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Superward 6

Jeremy Mason

Age: 40

Job title and company: Attorney, Mason Legal

Highest level of education: Juris doctorate, Southern University Law Center

Website: masonforward6.com

If elected, what would be your top priority to address in Norfolk?

If elected I would work to grow Norfolk through responsible community development by building a stronger community, enhancing our local economy and creating a safe and secure environment.

Invest in housing: Focus on military, workforce and student housing to ensure accessible living options to help stimulate Norfolk’s economy.

Strengthen our schools: Improving the quality of education to support long-term community growth.

Promoting tourism: Capitalize on Norfolk’s unique attractions to draw more visitors to stimulate the economy.

Implement comprehensive strategies to focus on violence reduction and infrastructure improvements to reduce flooding.

By focusing on these areas, we can foster a vibrant, prosperous and secure Norfolk for all.

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?

1. Adaptive reuse of existing structures: Convert underutilized buildings: Repurpose vacant or underused buildings, such as old schools or warehouses, into affordable housing units. If elected I look to kickstart the C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) program for the city of Norfolk, which provides separate financing to support energy-efficient and sustainable developments. C-PACE is an innovative financing tool that can be used for up to 100% of building cost related to storm water and critical infrastructure.

2. Tax incentives and grants: Offer tax breaks and grants to developers who commit to building affordable housing units. By employing a combination of these strategies, Norfolk can make significant progress in addressing its housing challenges.

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?

If elected to Norfolk City Council, to help get these projects back on track and ensure other projects do not fall by the wayside, I would do the following:

1. Create or continue frequent scheduled dialogue with stakeholders to brainstorm and implement creative solutions to current roadblocks. Create accountability and regular updates on these projects. Facilitate these regular meetings to include developers and investors who can address their concerns to keep everyone motivated.

2.Work with the City officials and the Mayor to support boards created for these projects and dedicated project managers to oversee these developments, ensuring accountability and timely progress. The main goal is to establish clear performance metrics and scheduling for each project.

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Jeremy McGee

Age: 41

Job title and company: President and CEO, Radiant Digital

Highest level of education: Some college

Website: mcgeefornorfolk.com

If elected, what would be your top priority to address in Norfolk?

My priority is ensuring residents are getting the best deal possible. That means that residents get high-quality services, particularly public safety, neighborhood improvements and education, in return for a reasonable cost of living. A relentless focus will be placed on strengthening public safety by fully staffing police and 911. Greater neighborhood investment is needed, ensuring that services, such as infrastructure maintenance, flooding mitigation, traffic and code enforcement, upkeep of parks and cleanliness, are all prioritized. I’m committed to rebuilding schools and fighting for the education that our children deserve and our city needs. I will be a persistent advocate for elevating these fundamental city services to ensure a safer, more vibrant and thriving Norfolk for all!

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?

We must increase the housing supply and we can achieve this by funding the housing trust, enacting sensible zoning reforms to unlock new development opportunities and streamlining the building permit/site plan processes that currently add significant cost and deter developers. Norfolk should expedite the sale of city-owned vacant parcels to local developers while encouraging the development of accessory dwelling units and missing middle housing that provide opportunities for home ownership, wealth building and aging in place. It is also important to remember that property taxes contribute significantly to housing costs for both owners and renters. I supported the recent property tax rate reduction and believe we should continue to carefully consider the impact of property taxes on housing affordability.

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?

We need the right partners, the right deals, and we need to ensure the public’s interests are protected. As we near key deadlines on the casino, we need to reassess our development partners. For Military Circle, we need to refine our vision and secure a deal that truly benefits the community. Moving forward with record high interest rates and building costs will make it increasingly difficult. While bringing these projects to fruition expediently is important, ensuring their long-term success is paramount. We must also make transparency and public engagement a priority. I will bring 20 years of civic and business experience to ensure we find the right partners, fight for the best deals, and that we engage, update and dialogue with our residents regularly and thoroughly.

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Superward 7

Carlos J. Clanton

Age: 44

Job title and company: Executive director, Friends of the Portsmouth Juvenile Court, Inc.

Highest level of education: Bachelor’s degree, Training Specialist and Leadership, Old Dominion University

Previous elected office: Norfolk School Board, Ward 3, 2018-present

Website: CarlosClanton4Norfolk.com

If elected, what would be your top priority to address in Norfolk?

My top priority will be to enhance public safety while ensuring that every neighborhood in Norfolk is a thriving, welcoming and resilient community. Safety is the foundation upon which we can build stronger neighborhoods, foster economic growth and create opportunities for all residents. This includes investing in community policing, addressing root causes of crime, such as poverty and lack of opportunities, and improving infrastructure to make our streets safer for everyone. I am committed to working with residents, businesses and law enforcement, deeply understanding and addressing the unique needs of our community to create a safer, more vibrant Norfolk.

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?

Norfolk’s affordable housing crisis needs bold action. Legalizing accessory dwelling units and reducing lot sizes will help create diverse, affordable homes. Partnering with non-profits and developers is vital to building housing for families earning under $35,000. We must enforce fair policies to protect renters and prevent displacement, especially in redeveloped areas. The People First initiative in St. Paul’s District is a great model, and I aim to expand such programs citywide. Norfolk’s $2 million housing trust fund will support building and maintaining affordable housing. The Norfolk Wealth Report highlights the need to increase affordable housing, stabilize costs and prevent displacement to close the wealth gap and improve economic mobility in our city.

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?

My strategy for reviving stalled projects like Military Circle and the casino is built on the pillars of transparency, accountability and community engagement. I will push for clear timelines and ensure developers meet their commitments with regular public progress updates. Involving residents in crucial decisions will help align these developments with community needs. Equally important, I’ll actively explore public-private partnerships to bring in additional resources and expertise, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. My aim is to prevent future delays and ensure Norfolk’s growth benefits all residents.

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Phillip Hawkins Jr.

Age: 54

Job title and company: Assistant Principal/Administrator, Norfolk Public Schools

Highest level of education: Master of Arts in Urban Education, Administration and Supervision Pre K-12, Norfolk State University

Previous elected office: President, Education Association of Norfolk; President, Ingleside Civic League

Website: Hawkinsforcitycouncil.com

If elected, what would be your top priority to address in Norfolk?

The top priority to address in the city of Norfolk is equity, access and opportunity for all as it relates to affordable quality housing combined with housing insecurity. Without affordable quality housing, citizens cannot feel safe, maintain health and wellness, access educational opportunities or obtain gainful employment to improve or contribute to their quality of life because their basic needs are not being met. This priority affects all others in Norfolk.

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?

Norfolk must increase its affordable housing mix inventory by building mixed use development of all income levels in every commercial corridor in the city. All housing areas and communities must also be accessible and connected to reliable and affordable public transportation options to go to work and to move around the city and the Hampton Roads region. Norfolk City Council should also offer developers tax credit incentives to develop more quality affordable housing in the St. Paul’s area, the Five Points area and the Military Circle commercial corridor. Norfolk City Council could also implement rent control policies to limit how much landlords can increase rent based on the average wages and income that residents are paid in the local economy. The city must bring higher paying jobs!

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?

The city of Norfolk must consider the options presented by the citizens of Norfolk. There were many great ideas shared from the citizens in public forums and input sessions, such as build affordable housing, repurpose existing vacant buildings, bring family entertainment venues to Norfolk (MacArthur Center and Military Circle). Norfolk should renegotiate projects with interested developers and open up the search for other developers who can offer something that Norfolk needs to diversify our local economy. Norfolk needs a greater mix of small businesses to generate more tax revenue for the city, which will pay for more core services for neighborhoods, city employee’s salaries, funding for new school construction, capital improvement projects and facilities maintenance.

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Rodney Jordan

Age: 59

Job title and company: Chief Community Engagement Officer/Consultant, Self-Employed

Highest level of education: Bachelor of Science, computer science, Hampton University

Previous elected office: Norfolk School Board, Ward 7, 2016-present

Website: votejordan.us

If elected, what would be your top priority to address in Norfolk?

I prioritize a continuing shift of our leadership’s mindset to build on strengths and to embrace genuine collaboration with our citizens and all those who work, live, play and invest in our city. In Park Place, I led a collaborative effort between residents, stakeholders and the city to revitalize the neighborhood. This resident-driven initiative inspired the city’s Neighbors Building Neighborhoods program, emphasizing the importance of leveraging community strengths. Effective leadership requires a collaborative mindset, focusing on inclusive, transparent planning that values all voices. In Superward 7, we must lead and unite all parts of the city, ensuring equitable opportunities for families and businesses. We must support strong, united communities for a prosperous Norfolk. Mindset matters.

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 is more than shelter; it shapes quality of life, access to education, jobs, healthy food and opportunities. I’m closely following Trust Neighborhoods and their Mixed-Income Trusts (MINTs), which help keep rent affordable by leveraging community-driven resources. Norfolk should adopt a healthy neighborhood reinvestment approach, moving away from outdated urban renewal models. This strategy focuses on boosting demand in underdeveloped areas, making investment in these communities more viable. Fair share housing policies, responsible redevelopment, density bonuses, streamlining permits and approvals and community-based ownership can drive sustainable growth and equity in our neighborhoods. As residents we must own the change and own the blocks while providing opportunities for all.

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?

To move projects forward, I am asking voters and citizens to recapture the position at the top of our city government’s organizational chart!

Our city needs transparent, actionable data, genuine partnerships between citizens, businesses and City Hall and a strengths-based, equitable approach to development. We must embrace diverse ideas and talents, moving beyond a few select power broker voices not representative of our diverse population. To solve problems, we need clear, candid knowledge and the power of active, participatory citizenship. As an experienced Norfolk public servant, I’ve seen how cronyism and top-down decision making hinders progress. We need a cultural shift in city hall and beyond, prioritizing professional management and equitable, community-driven outcomes.

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Leon Judge

Age: 46

Job title and company: Retired Coast Guard, chief petty officer

Highest level of education: Bachelor’s degree, general studies, Southern New Hampshire University

Military service: U.S. Marine Corps 1998-2002, U.S. Coast Guard 2006-23

If elected, what would be your top priority to address in Norfolk?

Safety is paramount in any city. So, a priority of mine is to lower the rate of gun violence in the city. Norfolk has to become a safer place to live. Last year, per capita Norfolk was ahead of Chicago and Detroit concerning gun violence at some point in the year. We have to provide adequate resources in an effort to keep our youth off the streets and to offer them an opportunity to learn a skill set that they can utilize for a lifetime. A skillset that would eventually lead to economic and financial stability, not only for the youth, but economic growth for the city. Doing so will provide a safer way of living for the elderly as well.

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 rent has to be capped at a certain amount based on income. Also, this is a crisis that we as leaders have to step in on and assist the needs of the community. If that means providing subsidiary assistance for a certain length of time, then that’s the proper steps that need to be taken to ensure that adequate housing is provided for our patrons. At the same time, we have to ensure that real estate investors are profiting as well. It has to be a balance that makes sense for everyone involved. Also, we need to look at the abundance of houses that are vacant and/or have been vacant over a decade. Take ownership and provide small business owners (plumbers, electricians, roofers, etc.) the opportunity to rehab them and put them back into the community.

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?

The first thing I would do is an assessment to see where we went wrong as a collective. What caused the stall or regression? Is it a funding issue or a resource issue? What exactly is the problem? We have to get to the root of the problem and then come up with solutions. Communication is key. I would adopt the leadership style I learned in the military from the Marine Corps and the Coast Guard: Morning meetings daily to develop goals, to track progression, and an understanding of what’s on the agenda for the day. We need effective communication, which means all productivity or regressions must be tracked/reported in detail by the end of the day. As leaders, we must not only help others to see the vision and believe in the vision, but most importantly, see it through from start to finish.

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Christine E. Smith

Age: 57

Job title and company: Principal, C.E. Smith and Associates, Inc.

Highest level of education: Bachelor’s degree, accounting, Hampton University

Previous elected office: Norfolk School Board, Ward 4, 2018-21

Website: Christine4Superward7.com

If elected, what would be your top priority to address in Norfolk? Public safety.

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?

Explore rezoning opportunities, encourage proffers that include affordable housing when developers want to rezone land for multifamily units. I also support the housing trust concept.

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?

I would request that the City Council prioritize these projects along with a timeline (short and long term) and hold the city manager accountable.

Ward 5 special election

Ken Paulson

Paulson did not respond to The Virginian-Pilot’s questionnaire.

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Superward 6

Sarah DiCalogero

Age: 50

Candidate’s occupation/job title: Associate professor of mathematics, Tidewater Community College

Highest level of education: Master’s, University of Virginia

Website: www.sarahforschools.com

Student mental health has been a growing concern for parents and schools. How can school boards address the issue? Mental health is a concern for our entire society. School boards can address mental health issues in two distinct ways. First, we can create policies that support services and resources for the school system; second we can ensure that there is adequate funding for these resources. Right now there are 23 psychologists serving 50 schools. I would like to see an increase in funding so that at least all middle schools and high schools in the district have their own psychologists and that the remaining psychologists serve at most two elementary schools. Psychologists would have more time to provide support for teachers and staff and meet with students. Additionally, an increase in the number of social workers who get to know students and their immediate needs would aid in providing wrap-around services for students and families.

Name one of the most pressing issues for your division and how you would address it? In many of our neighborhoods, Norfolk Public Schools doesn’t have the best reputation. Families are uncomfortable sending their students to our schools and in many cases their concerns are not unwarranted. We have schools that are clearly struggling. Whether that struggle is a teacher shortage, behavior issues or crumbling infrastructure we need to look outside of the school system to solve these issues. Fixing the issues with the schools is going to take community involvement. Together we can make NPS one of the best urban public school systems in the country. I believe in NPS and that you can get a fantastic education in our school system. This belief is why I have one graduate and two current students in Norfolk Public Schools.

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Rebecca Danchise Topping

Age: 45

Candidate’s occupation/job title: Communications director, First Presbyterian Church

Highest level of education: Bachelor’s, cq comment=”in history and economics” ], College of William & Mary

Previous elected offices held: West Ghent Civic League vice president

Website: rebeccafornorfolk.com

Student mental health has been a growing concern for parents and schools. How can school boards address the issue? I will champion building new norms around eliminating cell phone use during instructional time, working with parents and educators to enact cell phone-free policies and procedures creating a healthier and more focused educational environment. As we have seen in the statistics, (A Common Sense Media Study), 97% of 11 to 17-year-olds use their phones during the school day, with a median time of 43 minutes. Research shows that cell phones directly affect mental health issues arising from children’s social media and cell phone addiction during the school day. Classrooms should be free of distractions and students should feel safe in school. By working on enforcing the policies and giving school administration and teachers the support to enforce cell phone policies, I hope to offer one solution to help improve mental health in schools.

Name one of the most pressing issues for your division and how you would address it? A pressing issue facing our division and divisions across the country is improving the school environment for teachers and students. Teacher morale is at an all-time low; some call it a “profession in crisis.” While Norfolk Public Schools pays competitively, we struggle with retention and unfilled positions. I will advocate to improve the teacher experience by exploring solutions like more family engagement and improved teacher appreciation efforts at the district level. School safety is also a top priority in school environments, and we can work to build on existing strategies for prevention, and response, as well as a focus on mental health and wellness. Our teachers and students need to feel safe. And, lastly, our buildings need to support the changing needs of education. I support reviewing all Norfolk schools for productivity, healthfulness and to support every student’s success.

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Superward 7

Alfreda A. Thomas

Age: 51

Candidate’s occupation/job title: Teacher, Norfolk Public Schools

Highest level of education: Early Childhood Education, Tidewater Community College

Website: None

Student mental health has been a growing concern for parents and schools. How can school boards address the issue? To provide support systems like, school social workers, licensed behavior specialists, school psychologists, licensed behavior analysts and provide psychosocial training for teachers and other staff dealing with students. We need to support staff well-being. Also, we need to promote social, emotional and behavioral learning.

Name one of the most pressing issues for your division and how you would address it? Poverty and inequality is a big problem in our district. Ensuring adequate housing, resources, support teachers financially, invest more in education and skills development, higher minimum wage, proper and affordable health care and great community programs.

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Ronald L. White

Age: 52

Candidate’s occupation/job title: Asst. Professor, School of Education, Norfolk State University

Highest level of education: Research”] Doctorate, Hampton University

Previous elected offices held: Chair and vice-chair for the Norfolk Public Schools Gifted Education Community Advisory Committee (2022-2024); President of the Tidewater Council of Teachers of Mathematics (2020-2022); Higher Education Representative for the Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics (2024)

Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561201080566

Student mental health has been a growing concern for parents and schools. How can school boards address the issue? School boards can and should advocate for all teachers being trauma-informed educators and for the use of Parent Resource Centers staffed with school social workers, school psychologists, and other trauma-informed and certified staff members. Staff members who are also accessible externally at PTA events, community centers, church events, community-based enrichment programs, and the like.

Name one of the most pressing issues for your division and how you would address it? Equal access to safe and quality schools should be the division’s top priority. With the Governor’s new initiative to distinguish schools with a new rating system, I want to use my post, in a collective voice, to advocate for critical evaluations and needs assessments to ensure each school receives high marks. That is, rather than a blanket approach, I will advocate for the use of community advisory boards and differentiated approaches to develop equitable growth plans.

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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.

Rahne wants his players to build confidence. He wants to further evaluate his players, especially the younger ones. And he wants his players, who have yet to win a game this season, to put in enough work while getting themselves healthy after a frustrating start.

The Monarchs (0-3) have Saturday off before heading to Bowling Green next week for their final non-conference game.

Close losses to South Carolina and East Carolina, followed by last week’s 37-17 home loss to Virginia Tech, have ODU reminding itself that there are still plenty of reasons to soldier on.

“We need to win games,” Rahne said Monday at his weekly news conference. “We’ve had the opportunity to win games, and we haven’t done it. And that is my job. But our season is very, very far from being over. We have a lot — a lot — of things to accomplish left in this year.”

The full Sun Belt Conference schedule, which begins Oct. 5 at Coastal Carolina, remains in front of the Monarchs. A league title is still firmly within reach.

Despite the losses, Rahne’s players believe the locker room is in fine shape.

“We’re all still working towards the same goal: winning the conference championship,” said safety Jahron Manning, who had a career-high 11 tackles against the Hokies. “I know a lot of people think about the 12-team playoff championship and everything like that. We’ve pretty much let that go out of our heads. So we’re mainly focused on Sun Belt and getting that goal accomplished.”

The Monarchs’ offense continues to be troubled at the line of scrimmage. After surrendering 62 sacks last season, they’ve given up an average of five per game this year.

This week is anything but a vacation.

“We need to grow,” running back Aaron Young said. “This is a big week for us. It’s huge. Day in and day out, we need to find a way to get better each day. Don’t let this week just slip away. Be in the moment every day and trust the process.”

Asked Monday about the sacks, Rahne gave a detailed breakdown of technical issues the team’s linemen have battled, most of them based on footwork and leverage at the point of attack.

After ODU rushed for 243 yards and passed for just 50 against Tech, Rahne gave a more general description of a blocker’s job.

“It’s a difficult thing,” he said. “Let’s just be honest. That’s why those guys get paid $30 million at the next level, right? Because it’s not an easy thing to do to go backward at a level and be able to react when you’re 300, 315 pounds, and you’re going against some of the greatest athletes in the world. But guess what: That’s what’s required, so we need to do it.”

ODU practiced Sunday night. Tuesday and Wednesday practices will follow, with sprinkles of a game plan for Bowling Green.

The players will lift weights and run on Thursday as their coaches scatter to recruit through the weekend.

Meanwhile, the players will work on what Rahne calls “eye discipline,” which involves not being fooled by motion, jukes or shifts.

Before Saturday’s game, the Monarchs had played in 14 one-score games in their previous 16 outings. It’s a phenomenon that can make a kicker feel especially valuable.

“I go to bed at night thinking, ‘How can I help this team?’ ” kicker Ethan Sanchez said. “Being a kicker, I’m not the biggest. I’m not the strongest. I’m low-key fast, though, and I do think I could help the team out with these one-score games.”

Kicker speed aside, Rahne had certain metrics going into the Tech game that weren’t met.

The Monarchs wanted to win the rushing yardage battle, which they didn’t. They didn’t want to give up extra yards on sacks or by failing to sustain blocks, which they did. And they wanted to get more turnovers than their opponent, which they didn’t.

The Hokies held ODU to zero yards of offense in a dismal third quarter that served as the game’s turning point.

It’s one of the reasons most of ODU’s players will stay on campus and work toward getting better this week despite the lack of a game.

“I think even the kids want it to be like an NFL bye week, where they see the guys going off to the Bahamas and everything,” Rahne said. “One, you don’t have a private plane. Two, you have class, and he doesn’t.”

David Hall, david.hall@pilotonline.com.

Last week, Norfolk City Council members approved transferring the old Rosna Theatre property — the boxing program’s future home — to the city, allowing the Norfolk Economic Development Authority to sign a design/build agreement with the developer.

First announced by the city in July 2022, the redevelopment would transform the 12,500-square-foot property into a gym with two boxing rings, a bag room, a weightlifting area, spectator seating and more. Renderings show a restored Rosna Theatre marquee advertising upcoming bouts while outside TV monitors display fights happening inside.

Team Norfolk Boxing has been operating out of a temporary space in the Park Place Multi-Services Center since the program reopened in June 2022.

The program was moved from its two-ring, 13,000-square-foot home in Harbor Park because developers planned to install a temporary casino in the stadium. However, those plans fizzled out. 

The boxing program was on pause for two years before that due to the pandemic.

The time between the 2022 announcement and Tuesday’s City Council vote has been filled with contract negotiations with developers and allocating the funds from the city budget, said Sean Washington, Norfolk’s economic development director.

The Economic Development Authority purchased the space for $712,500 in April 2023, and Norfolk’s 2024 budget allocated $5 million toward funding the renovations.

On a Thursday afternoon at the Park Place facility, program participants — some as young as 6 — ran laps around the building before lacing up their gear and stepping into the ring. While two fighters sparred, the thuds from another boxer’s blows hitting a punching bag rang out in the background.

Boxing program head coach Tyler Trask watched the fighters with intensity, occasionally yelling out instructions.

“Keep your hands up,” he said.

Trask, who boxed with the program when he was younger, has been head coach since 2019. He said the size of the temporary facility doesn’t compare with Harbor Park — only one ring fits into the room with just a few feet to spare on one side — but the facility still accommodates the program’s needs.

“While we’re waiting, we’ve got a great setup,” Trask said. The facility also includes a bag room and weight room, and Trask said the boxers can use the connected gym at James Monroe Elementary School part time.

Now with City Council approval, Washington said the city public works department will conduct community engagement efforts, while VIA Design Architects completes the facility design work.

Washington declined to give an exact timetable, but estimated construction was at least several months away.

“We saw this as a strategic purchase to help spark the transformation of that corridor,” Washington said about the area along 35th Street.

Finally, Washington said Coaches Sports Grill, the restaurant operating on the property, will continue to exist as part of the new facility.

Norfolk’s boxing program is recognized around the world. It has produced Olympians such as 1984 gold medalist Pernell Whitaker — who won world titles in four weight classes as a professional — and 2021 silver medalist Keyshawn Davis. Keyshawn, along with brothers Kelvin and Keon, each will fight on a card Nov. 8 at Norfolk’s Scope arena.

The Rosna Theatre was built in the 1930s with an art deco design, according to boxing center proposal document, but has sat vacant for nearly a decade.

Trevor Metcalfe, 757-222-5345, trevor.metcalfe@pilotonline.com

Norfolk’s record: 30-39 in International League’s second half (66-78 overall)

New in town: Left-hander Danny Coulombe, on the shelf since June with an elbow injury, joined the Tides last week on a rehab assignment. He pitched a scoreless inning Wednesday and another one Sunday as he works his way back to the Baltimore Orioles’ bullpen.

In the Nashville dugout: RHP Garrett Stallings, a former star at Grassfield High in Chesapeake, returns to Norfolk after playing earlier this season for the Tides. Milwaukee acquired Stallings in a May trade and he is 1-2 with a 4.44 ERA in 16 games (five starts) with Nashville.

Schedule

Tuesday: 6:35 p.m., Breast Cancer Awareness Night and $2 popcorn and beer

Wednesday: 6:35 p.m., Wine Down Wednesday and Tides take the field wearing Fox Rescue: Hi-Surf jerseys

Thursday: 12:05 p.m., DECA Day

Friday: 6:35 p.m., Tides celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and team photo and 2025 schedule giveaway

Saturday: 6:35 p.m., Fan Appreciate Night and postgame fireworks

Sunday: 1:05 p.m., Bark in the Park and Football Day

If love alone could heal Kim Keene, she would be on her way to a cure. But that’s not to be, and as the well-known artist is in the final stages of cancer, she is thinking about helping others.

Keene, a Portsmouth native who resides on Willoughby Spit in Norfolk, started the nonprofit Paint Pink in June 2023 while undergoing breast cancer treatment. Now as the stage 4 metastatic cancer attacks her brain, liver and stomach, Keene’s dying wish is that the organization continue long after she is gone.

Nicole Carry, her partner of almost six years, and others assured her it will.

“Kim wants everyone to keep fighting breast cancer, to know how important it is in our community to help people while they’re fighting cancer and for Paint Pink to continue forever,” Carry said.

Paint Pink’s mission is to provide goods and services not covered by insurance, such as payment of bills, personal care items, estate planning, yard work, house cleaning and meal delivery, to cancer patients in Hampton Roads so they can focus on their health.

After her initial breast cancer diagnosis in 2017, Keene realized how much support she had from friends and family during her treatment and wanted to pay it forward to help other locals living with cancer. She underwent a double mastectomy, followed by five years of clean scans before the cancer returned in 2022.

Paint Pink is a testament to Keene’s inspiring selflessness, said Stephanie Clark, board treasurer for the nonprofit. Having lost her mother to breast cancer in 2008, Clark said the organization’s mission resonated deeply with her.

“I met Kim through a mutual friend about a year ago, and she’s one of those people you instantly want to befriend,” Clark said. “She has a genuine, magnetic presence and a smile that radiates kindness.”

Jo Ann Hughes, a Norfolk police officer who serves as Paint Pink’s board vice president, said she knows the nonprofit means everything to Keene and promised her it will continue.

“Kim’s passion is painting and her heart is Paint Pink,” Hughes said.

Fellow artist and longtime friend Laura Henderson shares a space with Keene at d’Art Center. They both specialize in painting acrylic abstracts inspired by nature. Keene previously owned Starving Artist Cafe on Colley Avenue in Norfolk.

“Kim is a rare and amazing individual,” Henderson said. “She has this personality of wanting to help other people and a smile that just lights up a room.”

The two opened The Gallery at Paint Pink in Ghent in early August. They had one show together before Keene fell ill again. A portion of all art sales at the gallery benefit the nonprofit.

Paint Pink has several events planned during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October: a golf tournament on Oct. 3 at Cypress Point Country Club in Virginia Beach, Paint the Block Pink on Oct. 5 at the Starving Artist Cafe in Norfolk, Kim’s Pink Night Out on Oct. 11 at MJ’s Tavern in Norfolk and a brunch and silent auction on Oct. 27 at d’Art Center.

The organization also launched a campaign called Kim’s Krusade to help raise funding for Paint Pink.

“It’s in her name, but it’s all for other people,” Carry said. “We call it Kim’s Krusade because this is her wish — to help others.”

The goal — albeit a lofty one, Hughes said — is to raise $100,000 by the end of the year.

“I think we can reach it,” Hughes said. “She’s touched so many people in this community and is so full of sunshine and light.”

“She has got so many people who just love her,” Henderson added.

For more information about Paint Pink, visit paintpinkinc.org.

Sandra J. Pennecke, 757-652-5836, sandra.pennecke@pilotonline.com

Underneath stage lights, he sits at a piano and watches audiences burst into applause upon hearing opening notes — to songs he composed nearly 50 years ago.

It shocks him every time. And it happens all the time.

“‘How do these young people know this record?'” he said he often asks himself. “‘How many of them weren’t even born when I made those records?’

“But I guess they’ve somehow stood the test of time.”

(Yes, Mr. Hancock, indeed they have.)

Hancock, considered one of the best jazz musicians to play and influence the genre, and his All-Star Band will perform next Sunday at Chrysler Hall in Norfolk.

Hancock has 14 Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year in 2008 for “River: The Joni Letters” and a lifetime achievement award in 2016. Mentioning Hancock in his autobiography, Miles Davis wrote: “Herbie was the step after Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk, and I haven’t heard anybody yet who has come after him.”

Hancock’s career began in childhood. As a child prodigy growing up in Chicago in the 1940s and ’50s, he performed a Mozart piano concerto with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at age 11. He took up jazz in high school, and, after double-majoring in music and electrical engineering at Grinnell College, he worked for two years as a session musician before signing as an artist with Blue Note Records.

His first album, “Takin’ Off,” produced what is now considered a jazz standard, “Watermelon Man.”

Shortly afterward, Hancock joined Davis’ Second Great Quintet and played with the group for about five years — with other jazz legends too, including tenor saxophonist Wayne Shorter, bassist Ron Carter and drummer Tony Williams.

Hancock began composing scores and soundtracks for films such as the 1966 feature, “Blow Up.”

He left the quintet and formed the band The Headhunters. Their 1973 album, “Head Hunters,” was the first jazz album to go platinum — aided by the record’s hit single “Chameleon,” which will be featured in the Norfolk concert.

No two Hancock concerts are exactly alike, he said in a phone interview.

“It’s jazz,” he said. “It’s always improvisation.”

Still, there is a structure to the show, starting with what he calls “overture,” which incorporates melodies, bass lines, chords, and various parts and portions of songs he has composed. Riffing off the predetermined portions, the piece evolves differently every night.

A closing number features elements of “Chameleon.”

“And people — we’re lucky that — that, that they go crazy after hearing the beginning of that piece.”

Colin Warren-Hicks, 919-818-8138, colin.warrenhicks@virginiamedia.com

___

If you go

When: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 22

Where: Chrysler Hall, 215 St. Paul’s Blvd., Norfolk

Tickets: Start at $36.75

Details: vafest.org

In fact, the Monarchs had few answers for Virginia Tech at all.

Kyron Drones passed for 176 yards, rushed for another 117 and accounted for two touchdowns to lead Tech to a thoroughly dominant 37-17 win over the Monarchs at a packed S.B. Ballard Stadium.

The loss left ODU (0-3) winless this season while giving the Hokies (2-1) a 4-2 lead in the all-time series.

Bhayshul Tuten added 115 rushing yards and a pair of scores for Virginia Tech, which held a whopping 465-293 advantage in total offensive yards.

The Monarchs punted eight times, committed seven penalties for 74 yards, mustered just 50 passing yards from two backup quarterbacks and converted 1 of 12 on third down.

After leading 14-10 at halftime, the Hokies blew the game open.

“We didn’t play well enough in the third quarter to give ourselves a chance to win that football game,” ODU coach Ricky Rahne said. “I felt like we were ready and poised to play well in that quarter, and we didn’t. So that’s obviously on me.”

The Monarchs had played in 14 one-score games over their past 16, something Rahne attributed this week to his team’s competitiveness against a tough schedule.

Saturday’s portion of it proved too tough, especially shorthanded.

Already without injured All-American linebacker Jason Henderson for a second straight week, the Monarchs turned to their backup quarterbacks after incumbent starter Grant Wilson suffered an apparent left (non-throwing) wrist injury on the final play of the previous week’s 20-14 loss to East Carolina.

Joseph, a redshirt freshman, started and didn’t last the first quarter after Rahne decided to make a change. Henicle, a true freshman, completed 5 of 12 passes for 38 yards.

Neither player had experienced a single college snap.

The Monarchs were outgained 114-0 in the third quarter as Tech kicked a pair of field goals.

“Give credit to them,” said ODU running back Aaron Young, who had 67 of his team’s 243 rushing yards. “They played really hard. They have some talented players, some great coaches. We’ve just got to execute.”

Asked about the dismal performance on third down, Rahne pointed out that poor outcomes on previous downs likely exacerbated the problem.

Indeed, the Monarchs found themselves facing at least third-and-7 on nine occasions.

“We did not play well enough on those (previous) downs,” Rahne said, “which put us in too many third-and-longs, which obviously is going to put you behind the sticks — especially against a team that has very good pass rushers and very good corners.”

By the time Tariq Sims scored on a 16-yard run to pull the Monarchs to within the final margin with just more than three minutes to go, few people in the announced crowd of 22,208 were still around to see it.

The Hokies pretty much put it away when Tuten scored on a 22-yard run to put his team ahead 34-10 with 10:10 to go, turning many of the spectators into traffic-beaters.

Tuten’s 16-yard touchdown burst through ODU’s interior gave Tech a 27-10 lead five seconds into the fourth quarter.

John Love’s 32-yard field goal gave Tech a 20-10 lead midway through the third quarter. The kick came after the Hokies recovered an ODU fumble on the Monarchs’ 18.

Virginia Tech stretched its lead to 17-10 on Love’s 21-yard field goal with 10:53 remaining in the third quarter.

The Monarchs closed the gap to 14-10 on Ethan Sanchez’s 28-yard field goal with 5:14 left in the first half. The score was set up by Tech transfer Bryce Duke’s career-long 48-yard run against his former team.

Leading 14-7, the Hokies had a 33-yard field-goal try tipped wide left midway through the second quarter.

Henicle went 65 yards untouched around the right side to pull the Monarchs to within 14-7 with 13:13 left in  the second quarter.

Tech took a 14-0 lead on Drones’ 1-yard touchdown plunge on fourth-and-goal with 5:50 left in the first quarter.

The score followed a 48-yard pass from Drones to Jaylin Lane in which Drones fumbled the shotgun snap and recovered deftly.

The Hokies drew first blood when Drones found a wide-open Lane for a 25-yard touchdown pass on the game’s opening possession, giving Tech a 7-0 lead less than three minutes in.

Lane finished with 106 yards and a touchdown on seven catches.

ODU’s players lamented that another one slipped away.

“All credit to them,” said linebacker Koa Naotala. “But just fix a few mistakes, and you don’t know what would’ve happened.”

The Monarchs have a bye week before traveling to Bowling Green.

David Hall, david.hall@pilotonline.com.