Rep. Potter speaks out on charity event

A state representative whose wife was fired as a top aide to Wilmington's mayor is questioning how electric power was provided to an unsanctioned charity event in a city park where a number of shots were fired Sunday.

"It is my understanding that the electricity was turned on in Haynes Park on Sunday, which, if true, would indicate that personnel in the Department of Parks and Recreation turned the electricity on, since that access is not available to the general public," state Rep. Charles Potter Jr. said in a letter to Mayor Dennis P. Williams. "It is also my understanding that city personnel were in attendance in the park that day."

A walk through the park Thursday found four active sockets in an electric box near the center of the park.

Potter, who was reached Thursday afternoon, said he was more concerned about residents.

"What I want to tell you is that there was an incident at the park and I want to ensure the safety of my people," he said. "That's it. Nothing more."

Potter's letter, which was obtained by The News Journal, also questions why the special event permit process was not enforced.

City spokeswoman Alexandra Coppadge said the administration is looking into Potter's allegations, but had no comment at this time.

The News Journal obtained a second letter Potter sent to state police Col. Nathaniel McQueen Jr. asking "for an increase in patrols" from his agency. The letter also said he contacted New Castle County police.

State police Sgt. Paul Shavack and county police Sgt. Jacob Andrews confirmed that Potter requested an increase in police patrols. A portion of Potter's district is covered by state and county police. Both agencies said they will review crime data to determine if a change in deployment is warranted.

"Haynes Park is in the Wilmington Police Department jurisdiction and any requests for increased patrols or presence by state police would be accomplished at the request of the Wilmington Police Department," Shavack added.

The News Journal is asking Williams' administration to explain who gave permission to turn park power on at the charity event organized to help Francine Wallace, who was seriously injured in a June 16 fire at her Bird Street home.

The event Sunday came to an end when a group of young men started shooting guns when the basketball courts were full and children were playing on nearby jungle gyms, police and witnesses said.

When asked if his letters had anything to do with his wife, Velda Jones-Potter, being fired by Williams's chief strategist, Potter insisted he was looking out for his constituents' safety.

She was let go for representing her son's business, Foxtail Fest, in meetings with other city leaders. This occurred despite Wilmington's policy prohibiting city employees from representing or assisting "any private enterprise with respect to any matter before the city."

Wilmington billed Foxtail Fest organizers $7,000 for public resources devoted to the for-profit event.

Organizers of the Sept. 14 music festival filed a lawsuit in April arguing they are not responsible for those costs, adding there was no contract between the host company, What Scene? LLC, and the city for the event.

What Scene? owner Brandon Potter is son of state Rep. Charles Potter, who is the mayor's cousin.

The suit was dismissed by Chancery Court on May 9 for lack of jurisdiction. A new case was then filed in Superior Court.

The charity event in Haynes Park did not have a permit to operate, city officials have said. The permit allows the city to put resources in place based on an event's size, type, time of day, location and other circumstances.

The permit application also outlines costs that may be required. Sunday's event would have cost organizers $1,425, the city estimated earlier this week.

"As elected officials, it is our responsibility to ensure that our constituents are safe and protected, and that safeguards are in place to prevent violence like this from occurring," Potter ended his letter. "I have several ideas which I think may help, and I will share them at a later date."

Reporter Sean O'Sullivan contributed to this story.

Contact Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299, eparra@delawareonline.com or Twitter @eparra3.