On April 27, registered voters in the City of Milford will go to the polls to elect the members of city council. All four wards as well as the mayor’s seat are contested this year. A Candidate Q&A is planned for Wards 3 and 4 on Tuesday, April 23 from 7 to 9 PM in the Milford High School auditorium Each candidate provided a brief bio as well as an explanation for why they chose to run for election.
Danny Perez, Candidate for Ward 3 in Milford City Council race
Danny Perez – Ward 3
Danny Perez, born 1950 in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, was raised in New York City when his parents emigrated to the Big Apple with their 7-month-old infant child. Perez attended and graduated from both a private elementary and high school in New York City. Perez, who served in the United States Army during the Vietnam conflict from 1969 thru 1976 as a radio communication analyst, was honorably discharged and resided in Northern Virginia for the next 23 years.
While residing and working in Virginia, he raised a family, earned a Master of Science in Taxation from Southeastern University in Washington, DC, opened his own tax practice in 1986 as a licensed IRS Enrolled Agent in Arlington, VA. During the years of 1994 through 1999, he hosted a live weekly Radio-Talk Show which was listened to by the Hispanic Community throughout Washington, DC Metropolitan Area in addressing business & individual tax issues. The listening audience was invited to participate in a Q&A format and other current topics relating to the community were also discussed.
In 1999, Perez and his family relocated to the City of Milford and opened his tax practice in the Milford Shopping Center. Also, Perez with his wife, operated a Spanish-speaking radio Station under the call sign WJWL-900AM in Georgetown, DE from March 2003 through July 2010. The Hispanic communities in the Counties of Kent, Sussex, Wicomico were treated to 24/7 music, news, talk, contest, and special guest appearances from the sports, entertainment, state & local officials, Sunday pray services by local churches, while also acting as a proud sponsor of community festivals, Thanksgivings Dinners to the poor & Christmas toys for children.
Perez continues to be a member of various professional organizations in the tax and accounting practice field and has served as a board member of numerous community non-profits for the past 30 years. He is currently serving as a board member of Greater Milford Chamber of Commerce.
Perez is a proud father and grandfather to four grandchildren ages 14 to 31.
“I believe in cultivating strategic partnerships which enhances the entrepreneurial spirit of our business community and our government leaders to create a thriving,” Perez said. I am an advocate for affordable housing, educational opportunities, and a safe place to live, work and play.”
Phil Ruiz, Candidate for Ward 4 in Milford City Council race
Phillip Henry Ruiz – Ward 4
For over two decades, Phillip Henry Ruiz and his family have called Milford home and consider it a place where community and camaraderie flourish. As the proud owner of the Delaware Barber Studio, LLC, Ruiz has had the honor of not just styling and cutting hair, but also shaping lives and making lifelong friends, one conversation at a time.
His commitment to service extends beyond the barber chair. With a heart for ministry, Ruize founded and pastored Hope Community Bible Fellowship Church, serving as a beacon of home and help. The church is located next to Westside Restaurant and, for over 20 years, Ruiz has dedicated himself to uplifting those in need, guided by faith and fellowship.
Life’s simple pleasures keep Ruiz grounded, whether it is the thrill of the open road on his Harley Davidson, the tranquility of the beach or reading and researching history, these hobbies reflect the joys in his life.
“As a candidate for Milford City Council, my vision is clear; to give back to the community that has given my family so much,” Ruiz said. “Raising my children here, watching them thrive in activities from Pop Warner, High School football, wrestling to Milford Cheer, has only deepened my appreciation for our shared bonds. I stand ready to serve, to contribute and to ensure that Milford remains a place where families can flourish for generations to come.”
Michael Stewart, Candidate for Ward 3 in Milford City Council election
Michael Stewart – Ward 3
Born in Milford Memorial Hospital, Michael Stewart’s great grandparents took guardianship of him even though they were in their late 60s at the time. Stewart attended Christian Tabernacle Academy from kindergarten through graduation. After high school, he attended the University of Delaware through a parallel program at Delaware Technical and Community College.
Becoming a husband and father of twin sons before he was 20, college had to stop while he worked full-time to support his family. Today, he has remarried, and he has four children and five grandchildren between he and his wife. Stewart attends Calvary Wesleyan Church in Harrington where he can be found on Sundays in the parking lot greeting everyone as they make their way into the church. He has been employed at Miller Metal Fabrication for almost 11 years.
Stewart explained that he decided to run for city council for a very simple reason and that is to make the people in his ward see that their opinion is how a councilperson should vote.
“I’ve never had my councilperson ask my opinion on anything – ever,” Stewart said. “Most of the people I’ve talked to have never had that either. I just want the people to have that. OF course, there are other reasons, things I don’t agree with. Michael Stewart is just one vote of around 1,300 people in my ward. It’s not me voting on my opinion but voting on what the majority believes.”
Katrina Wilson, Candidate for Ward 4 in Milford City Council Race
Katrina Wilson – Ward 4
Katrina Wilson has served as a City Councilperson since 1996, making history in Milford when she was elected the first black female vice-mayor in 2006. A native Milfordian, Wilson graduated from Milford High School and attended the University of Delaware as well as Wesley College. Her Milford roots run deep, especially on the Brady side of her family, giving her a unique perspective into Ward 4.
Recently retired, Wilson worked at the Milford office of Nemours Health and Prevention Services. A mother and grandmother, Wilson is married to Darrell Wilson. Becoming a public servant was not something Wilson aspired to when she was young, but something she decided to do after being asked repeatedly by the late Sidney Coverdale. She faced a difficult election the first time, running against Doug Gibson who was the incumbent at the time. When she won, Wilson stated that Gibson, who she has known her entire life, gave her his blessing.
“I feel the need to continue to keep the community together, so we all feel as one. It’s a big challenge. I have supported growth but feel I have done so in a measured, responsible way,” Wilson said. “While I am elected by the citizens of the fourth ward, my responsibility is to the entire city. I try to keep the doors of communication open. I am a hands-on person and I enjoy working on the issues. I respect het city employees and those who are managing the city. I want to continue the work we have started to create the best Milford we can possibly create.”
Voting will take place at the Public Works Office located in 180 Vickers Drive in Milford from 10 AM until 6 PM. Only candidates who are registered to vote who live in Wards 3 and 4 may vote for Perez, Ruiz, Stewart or Wilson. To learn what ward a voter lives in, contact the City of Milford at 302-422-6616, Extension 6, or visit the city’s Ward Map page and enter an address.
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