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Two blocks from the wood-paneled office where Sharpe James ran New Jersey's largest city for 20 years, the former mayor made a stealthy exit through a back door of the federal courthouse here on Wednesday after a jury found him guilty of fraud for conspiring to sell city-owned properties to a former companion at a fraction of their value. For Mr. James, 72, who had built a formidable political machine before his tawdry fall, it was a day of mixed images. After listening stone-faced to the verdict, he kissed his wife of five decades on the cheek as his former companion, Tamika Riley, 39, trailed a few steps behind. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article discusses the concerns of Newark, New Jersey residents after the retirement announcement of long-time Mayor Sharpe James. Leading contenders in the race for mayor are former council member Cory Booker and State Senator Ronald L. Rice. Rice assured Newark residents that he would not remove jobs that James had created for them, while Booker stated that his administration would offer work based on professionalism and not political relationships.

The article reports that Newark, New Jersey, Mayor Sharpe James will not campaign for a sixth term in office. James is credited with overseeing a revival of the urban downtown area of Newark. The mayoral race is now between Cory Booker, a former member of the Municipal Council, and State Senator Ronald L. Rice.