Representative DiPinto's New Job
Mayor Baker Appoints State Representative Joseph G. DiPinto as Director of the Wilmington Office of Economic Development
Retiring State Lawmaker and Former City Council Member Will Begin His New City Duties In August
Wilmington Mayor James M. Baker today announced the appointment of State Representative Joseph G. DiPinto as Director of the City’s Office of Economic Development. Mayor Baker said DiPinto, who has announced he will retire in November after serving Wilmington’s 4th Representative District for the past 19 years in the Delaware General Assembly, will begin his new duties with the City in August. Representative DiPinto is also a former Member of Wilmington City Council and a former scientist with the DuPont Company.
The City’s Office of Economic Development sits within the Mayor’s Office in City government and is responsible for guiding the Administration’s business and job development efforts and advising the Mayor on the expansion of the City’s business base.
“One of Wilmington’s most distinguished citizens and one of Delaware’s most honorable public servants will now have a primary role in our ongoing efforts to develop a new Wilmington from the old,” said Mayor Baker today. “I could not be more thrilled and appreciative that Joe has agreed to lead Wilmington’s economic development efforts and utilize his many years of skill, wisdom, and accomplishments directly to making Wilmington a more vibrant and productive City,” the Mayor continued. “This is a wonderful day for Wilmington and for everyone who is hopeful about the City’s future prosperity.”
“Jim Baker and I have been good friends for many years and were bi-partisan co-sponsors on City Council of some important legislation, such as waterfront zoning and development, establishing the Design Review Commission for neighborhood development, and establishing the Wilmington Arts Commission,” Representative DiPinto said today. “Mayor Baker knows that when I left City government in the late 1980’s for State service, it was because I thought I could best assist the City through a role in the General Assembly, and that assessment turned out to be correct,” DiPinto continued. “Now, with the recent resurgence in residential and business growth in the City, coupled with the annual financial support the City is receiving from the General Assembly and Governor, the City can begin to control its own destiny. I am honored and excited to return to City service and to work with the Mayor and Council to help guide the City’s future.”
Mayor Baker’s Chief of Staff William S. Montgomery worked with Representative DiPinto for many years in Montgomery’s former role as head of Legislative Council in Dover and initiated the recent discussions with the State Representative about returning to City service.
“Joe brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to one of the most important positions in City government,” said Montgomery. “He also brings his considerable skill at negotiation and consensus building which will serve the City well. We are extremely fortunate to have Joe join this Administration.”
Representative DiPinto will earn $92,841annually as Wilmington’s new Economic Development Director.
He replaces Richard V. Pryor who had served as Economic Development Director for Mayor Baker’s Administration until Pryor’s retirement in March of this year.
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This is a good thing. He'll still be able to help the City of Wilmington which has been his passion for years.Wilmington just got a great public servant.