James Hutchison (American politician)
James "Hutch" Hutchison | |
|---|---|
| Mayor of Dover, Delaware | |
| In office May 9, 1994 – May 10, 2004 | |
| Preceded by | Aaron O. Knopf |
| Succeeded by | Stephen Speed |
| Personal details | |
| Born | circa 1942 |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Cathleen Hutchison |
| Children | Three |
| Residence | Dover, Delaware |
| Profession | Politician |
James L. "Hutch" Hutchison Sr. (born about 1942) is an American politician. Hutchison served as the first full-time Mayor of Dover, Delaware, from 1994 to 2004.[1] Hutchison is a member of the Republican Party.[1] However, Dover's mayoral office is officially nonpartisan.
Hutchison, a native of Dover, graduated from Dover High School in 1961.[2] He received an associate's degree in criminal justice from Delaware Technical & Community College in 1987.[2]
Hutchison served as the police chief of Dover prior to entering politics.[1] He held Dover's at-large city council seat from 1993 to 1994.[1][2]
In 1994, Hutchison was elected Dover's first full-time mayor.[1] He was sworn into office on May 9, 1994, following the end of Mayor Aaron Knopf's term.[3] He retired from office on May 10, 2004, when he was succeeded by Stephen Speed.[1]
Hutchinson ran for the Delaware Senate in the 17th District in 2008, but lost the election to Democrat Brian Bushweller.[1]
Hutchison announced his candidacy for an open seat in the Dover City Council in January 2011.[1] He ran for the open 1st city council district seat, which was being vacated by retiring City Council President Ken Hogan.[1][2] Hutchison won the seat in the Dover municipal election held on April 19, 2011, defeating Holly Malone.[4]
In August 2011, Hutchison proposed lengthening the terms for the Mayor and city council members from the current two-year term to four-years in office.[5] Hutchison argued that the current election system, in which Dover's candidates must seek re-election every two years, is too expensive, costing the city approximately $10,000 per election.[5] He told council that his proposal would save the city money and promote increased leadership among Dover's elected officials. Under his proposal, if enacted, the new four-year terms would be gradually phased in over a two-year period.[5]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Denison, Doug (2011-01-03). "Former Dover mayor "Hutch" to run for council". Dover Post. Retrieved 2011-10-10.
- ^ a b c d Denison, Doug (2011-04-06). "Meet the candidates: Dover City Council at-large, 1st and 2nd Districts". Dover Post. Retrieved 2011-10-10.
- ^ City Council Meeting Minutes for May 9, 1994
- ^ Denison, Doug (2011-04-19). "Dover picks fiscal conservatives for council". Dover Post. Retrieved 2011-10-10.
- ^ a b c "Longer terms proposed for Dover mayor, council". Associated Press. The Oregonian. 2011-08-29. Retrieved 2011-10-10.