As county Democrats search for a leader, one local politician wants to fill the void. But while most top members say new guidance will end long-running feuds, others wonder if much will change from the fallen regime.
City Council President Bill Bias announced in a letter to party members Wednesday that he wants to replace Susan Gwinn as chair of the county party, several members said. Gwinn resigned Tuesday - a day after her criminal conviction, and 14 years after becoming county chairwoman.
The party's executive committee will meet Tuesday to elect a new chair, County Prosecutor C. David Warren said.
The party will hold another election for county chair when they choose a new executive committee this spring. Bias, who has at least 20 years experience in local politics, is the only known candidate.
Bias supported Gwinn through her four-month tour of the justice system, which included two indictments, even as others demanded her resignation.
That relationship with Gwinn, who said she wanted to stay active in the party after her resignation, could negatively influence Bias' decisions, said Susan Roth, spokeswoman for A Party For All. Roth's group formed this fall to oust Gwinn and return transparency to the party.
Roth added that only time will tell
but she is hopeful that Bias can move the party forward and bridge the deep divisions from the past.
To return this unity, Bias must rebuild the party's image of integrity, Roth said.
(The main concern Bias must deal with) is the financial accountability that seemed to be lacking when (Gwinn) was (chairwoman) she said. Hopefully (Bias) can turn that around as far as people feeling comfortable giving money to the Democratic party instead of wondering where their money is going.
Most local politicians say they will wait to see whether Bias can distance himself from Gwinn, but will support him in the meantime.
Bias is a skilled fundraiser and a proven leader, Councilwoman Nancy Bain (D-3rd) said, adding that he can help reunite the party.
I know that (Bias) will do what has to be done
Bain said. He's not a chump that hates everybody. He's out there
and he's going to make a difference and heal the party.
Most city council members support Bias, but at least one is more concerned with policy changes than leadership.
(Repairing the party) is a long process that will take more than a changing of the guard
Elahu Gosney (D-at-large) said in an e-mail.
Gosney said he will only support a candidate who will change policy and force any leader charged with a felony to step down. He also wants the new leader to discourage and denounce negative campaigning and personal attacks that have existed in local elections in the past.
He added that he had not spoken to Bias about his agenda, and did not know whether he would give him his support.
Neither Bias nor Gwinn could be reached for comment.
Elizabeth Lundblad contributed to this report.
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Frank Thomas
