’s mayor for the Democratic nomination.
Scott Putnam, 43, thinks he would be a fresh face for city government as he announced his candidacy to unseat Mayor Brenda Davis in May’s primary election. He said his experience with the newly created development agency would be an asset as Washington moves forward with economic revitalization.
“I think competition is good,” Putnam said of the challenge. “I don’t think anyone should run unopposed. I thought it was a good step and a good opportunity. It just seems to me that for years there’s always been squabbling and a lot of personal agendas and not what’s best for the city.”
Putnam said he wants to focus on negotiating a “payment in lieu of taxes” program with Washington & Jefferson College similar to an agreement approved by mayor and council last year with Washington Hospital. He said redevelopment is also important, especially in the city’s uptown section, and his work on the CDC helped to improve the Highland-Ridge neighborhood in recent years.
“Blight removal is key for the city,” Putnam said. “It’s not just tearing (buildings) down, but it’s getting (properties) back on the tax rolls.”
If elected, Putnam said he would strive to improve the working relationship with council and city employees. He is the first candidate to publicly challenge Davis, who announced her re-election campaign last month.
“It’s a new phase in the city, and with my work background and experience, I think I can do a good job for the city,” Putnam said.
Putnam, who is an engineer and project manager for Alex Paris Contracting, previously served as chairman of Washington Parking Authority and was on the committee working on the Washington-East Washington Joint Comprehensive Plan.
He and his wife, Cheryl, have two daughters.