Three candidates are running in Portmouth’s mayoral race: Harold S. Carothers III, Shannon E. Glover and Lisa L. Lucas-Burke.
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Harold Sidney Carothers III
Age: 39
Occupation/job title: Field Technician, Aclara Smart Grid Solutions and Quench Water USA
Highest level of education: Associate’s of Applied Science Computer Electronics Engineering Technology, ITT Technical Institute Norfolk
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082134859732&mibextid=ZbWKwL
If elected, how do you plan to address gun violence across the city? I want to hire more officers and give them everything they need to do their job, also support them so they can do their job. I want to unite the officers with the fathers, mothers and teens in the community, so each side will feel comfortable and safe with each other and develop a trusting friendship.
If elected, what actions would you take to increase economic development and lower tax burdens on residents in Portsmouth? First, we have to address the safety in the communities because it’s hard to develop and invite investors in a community that has high insurance rates due to high crime and no officers to protect their property. I also want to get the tolls eliminated because that’s a major burden in Portsmouth for the residents who work outside the city. Also I would like to lower the taxes and focus on fixing the roads and taking care of the city property so people can feel good about the money they have spent in taxes to the city.
Do you believe there is a public perception that City Council is dysfunctional in its decision-making? If elected, how would you work to improve city leadership’s relationship with residents? The council has been very dysfunctional and their decisions have indeed destroyed the public view on the city nationwide. To fix this, I plan on being completely honest with the people and all the workers in the city and thank them all for not giving up on this city. Truth is, this city would be nothing without these beautiful people who wake up and come to work to help keep this city thriving. I would thank the officers, firefighters and paramedics for staying through the embarrassment and humiliation they had to go through and still go through on a daily basis. Even though they don’t get the love and support they deserve, they still do it. Then apologize to the residents and actually listen to them and care about the issues they bring instead of rushing them and leaving them on hold.
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Shannon Elish Glover
Age: 58
Occupation/job title: Owner/President, Commonwealth Employee Benefit Solutions Incorporated
Highest level of education: Bachelor’s of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, Norfolk State University
Previous elected offices held (if any): Portsmouth City Council (2018-2020), Mayor (2021-present)
Military service (if any): U.S. Navy (1988-1994), Hospital Corpsman (Honorable Discharge)
Website: www.shannoneglover.com
If elected, how do you plan to address gun violence across the city? I plan to address gun violence and violence in general with a comprehensive strategy that involves all stakeholders as a part of the solution. Currently, our Portsmouth United program is an evidenced-based approach that focuses on ways to prevent violence before it happens. The goal is to bring together law enforcement, creditable messengers, clergy education, civic, business and grassroots organizations that will share information and best practices that will have an impact on reducing gun violence in our community.
If elected, what actions would you take to increase economic development and lower tax burdens on residents in Portsmouth? One of my strategies will be to continue to attract and retain businesses that support our blue economy. Targeted industries are maritime, distribution and logistics, offshore wind unmanned systems, advanced manufacturing, small business and startups, and residential development. Additionally, I will continue to support the growth and development of women- and minority-owned small businesses with programs by our economic development team.
The new revenue that is produced from all of these efforts will enable the city to commit to further providing tax relief to our citizens. One good example is some of the new revenue from Rivers Casino Portsmouth was used to provide real estate tax relief to our citizens for fiscal year 2025.
Do you believe there is a public perception that City Council is dysfunctional in its decision-making? If elected, how would you work to improve city leadership’s relationship with residents? Yes. There is public perception that our City Council is dysfunctional. One of the ways to improve is to elect leaders that are accountable and serve the best interests of all the citizens, not individual interests. We are elected to move our city forward by creating the best place to live, work, play and raise a family. I will work with my colleagues to be more inclusive and transparent in governing by holding quarterly council updates at community locations. I care deeply about our city and the citizens that have put their trust in me and my ability to lead Portsmouth to a brighter future for all.
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Lisa L. Lucas-Burke
Age: 60
Occupation/job title: Executive Director, Lucas Lodge, LLC
Highest level of education: Bachelor’s of Science in Electronics Engineering, Norfolk State University; Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Norfolk State University
Previous elected offices held (if any): Portsmouth City Council (2016-present); Vice Mayor (2018-2020, 2022-present)
Website: LisaLucasBurke.com
If elected, how do you plan to address gun violence across the city? If elected Mayor, I would work collaboratively with our Portsmouth Police Department to support Portsmouth United/Cities United and other robust violence interrupter programs that address gun violence. I would also support efforts put in place by our current council to ensure that the Crime Commission, a local community board of citizens interested in helping to find solutions to mitigate gun violence and other crimes that routinely occur in our city. I would also work to create better working partnerships with our Commonwealth Attorney’s Office to use resources granted to them by the Attorney General’s office and their Cease Fire Program being rolled out across the Commonwealth of Virginia.
If elected, what actions would you take to increase economic development and lower tax burdens on residents in Portsmouth? If elected, I would work collaboratively with the members of Portsmouth City Council to seek a developer who is keenly interested in building our city into a revenue-generating entity that will attract citizens and visitors. I would additionally seek businesses interested in investing their time and talent in Portsmouth. Our prime waterfront property along our seawall is in desperate need of revitalization. By interactions with stakeholders and developers who understand the need for affordable housing and diverse business activity that allows our city to grow, I know that this will be the impetus to moving our city forward in a positive direction, which will ultimately help to reduce the tax burden on residents in our city.
Do you believe there is a public perception that City Council is dysfunctional in its decision-making? If elected, how would you work to improve city leadership’s relationship with residents? I wholeheartedly agree that the public perception is that our City Council is dysfunctional in its decision-making. If elected, I would work collaboratively with all members of council to be a consensus builder, who would listen to the ideas and concerns of council members as well as citizens, for better decisions that impact all of our lives. I believe in the concept of One Council, One Vote, and through regular communications and team building opportunities, we would be able to present decisions to the public in a more consensual manner. Once citizens see a more professional team, I am certain that the city leadership’s relationship with residents would also improve. I am a servant leader who can work with people across platforms and that will be an essential skill for our next Mayor.
