Incumbent Kenny Alexander and challengers Tommy Leeman and Giovanni Dolmo are running for mayor of Norfolk this November.
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Kenneth Cooper Alexander
Age: 57
Job title and company: President, Metropolitan Funeral Service; Chancellor, Centura College, Aviation Institute of Maintenance and Tidewater Tech.
Highest level of education: Ph.D. in leadership and change from Antioch University.
Previous elected offices candidate has held (if any): Member, Virginia House of Delegates; member, Senate of Virginia.
Website: KennyAlexander.com
If elected, what would be your top priority to address in Norfolk?
Public safety. Enhancing community wellbeing through collaboration and proactive measures.
Economic and workforce development through: Enterprise Zone program, Commercial Corridor Program, Support for small, local, and startup businesses to promote economic growth and diversity.
Education. Investing in Norfolk’s future by: Supporting increased funding for Norfolk Public Schools, Expanding career and technical education, job training and workforce development, Addressing and adapting to the changes in the way we live, work and learn.
Rising sea level and resilience. Designing a coastal community of the future, Collaborating with our state, federal and regional partners.
Rents continue going up, and a large chunk of Norfolk residents can no longer afford to live in the city. The city is facing a shortage of 6,800 rental units for households making less than $35,000 a year, according to a recent study. How should the city address the affordable housing crisis?
Housing priorities: Create more homeownership opportunities, ensuring housing options are inclusive, affordable and accessible to all segments of the population. Build accessible housing through: Grants/financial aid for retrofitting homes. Tax credits/incentives for builders and homeowners.
Preserve existing housing stock. Revisit development patterns of some of the city’s oldest neighborhoods with a variety of housing options — duplexes, fourplexes, cottage courts — interspersed with single-family homes. This varied housing stock, termed “missing middle,” can: Meet the growing demand for walkable, urban living, Respond to household demographics, Address the need for more housing choices at different price points.
Several city-backed developments, like Military Circle and the casino, have stalled or moved back in progress. How would you get these projects back on track or ensure other projects do not fall by the wayside?
Military Circle Mall: A vibrant hub of sports facilities/retail/diverse residences/modern offices. Key highlights: $500 million investment, 963,000 square feet, Market analysis by Economic Development Authority and Gensler architects, Developer interest in health/wellness complexes and sports tourism.
Casino. The Norfolk casino gaming measure approved November 2020, requires a gaming license by November 2025. Plans expected by summer’s end. Project highlights: $500 million casino private investment, $185 million annual revenue, $50 million in taxes, 2,000 construction/2,500 permanent jobs.
To ensure economic projects are the best use of city’s land, and stay on track: Conduct assessments/analyses, Develop a strategy, Foster partnerships, Set timelines, Engage the community, Monitor performance, Encourage innovation.
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Giovanni Dolmo
Age: 41
Job title and company: Home preacher
Highest level of education: Bachelor’s degree in technology management, Excelsior College
Military service (if any): U.S. Navy
Candidate’s website: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092264627269
If elected, what would be your top priority to address in Norfolk?
I will focus on addressing the challenges of crime, flooding and inadequate education within the city of Norfolk, Virginia, to work towards effective solutions and improvements in these areas.
Rents continue going up, and a large chunk of Norfolk residents can no longer afford to live in the city. The city is facing a shortage of 6,800 rental units for households making less than $35,000 a year, according to a recent study. How should the city address the affordable housing crisis?
The city should equip residents with the skills and knowledge necessary to secure better-paying jobs and provide assistance where possible to help them afford housing.
Several city-backed developments, like Military Circle and the casino, have stalled or moved back in progress. How would you get these projects back on track or ensure other projects do not fall by the wayside?
As mayor, I will ensure that all projects are completed in a timely manner. If current contractors are unable to meet deadlines, new contractors who can deliver results on schedule will be hired. It is time for Norfolk to implement effective practices to achieve real, positive outcomes.
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Thomas P. “Tommy” Leeman, Jr.
Age: 51
Job title and company: Personal Wealth Manager, Steward Partners
Highest level of education: Accredited Asset Management Specialist, College for Financial Planning
Website: tommyleeman4mayor.com
If elected, what would be your top priority to address in Norfolk?
When leaders don’t listen, our city loses. Without consistent direction and management, our city stalls. Without a strong vision and plan, our city lags behind. We need a mayor who takes responsibility. We need a mayor who puts the needs of Norfolk above a need for career advancement. My top priority is to be accessible and accountable to the people of Norfolk. I will strive to unite the City Council, School Board, and Norfolk Delegates so we speak with one voice and to work towards one goal, to make Norfolk the gem among the seven cities; a city people move to and are proud to call home. I will be that mayor.
Rents continue going up, and a large chunk of Norfolk residents can no longer afford to live in the city. The city is facing a shortage of 6,800 rental units for households making less than $35,000 a year, according to a recent study. How should the city address the affordable housing crisis?
This is a concern that is necessary for all of our elected officials to work on and is critical for Norfolk’s future. I believe affordable housing is essential. Sen. Mark Warner was absolutely spot on regarding his legislative goals pertaining to this. In addition to what he said, I would add that we seriously consider looking into tax incentives for public safety, public school and public works employees. When you live in the city where you work, you just care more. Everyone who works in Norfolk deserves the opportunity to live in Norfolk.
Several city-backed developments, like Military Circle and the casino, have stalled or moved back in progress. How would you get these projects back on track or ensure other projects do not fall by the wayside?
Norfolk Economic Development has publicly admitted that the current mayor’s plans have no proposals or bids; they’re just pictures, and City Council knows this. Norfolk’s business decisions remain unprofessional and uninformed, despite downtown being home to the Chamber of Commerce, Retail Alliance, Black Brand business association and Downtown Norfolk Council. Big projects are needed but not at the expense of small businesses and economic development within the neighborhoods. We cannot ignore or hamstring our business owners and expect them to grow our economy. We should harness the power of our entrepreneurs and creatives to find new solutions to these derailed developments and implement these plans with care and precision.
