ELECTION 2011: Mayor Butler - Reluctant Politician, Resilient Public Servant

When many of us look for a prototype of a successful black politician we usually see someone who is very articulate, charismatic, media friendly, engaging, bombastic, and braggadocious. They love the camera, travel in a posse, and rule with an iron fist.

And then there’s Mayor Wendell N. Butler, Jr., the reluctant politician.

He’s a man of few words, shy, shuns the media, and deflects all attention from himself to give others credit where credit is due.

To some, these qualities give off the impression that Mayor Butler isn’t as engaged in the office of Mayor as he should be. Some people think that he’s too old and tired to keep going. Others think that he should be going around hollering and screaming about the issues that face Chester.

Personally, I’ve been frustrated by Mayor Butler because as a quasi-journalist, I never felt that he used me or my publications enough to communicate to his constituents. At times I took it personal, but after watching how he operates and finally sitting down to talk to him and the people who are close to him, I’ve learned that, right or wrong, it’s just not his style.

The brilliance of Mayor Butler lies in the team of administrators he has lined up that advises him and does much of the heavy lifting for the city behind closed doors. These are not the people you see on the campaign posters but they are a group of committed professionals who has the city’s best interest at heart.

I often tease by saying that Mayor Butler doesn’t cut the deals but he cuts the ribbons. 

Some see fault in that but I’ve come to learn that there will never be a single candidate representing Chester who can accomplish what a team of assembled economic development and urban planners can accomplish in committee.

As a former policeman, Mayor Butler still operates under the premise of serving people. He attends more banquets, funerals, and hospital beds than most pastors combined. He answers his own phone to field complaints from residents. He’s visibly shaken when there is a violent crime in the city and has become the face of anti-violence initiatives to try to stem gun crimes. 

When he see’s a familiar face, he gives a big smile, firm handshake and friendly embrace. 

People often criticize his style, but he’s resilient in how he prefers to conduct his business as Mayor. 

And as the city’s leader, new companies coming to town are not intimated or offended by his presence. He makes them feel welcome and comfortable, and not bullied or shaken down.

Although we all know that there is still a lot to be achieved to make Chester the place we know it can become, no one can say that Mayor Butler has done anything wrong in our city’s quest to move forward.

If you are looking for a Mayor that will be in front of the cameras on the evening news every night, Mayor Butler isn’t your guy.

But he is the guy that will freely give away a couple comp tickets to a Philadelphia Union game while interrupting his campaigning to show up at the Tri-State Mall for a CD signing of a local Chester talent. 

If you are looking for a Mayor who gets things done through others, he has proven to be that guy.

Minister Farrakhan was recently quoted in the Final Call saying, “When you get power, use it for your people.” As the consummate public servant, that is what Mayor Butler is all about.