Michelle Harlee is one of six new Wilmington city council members now in office.
Harlee’s priorities are focused on what she says she’s heard from community members for years – a need for safer communities, beautiful and clean living conditions, and better paying jobs.
She says she’s already met with all of the 4th District’s civic association leaders, and will stay in touch with them to make sure her goals reflect community needs.
“Because I don’t want to do this in a silo. But I want to continuously get the voice of the residents, get the voice of the stakeholders.”
Harlee also plans on working to restore one of the oldest buildings on the East Side of Wilmington – the People’s Settlement – which she says used to be the hub of that community.
“In its old glory was when you could go there to do your financial banking, senior services, youth services, day care services, a nice gym where the kids could come in…”
Harlee – who has worked as a Lead Quality Auditor for DuPont for over 35 years - also recognizes the 4th District’s role in Wilmington’s economy, accounting for over 55% of the city’s taxes.
She says she plans to meet with businesses both big and small throughout her district to stay engaged with them as well.
Another issue she's prioritizing: public safety. As a grassroots community leader, she said she’s acted as a liaison between community members and police.
Harlee says much of what she’s learned about public safety came from attending the Citizen’s Police Academy.
“In that particular workshop, you learned the different strategies the Wilmington Police Department uses as it relates to having to deploy the policemen in the community," Harlee said.
Harlee encourages others to attend the free New Castle County workshop and get more engaged with local police.
