Published Thursday, Dec. 21, 2000
SHARON
Retired veteran running for mayorBy Kristen Garrett
Herald Staff Writer
A dark horse candidate has thrown his hat into the ring for Sharon’s 2001 mayoral race.
David E. Bailey Jr., 49, of 969 Cedar Ave., has announced his candidacy for mayor. Bailey -- who said he has been a registered Democrat all his life -- has changed his political affiliation and intends to run as an Independent.
Bailey said he switched because he’s "not too happy with either of the parties."
The retired veteran of the Navy and National Guard said he has no political experience but believes he stands a good chance against incumbent Mayor Robert T. Price and previously announced challenger David O. Ryan, city controller.
Bailey is on disability and a full-time student at Pennsylvania State University, Shenango Campus in Sharon. He said he is studying Information Technology Systems.
As an Independent he cannot be on the May primary ballot, but Bailey said he doesn’t think that will hurt his chances since so far only Democrats are running.
Bailey said he already has the 100 signatures necessary to get on the November ballot.
"The city is in trouble not only financially and economically," Bailey said, "it’s also in need of a complete revamping of local government. Our current local government officials are not doing the job."
Bailey proposes five changes:
If elected, Bailey said he will propose a five-year budget. He said he will work with council and neighborhoods, organizations and businesses "to gain what insights they may have to make Sharon look like they want it to be.
Bailey said much of the money for his campaign will have to come from his own pocket. He said he has the support of many local veterans groups and may get financial support from them.