Simms declares bid for mayor

A retired reverend and lifelong city resident announced his bid for mayor today, becoming the first Democratic challenger for incumbent Mayor Ellen O. Moyer in the fall primary election.

The Rev. Charles Simms, a 67-year-old Eastport resident, said he plans to run a "bare-bones" campaign against Ms. Moyer, the heavily favored frontrunner.

"I'm just giving it a shot," he said. "I know Ellen has gobs of money. But she should not be unchallenged."

The Rev. Simms said he decided to make his first run for public office because the Moyer administration's economic and real estate policies have done little to enhance the...