Williams keeps stumbling in mayoral campaign

Perhaps it’s because he is a first-time political candidate, but Sam Williams keeps stumbling in his Wichita mayoral campaign.

First he wrongly suggested in campaign materials that he currently is a certified public accountant. He hasn’t held a CPA license since 1990, and that was in another state.

Then last week, after refusing during the primary campaign to say whether he supported the recent sales tax initiative, Williams finally said that he voted against the sales tax. What took him so long?

But now two leading businessmen say Williams told them in November that he supported the initiative. Williams denies that. But in another bad move, he responded by questioning the motives and integrity of the businessmen and his mayoral opponent, Wichita City Council member Jeff Longwell.

“There are a group of people in this community who have profited to a great extent by decisions that are made by the city councilman I’m running against for mayor,” Williams said.

Williams has impressive experience. He was a longtime chief financial officer and has chaired the boards of several civic and nonprofit groups.

This background and Williams’ fresh perspective could make him an effective mayor. But his campaign missteps are raising doubts and concerns.

For the editorial board, Phillip Brownlee

This story was originally published March 12, 2015 at 7:06 PM with the headline "Williams keeps stumbling in mayoral campaign."