Three Portsmouth City Council seats are up for election. Eleven candidates are running for the seats, so the three candidates with the most votes will win election.
Candidates are Sharon Anderson, De’Andre Barnes, Kathryn “Kitty” Bryant, William Smith “Bill” Dodson Jr., Malinda Johnson, Bruce LaLonde, Mia Phillips, Davy Smith III, Yolanda “Edmonds” Thomas, Kelvin Turner and Mark Whitaker.
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Sharon D. Anderson
Age: 64
Job title/company: Retired special education educator of 22 years
Highest level of education: Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice Administration, Strayer University (2025)
Website: www.facebook.com/p/Sharon-D-Anderson-for-Portsmouth-City-Council-100082687868350/
If elected, how do you plan to address gun violence across the city? I share the concerns of the community regarding crime. I regularly inform myself by attending the Chief of Police quarterly forums. Having graduated from the Portsmouth Police Citizens Academy, I am invested in making our Crime Commission succeed and collaborating with sister cities in anti-crime initiatives.
If elected, what actions would you take to increase economic development and lower tax burdens on residents in Portsmouth? I will work … on reducing crime in our city in order to attract large businesses to assist with bringing revenue allowing a reduction on the tax burden for our our residents.
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? There is a level of dysfunction in council’s decision-making which has led to millions of dollars in severance payouts. When elected, I will bring integrity, civility, and direction to City Council by working together with my colleagues, and thereby change the climate to one of productivity.
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De’Andre Barnes
Age: 38
Job title/company: Business owner, DAB Apparel & Web design
Highest level of education: Master’s of Arts in Urban Affairs, Norfolk State University.
Previous elected offices held (if any): Portsmouth School Board (2018-2020), City Council member (since 2021)
Website: https://www.facebook.com/deandrebarnesvicemayor/
If elected, how do you plan to address gun violence across the city? When elected on Nov 5, I will continue to address gun violence by dealing with the root issues. When crime happens, when someone goes to jail, or when gun violence happens, the issue didn’t start that day. It started when they were able to choose that lifestyle. We must stop people from choosing that lifestyle. You do that by making sure that your school system has all the resources they ask for. That starts with fully funding education. I voted to fully fund education for the first time in history in 2021 and have voted to do it all four years on City Council. This includes this year, in which the school system asked for $15 million. The salaries of teachers and staff have gone up by over 14%. Also, you must deal with the economics of it, and by giving your kids positive things to do.
If elected, what actions would you take to increase economic development and lower tax burdens on residents in Portsmouth? When elected, I would work with the Economic Development Authority on advertising and recruitment. As a city, we need to think out of the box. Places like Times Square in New York or Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles have millions of United States citizens who frequent them monthly. Why not purchase billboards there to advertise and recruit businesses to Portsmouth? Smart businesses and living wage jobs are how you lower tax burdens on residents. While being on council, I have advocated against storage facilities and car washes, including getting an ordinance passed stopping the approval of car washes without council approval. We can’t afford to continue to allow businesses that don’t provide living wage jobs because it does not help lower taxes for our residents.
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? If you ever fought for an issue, you know that you must fight. The perception that City Council is dysfunctional is media-driven and unwarranted. The perceived dysfunction has gotten our public school system fully funded for the first time in history in 2021, and every year after. The perceived dysfunction has gotten us $25 million investments in public safety. This has never been done in the city of Portsmouth. The perceived dysfunction has gotten over 130 kids in Portsmouth summer jobs, giving them the work experience and work ethic that will get them good jobs in the future. Moreover, it has got over 400 kids free summer camp — that will help keep money in their pockets, allowing them to do more for their families. If this is dysfunction, I am perfectly OK with continuing it.
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Kathryn “Kitty” Bryant
Age: 43
Job title/company: Director of Children and Family Ministry, Trinity Episcopal Church
Highest level of education: Master’s in Secondary Education with licensure, Old Dominion University
Website: KittyforCouncil.com
If elected, how do you plan to address gun violence across the city? As a mother of three school-aged children, all attending Portsmouth Public Schools, tackling crime is one of my top priorities. Our citizens deserve to feel safe. I plan to address crime collaboratively by supporting our police department’s proactive efforts to engage community leaders in reducing crime, and by supporting the city’s new Crime Commission. I will also bring a new perspective to council by representing women and families. Women think about their personal safety differently — we think about it constantly, and often while caring for children. Our city’s lack of diverse representation on council is halting our efforts to really impact crime. I look forward to sharing a new perspective when building solutions to make our city a safe place to raise a family.
If elected, what actions would you take to increase economic development and lower tax burdens on residents in Portsmouth? The city of Portsmouth is poised for a renaissance. Our beautiful waterfront is ready for redevelopment. We also have planned an Innovation District that will drive business and activity to an area of our city that has been underutilized for decades. By building business, entertainment, and residences downtown, and linking this to our Innovation District, we can create new and sustainable sources of revenue for Portsmouth. This growth will help us lower tax burdens on residents. Our city’s economic development team is doing great work to attract new businesses large and small. Now it’s time to elect leaders who will work collaboratively and pragmatically to make the best decisions for Portsmouth. Citizens deserve leaders who are prepared and professional in planning for our city’s future.
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? There is absolutely a perception that our City Council is dysfunctional, and voters across the city are tired of this unprofessional leadership. It doesn’t represent us or our values as Portsmouth residents. Our city is full of thoughtful and hard-working folks who have a deep love for Portsmouth and know its incredible potential. It’s time for our leaders to engage, listen, collaborate, and support meaningful dialogue that will benefit our city and all its people. With a professional background in communication and education, I understand the importance of building relationships by meeting people face-to-face, communicating clearly, and listening. Our elected leaders have a responsibility to represent all of our city, and I look forward to taking on this role when elected.
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William S. “Bill” Dodson Jr.
Age: 66
Job title/company: Endodontist, 757 Endodontics; Master distillery owner, 8 Shires Coloniale Distillery.
Highest level of education: Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry, University of Florida
Website: DodsonforPortsmouth.com, Facebook is Dodsonforportsmouth
If elected, how do you plan to address gun violence across the city? All violence needs to be addressed, gun violence is only a small part. Stepwise: 1. Fully staff Police and Sheriff. 2. Facilitate buy-in by Commonwealth’s Attorney. If unattainable, facilitate election of new CA. 3. Immediate task force with multiple department buy-in, with two-tier mandate. Immediate actions, long term solutions. Crime has blossomed due to many years of neglect. Conversation needs to happen each and every council meeting.
If elected, what actions would you take to increase economic development and lower tax burdens on residents in Portsmouth? City health is built on a balance of business and residential. Businesses create more revenue than is consumed, while residences consume more than is generated. Additionally, our residential values are not returning the investment values of surrounding areas, leaving retirees and investors with the short end of the stick. Immediate expansion of support businesses for our dominant blue economy, and equal diversification (for economic stability) are needed. Economic expansion is the best method if tax reduction. Reducing crime, admitting and addressing education failures, and reducing permit and tax hurdles, will start the economic recovery.
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? Perception? No. It is reality. We lack a vision. Visions are supported by goals, and goals are supported by measurable action items, action items are supported by actions. In the last four years I have attended more than a majority of council meetings. None of the above have been formulated or addressed with city managers. It is imperative that a philosophy of measurement that addresses performance and accountability be established by the city manager, and demanded by City Council. Only a minority of the existing council has expressed commitment to these foundational principles.
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Malinda Johnson
Age: 52
Job title/company: Owner, AngelFit
Highest level of education: Bachelor’s of Arts, Psychology, Norfolk State University
Military service (if any): U.S. Marine Corps (13 years); U.S. Army (13 years)
If elected, how do you plan to address gun violence across the city? I plan to work closely with the social service organizations, educational establishments and local outreach organizations to foster citizen engagement by initiating gun buybacks, finding ways to provide free gun locks and encourage civic groups to promote community watch activities to help alleviate the stress on the limited police officials.
If elected, what actions would you take to increase economic development and lower tax burdens on residents in Portsmouth? I will continue my outreach with local small businesses and encourage vendors that participate in our local weekly farmers market to establish their businesses in a brick and mortar establishment. Also, I will vote with the council to promote our city as a venue for new retail organizations.
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 believe that the public in general does have a perception that the decision-making is dysfunctional currently. When elected I will use my professional training as a mediator and litigator to solicit cooperation from all members of City Council by encouraging each member to keep an open mind and be respectful of others opinions.
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Bruce Gary LaLonde
Age: 71
Job title/company: None
Highest level of education: Master’s of Business Administration in Marketing, The Ohio State University; Master’s of Science in Information Systems, George Washington University; Master’s of Science in National Resource Strategy, National Defense University.
Military service (if any): Captain (Retired), U.S. Navy (Finance/Logistics)
If elected, how do you plan to address gun violence across the city? First, take back the neighborhoods by having regular proactive walks and meetings with residents, appropriate community leaders, clergy and public safety officials before there is an incident in the neighborhood to create/build a safe living environment. I would help lead these walks monthly. With crime statistics info in hand-focus on-site proactive efforts during the “time” crime occurred. Second, leverage more technology (cameras/license plate readers) to overcome the shortage of police officers. Third, educate/encourage adults to lock up their guns and keep them out of sight. Fourth, collaborate with the City Council, City Manager.
If elected, what actions would you take to increase economic development and lower tax burdens on residents in Portsmouth? With the creation of the Innovation District, the Entertainment District and the move of the jail from the waterfront, Portsmouth is poised for increased economic growth. Marketing of our educated workforce (Career, Technical and Education programs, strong STEM curriculum) coupled with business-friendly short-term incentives, Portsmouth will validate our positive focus. More commercial revenues will naturally lower the resident real estate tax burden. By aggressively marketing throughout the region of the diversity of events in Portsmouth (Rivers Casino, First Fridays, Sunset Thursdays, Umoja Festival, Flea/Farmers Market, Downtown Pavilion, Children’s Museum, etc.) that we offer visitors, it will help businesses have venues/opportunities to attract customers.
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? In my opinion, Portsmouth citizens are rightfully concerned about the ability of the present City Council to work together. A change in leadership is needed. Having been a successful and decorated Naval Officer (Captain), Chairman of the Board of the Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority, President of Safety Town, President of the Portsmouth Chapter of the Military Officer’s Assn., Board member of StarBase Victory/Portsmouth Schools Foundation/Bon Secours Hampton Roads, recognized as Commonwealth of Virginia Mentor of the Year and active member of several civic leagues, I am proactive in meeting those who I serve or represent. I will continue to earn the respect of all who live, work or visit my amazing city. This is my lifelong city. I will be available and listening
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Mia Phillips
Age: 48
Job title/company: President, Phillips Construction
Highest level of education: Bachelor’s of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, Old Dominion University
Website: anewportsmouth.com
If elected, how do you plan to address gun violence across the city? Addressing gun violence requires a comprehensive approach involving economic development, community outreach, and community policing. Economic development attracts businesses, creating job opportunities that reduce the likelihood of individuals engaging in violence. Stable careers make it less likely for conflicts to escalate. Community outreach, like the Portsmouth Reset Walks, connects with residents eager to end violence and encourages their involvement in creating a safer community. Community policing builds trust between law enforcement and the community, especially among youth, making it easier to address potential issues before they lead to violence. Together, these strategies foster a safer, more connected community.
If elected, what actions would you take to increase economic development and lower tax burdens on residents in Portsmouth?
To improve economic development, I would build on my progress with the Board of Zoning Appeals, where I’ve advocated for approving new housing in disadvantaged neighborhoods. More homes mean more families, boosting our economy by supporting local businesses. Next, I’d reach out to businesses in other cities, promoting Portsmouth’s advantages, like our underutilized waterfront and a 10-year tax incentive for property owners, which isn’t well advertised. I’d also shift billboards from showing wanted fugitives to promoting local businesses. By increasing business development and approving new construction, we can broaden the tax base, generate more revenue, and reduce the financial burden on residents, creating a balanced and sustainable financial environment in Portsmouth.
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 City Council has a reputation for dysfunction, often hiring City Managers who leave with hefty severance packages, like winning a lottery ticket. Despite having a successful casino, the surrounding areas remain neglected, with tall grass and unmaintained spaces. To improve the relationship between city leadership and residents, I would focus on truly listening to concerns, promptly returning calls, and ensuring issues are resolved by the appropriate departments, as should other council members. Citizens often report problems without hearing back, leading to frustration. As a council member, I would engage with residents after council meetings, follow up on their concerns, and ensure consistent communication so that citizens feel heard and their issues are addressed.
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Davy Smith III
Age: 45
Job title/company: CEO, Relentless 9 (online clothing store)
Highest level of education: Bachelor’s of Social Work, Norfolk State University
Website: pxl.to/davyforportsmouth
If elected, how do you plan to address gun violence across the city? According to the Virginia Department of Health, the majority of gun-related victims are young (age 15-35), Black, and socio-economically disadvantaged males. Therefore, if elected, I would develop programs and initiatives targeting this demographic in four areas: education, leadership development, workforce development, and recreation. I would ensure our youth are exposed to careers, college, and entrepreneurship opportunities through education. I would host and sponsor symposiums focused on leadership development, and encourage enhancements of healthy relationships with both law enforcement and community leaders. I would facilitate relationships between Portsmouth Public Schools, trade unions, and entrepreneurs to encourage alternate pathways to employment. Lastly, as a Portsmouth City Council member, I would push to modernize and expand our local recreation facilities and encourage more league sports for youth and young adults.
If elected, what actions would you take to increase economic development and lower tax burdens on residents in Portsmouth? To increase economic development and lower tax burdens on the residents of Portsmouth, I would work toward reducing real estate property taxes and increasing employment opportunities by attracting more industries. This will help alleviate the burden currently on the residents through the generation of more business tax revenue for 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? Based on my conversations with voters, the public’s perception is not a good one. According to voters, the current City Council seems to be unproductive as a board and individual members seem to be motivated by self-interest. Public sentiment is that politics come before the best interest of the people. If elected, I would continue to make myself accessible to the residents by engaging in community events, visiting small businesses, engaging on social media, hosting community engagement opportunities (round tables, walks, etc.), and visiting schools and places of worship throughout the city.
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Yolanda C. “Edmonds” Thomas
Age: 42
Job title/company: Senior Project Manager, Cybersecurity for global telecommunications company (Company name not disclosed due to company policy and potential targeting threat.)
Highest level of education: Bachelor’s of Science in Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia.
Previous elected offices held (if any): Portsmouth School Board (2020-Present)
Website: www.yolandaethomas.com
If elected, how do you plan to address gun violence across the city? Tackling gun violence involves addressing underlying issues such as poverty, education, and socioeconomic stressors. My five-point plan allocates resources to high crime/high need areas, provides safe spaces for our community and children, fosters community responsibility and pride, and supports police and first responders. The plan includes: (1) Establishing community precincts and social service outreach centers in high-crime/high-need areas. (2) Upgrading existing recreation centers and constructing a new Aquatic Center. (3) Revitalizing neglected neighborhoods and minimizing low visibility zones. (4) Building neighborhood pride and strengthening ties with civic leagues. (5) Investing in initiatives to attract and retain police and first responders.
If elected, what actions would you take to increase economic development and lower tax burdens on residents in Portsmouth? Portsmouth’s economic development demands creativity, given that 42% of the city’s land is non-taxable or federally and state-owned. If elected, my support would go toward developing Portsmouth’s waterfront, transforming it into a hub for recreation and entertainment that honors the historic character of Old Towne. Additionally, I propose bolstering our support and collaboration with existing business owners to ensure their businesses thrive in Portsmouth.
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 seems to be a public perception that the City Council’s decision-making process is dysfunctional due to the dismissal of key figures, including several city managers in recent years. My approach to improve the city leadership’s relationship with the community involves transparent decision-making and attentively hearing the citizens’ voices. As a serving school board member, I actively listen to parents, staff, and teachers, while honoring the executive leadership’s role in realizing our board’s vision. If I am elected to the City Council, I pledge to engage with citizens, civic groups, and grassroots organizations to ensure that my votes and actions consistently reflect the best interests of Portsmouth’s residents.
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Kelvin E. Turner
Age: 64
Job title/company: Senior Pastor, Zion Baptist Church
Highest level of education: Doctor of Ministry, Wesley Theological Seminary.
Website: www.kelvinturnerforportsmouth.com
If elected, how do you plan to address gun violence across the city? In addressing gun violence, I will work collaboratively with members of council, community stakeholders, community organizations and respective policing agencies to develop and implement comprehensive strategies to reduce gun violence. Such strategies must engage community policing best practices, invest in year-round youth programming, include witness protection services, and improve resources for mental health services.
If elected, what actions would you take to increase economic development and lower tax burdens on residents in Portsmouth? Increasing economic development and lowering tax burdens is the primary platform of my campaign. I will focus on supporting existing business, attracting new businesses and creating new job opportunities. The end result will be a more robust economy, less taxation of the citizens and a reimaging of Portsmouth as a great place to live.
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? As a member of council, I look forward to reversing our longstanding history of dysfunction by building consensus, and working collaboratively through a culture of respect, transparency, and cooperation. Through active listening, and engaging in open and honest dialogue, I, along with other council members, will work in cooperation for the betterment of a unified community. Additionally, we can demonstrate effective leadership by being responsive to the community’s concerns and involving them in the decision-making process.
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Mark M. Whitaker
Age: 59
Candidate’s job title/company: Pastor, New Bethel Baptist Church; Former tenured associate professor, Hampton University
Highest level of education: Juris Doctor (Law Degree), The Ohio State University.
Previous elected office: Portsmouth School Board (2002-2014), Portsmouth City Council (2015-2018, 2021-present).
Website: www.markwhitaker4citycouncil.com
If elected, how do you plan to address gun violence across the city? Gun violence is a multifaceted issue involving access to guns, economic policies, poverty, and mental health. As a council member, I am limited in addressing access to guns due to federal laws and the U.S. Constitution as interpreted by the current justices on the U.S. Supreme Court. Research supports gun violence is concentrated in “poor, segregated, and disinvested neighborhoods with few economic opportunities.” I have advocated for addressing poverty by voting to fully fund our schools, voting to create job opportunities through career and technical education certifications, and voting for minority contracting policies. Also, gun violence must be addressed from a public health and public safety perspective. I will continue to vote to fund community violence intervention programs.
If elected, what actions would you take to increase economic development and lower tax burdens on residents in Portsmouth? One of the main constraints in increasing economic development is barriers to entry. From serving as an elected member of Portsmouth Public Schools Board to my present elected position on the Portsmouth City Council, I have consistently challenged the issue of equity in economic development as a means of increasing opportunities. This is evident by my unwavering support for minority contracting policies that contain auditing and penalty language. Furthermore, I have been consistent in advocating for open-bidding processes. As for lowering tax burdens, I believe that when we frivolously give tax cuts to the rich and fail to tax properties as required by law, this places a greater tax burden on citizens. Therefore, I will continue to advocate for equitable taxing practices.
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 am not aware of any scientific data concluding “a public perception that City Council is dysfunctional in decision-making.” During my tenure, the Portsmouth City Council:
1. fully funded the budget request of the Portsmouth Public Schools Board;
2. supported the creation of the Portsmouth Advanced Career Education program;
3. passed a fiscally responsible budget;
4. maintained excellent bond ratings;
5. received audited financial statements for each fiscal year;
6. enacted required ordinances and resolutions;
7. approved funding to qualified residents through the American Rescue Plan Act;
8. expanded youth resources;
9. addressed fair economic development; and
10. reasonably addressed the concerns of citizens.
If re-elected, I will remain a conscious servant-leader.
