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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.

LaKeesha S. “Klu” Atkinson

Age: 41

Job title/company: Consultant

Highest level of education: Bachelor’s, Norfolk State University

Previous elected offices held: School Board since 2016

Website: N/A

Student mental health has been a growing concern for parents and schools. How can school boards address the issue? First, we have to acknowledge that mental health is a public health issue. One entity can’t tackle it alone. How we can address it as a board is by strengthening our partnerships with the Portsmouth Health Department by collaborating on joint initiatives, share resources and align mental health objectives with broader health goals and local mental health organizations and nonprofits. We can leverage their expertise and networks to enhance program reach and effectiveness. We currently have a “Here to Help” program. We can build on this initiative by incorporating feedback from participants and stakeholders and explore ways to offer additional support services or resources that address unmet needs.

Name one of the most pressing issues for your division and how you would address it? The Hampton Roads area has a huge transplant population due to the military. With the influx of families, our schools are growing in population. To address this growth, a new school building is needed. We are addressing this issue by utilizing modular classrooms as a short-term solution, but the long-term goal is advocacy for new construction. We can look into various funding sources for new construction, such as state and federal grants, bonds and public-private partnerships.

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Irene S. Boone

Age: 42

Job title/company: Pre-employment manager/Military Sealift Command

Highest level of education: Some college or professional certification, in progress

Previous elected offices held (if any): Appointed to School Board in February 2023. Elected in November 2023.

Website: N/A

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 parents and schools. It’s a concern for all who have a responsibility to the next generation. I am proud of the initiatives taken by PPS as it relates to mental health and that’s our “Here to Help” initiative. I would encourage any student needing help with navigating mental health or just needing someone to talk to to take advantage of this program. This will allow students to connect with counselors and even school psychologists.

Name one of the most pressing issues for your division and how you would address it? One of the most pressing issues for our division and many other divisions would be the teacher shortage. I believe the way to address it is in the direction the current School Board has gone in. I’m happy to have voted to move forward with a study that will explore how to ensure we get our teachers on the correct pay scale. A scale that encompasses their experience and years of service. In the meantime, as we wait for the study to be completed, as a board, we’ve given several raises to all of our staff.

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Kendall C. Bradshaw

Age: 56

Job title/company: Realtor, Creed Realty

Highest level of education: Master’s, Old Dominion University

Website: None

Student mental health has been a growing concern for parents and schools. How can school boards address the issue? Mental health is a very important issue in our society right now. The School Board can address this issue by hiring more guidance counselors so they have the time to identify and intervene appropriately, having each school provide a safe place on campus for students to deal with their problems and concerns, educating faculty and staff through professional development, offering mindfulness techniques for all and preventative care for those at risk.

Name one of the most pressing issues for your division and how you would address it? One of our most pressing issues is the hiring and retention of state-certified teachers. In order to correct this problem, the board should conduct the appropriate study and budget the funding necessary to bring new-hire teacher salaries into line with surrounding cities, fund yearly cost of living increases and pay experienced teachers for their years of service. The board can also work to address teacher burnout by offering wellness programs, professional development targeted to this concern and engaging teachers’ input while fostering a positive and supportive environment.

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Arnette D. “Love” McSwain

Age: 51

Job title/company: Retired deputy sheriff, city of Chesapeake, Portsmouth business owner

Highest level of education: Two master’s, Liberty University

Military service: U.S. Army (SSG) 1990-1999; first female commander of the American Legion Post 190 (in 76 years); current 2nd Dist. American Legion of VA Chaplain

Website: www.devornloveinme.org

Student mental health has been a growing concern for parents and schools. How can school boards address the issue? School boards can address the issue of mental health by ensuring there are funds within the budget that are allocated to address the growing concerns about the mental health of students. They can authorize a team to research medical agencies, hospitals and clinics to see what type of services can be provided for students. Services to provide professional development for staff members on how to support students who are experiencing mental health issues will be sought out during the research process. Agencies to provide workshops for parents on how to support their children will be needed. School Board members can collaborate to create policies that will include the administration, teachers, students, parents and mental health facilities/personnel. Staff will learn the criteria for referral and protocol on how to refer students for the intake process for treatment.

Name one of the most pressing issues for your division and how you would address it? One of the most pressing issues for the Portsmouth division is, per state test scores, only 61% of our students are proficient in reading. There are approximately 13,371 students in Portsmouth and this percentage shows approximately 8,156 are proficient in reading. I would address this issue by getting an understanding of the current reading initiatives in the district and analyzing the reading curriculum. I’d review the data that shows our students’ reading performance, per grade. I will consult with my colleagues to identify the areas of strategic approach that have been going well and the challenges. I would suggest a collaborative approach with administration, staff members, students and parents to strategically navigate our procedures for increasing our students’ reading proficiency. We must unify the approach of staff and parents to address the academic needs of our students.

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Lateacia A. Sessoms

Age: 42

Job title/company: Executive director, Connecting Communities

Highest level of education: Master’s, Norfolk State University

Website: N/A

Student mental health has been a growing concern for parents and schools. How can school boards address the issue? To tackle the increasing mental health challenges faced by students, school boards can adopt a multifaceted approach: 1. Commence by evaluating the effectiveness of existing mental health programs to identify areas of success and areas that may require enhancements. 2. Subsequently, establish on-site mental health resources within the school system, led by skilled counselors and therapists. These professionals can deliver prompt support, counseling services, crisis intervention and connections to external resources, ensuring that students have easy access to the necessary assistance. 3. Furthermore, cultivate partnerships with local mental health organizations to enrich the scope and quality of support options available to students.

Name one of the most pressing issues for your division and how you would address it? A critical priority that I will immediately address within the Portsmouth School Board is the enhancement of staff compensation and retention strategies. By ensuring competitive remuneration and implementing effective retention initiatives, we can attract and retain top-quality educators and staff members who are essential for maintaining a high standard of education in our schools. Additionally, investing in professional development opportunities, creating a positive work environment and recognizing the contributions of staff members can further bolster retention rates and foster a culture of excellence within the Portsmouth school district.

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Jaclyn T. “Jackie” Walker

Age: 42

Job title/company: Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

Highest level of education: Doctorate, Capella University

Website: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557154260127&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Student mental health has been a growing concern for parents and schools. How can school boards address the issue? Student mental health is a critical concern and school boards must act. PPS has made strides with the “Here to Help” initiative, providing vital resources to students facing mental health challenges. As a former PPS employee, I know firsthand how impactful this program has been. As a board member, I would support and enhance this initiative by advocating for pop-up mental health checks in neighborhoods. These clinics, held at community centers or churches, would make resources more accessible. This approach not only helps in reaching those who may not actively seek help but also reinforces that mental health is a priority for our schools. By collaborating with mental health professionals and community leaders, we can create a supportive environment where mental health is prioritized, stigma is reduced and every student has access to care.

Name one of the most pressing issues for your division and how you would address it? One of the most pressing issues for our division is staff compensation and retention. Ensuring that all employees are on their correct pay step is crucial. PPS has conducted a compensation survey to ensure that teachers’ salaries are comparable to those in the other six cities in the region. Additionally, PPS has provided all staff with a 7% raise, a positive step toward improving compensation. One of my initiatives is to conduct a “Stay Survey” to ask employees why they continue to work at PPS and what we could do to make them stay. This approach highlights how much we value our employees’ contributions. As a board member, I would advocate for regular reviews of compensation and push for initiatives that further enhance staff retention. Ensuring competitive salaries and acknowledging the worth of all employees is essential for maintaining a high-quality education system.

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Ingrid P. Whitaker

Age: 59

Job title/company: Associate professor of sociology, Old Dominion University

Highest level of education: Doctorate, University of Michigan

Previous elected offices held: School Board 2014-2018, 2020-present

Website: ingridwhitaker4schoolboard.com

Student mental health has been a growing concern for parents and schools. How can school boards address the issue? As a School Board member, I have advocated and supported increasing access to mental health services for students. I was a strong advocate of the Here to Help Program that was implemented by Portsmouth Public Schools. I have also continued to advocate for increasing the number of professional social workers in our schools.

Name one of the most pressing issues for your division and how you would address it? One of the most pressing issues for our division is sustaining full funding for the needs of our division. These needs include continued increases in teacher and staff pay, the continued expansion of our career and technical programs, the construction of new school facilities and the continued implementation of programs that address the needs of a student population that is disproportionately affected by under-resourced communities. As a member of the School Board, I will continue to advocate that these needs are represented in the budget requests the School Board puts forth each year.

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.

A two-count criminal information was filed Sept. 10 in U.S. District Court in Norfolk against Matthew Taylor Morris, court records show. The records also indicate the 38-year-old attorney plans to enter a guilty plea in the case on Sept. 24.

Morris resigned from his job as an assistant commonwealth’s attorney Sept. 6, four days before the charges were filed, according to a spokeswoman for the office. He was hired in August 2022, the spokeswoman said. She declined to comment further.

Morris’ attorney James Broccoletti confirmed that Morris plans to plead guilty later this month, but also declined to comment further.

Morris is accused of working with at least three others to possess and distribute large amounts of marijuana, according to the complaint. The crimes are alleged to have occurred between March 2021 and May 2022, which was before Morris began his job with the prosecutor’s office.

The complaint didn’t specify how much marijuana was involved, but indicated it was less than 50 kilograms. The document also stated that Morris and alleged co-conspirators Nicholas Capehart, Donald Rogers and Jeffrey Sines “derived substantial gross proceeds” from the illegal dealings.

The marijuana was stored at locations across Hampton Roads, including a law office Morris maintained before becoming a prosecutor, according to the complaint. The group used encrypted cellphone messaging applications to avoid detection, the document said.

Morris’ legal troubles with the Virginia State Bar and local judges date back to at least early 2022. Over a period of several months that year, his law license was suspended three times, he was caught with a gun in his briefcase at the Virginia Beach courthouse on two separate occasions, was found in civil contempt three times by judges in the region, and was barred from handling criminal cases in Virginia Beach Circuit Court.

Morris’ first known disciplinary incident occurred in March 2022, when he was ordered to appear at a show cause hearing in Virginia Beach Circuit Court for the two incidents in which courthouse security officers found a gun in his briefcase.

Morris told Judge Les Lilley he’d forgotten the gun was there when he went through the building’s metal detectors. Lilley found him in civil contempt, but court documents didn’t indicate whether a punishment was issued.

That same month, the Virginia State Bar suspended his law license for a week for failing to comply with a legal education requirement. It was suspended again shortly after that for unpaid bar dues.

Also in March 2022, Virginia Beach Circuit Judge Stephen Mahan banned Morris from representing clients in criminal cases there after he showed up hours late to a court hearing and made troubling statements about the reason for his tardiness and mistakes he’d made in his client’s case.

In August 2022, the bar suspended his law license again — that time for six months — for a series of threatening texts he was accused of sending to a former client. According to the bar, Morris suspected the man had filed a complaint against him. He was hired by Portsmouth Commonwealth’s Attorney Stephanie Morales that same month.

In October of that year, Morris pleaded guilty to a civil contempt charge in Northampton Circuit Court and was fined $250, according to the Shore Daily News. In that case, he’d failed to show up for a court hearing two months earlier, when he was still working in private practice.

While serving as a Portsmouth prosecutor, Morris continued to handle dozens of cases during a four-week period when his license was suspended, according to the state bar. He told bar officials he wasn’t aware of the suspension.

In March 2023 — when the bar was considering what action to take against Morris for the threatening texts — Morales submitted a character reference letter in which she described him as knowledgeable, professional and hard-working. She also wrote that she “couldn’t be more pleased” with her decision to hire him.

Jane Harper, jane.harper@pilotonline.com

Chesapeake, Suffolk, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Hampton have installed speed cameras in local school and work zones to deter speeding and enhance overall public safety.

Though law enforcement leaders tout the equipment as a safety measure to deter speeding, the cameras can also be significant moneymakers — with Chesapeake and Suffolk already raking in millions.

Chesapeake has a dozen cameras that have been active since 2022. The city reports a total of 158,075 violations since then, along with about $9.7 million in revenue.

Another 10 cameras in Suffolk went active in fall 2023 along with one at a work zone. Since then, the city reports roughly 196,000 citations, collecting $14.2 million in revenue. After paying the vendor, net revenue is $10.5 million. Suffolk did not specify whether the citation and revenue figures provided to The Virginian-Pilot were specific to school and work zone speed cameras only. The city also operates red light and school bus cameras.

Both cities previously said net revenue would go toward highway safety improvements and personnel costs.

The school zone speed cameras in Chesapeake and Suffolk are targeted in two lawsuits brought by former Del. Tim Anderson, an attorney who alleges the cities are improperly issuing speeding violations and allowing third party vendors to impersonate local government when collecting fees.

Anderson’s case in Suffolk is awaiting an order from a judge on whether it will move forward. A hearing in the Chesapeake case is scheduled for Sept. 18.

The Virginia General Assembly approved legislation in 2020 that allows state and local police to set up speed cameras at highway work sites and school crossing zones. Under that law, only motorists caught going at least 10 mph over the speed limit are ticketed up to $100.

Hampton is in the process of rolling out a dozen cameras in school zones this fall as part of a pilot program with staggered warning periods.

A 30-day warning period began Aug. 26 for cameras located near Bethel High School, Hampton High School and Hunter B. Andrews Pre-K. A 30-day grace period will begin for cameras at Jones Magnet Middle School, Kecoughtan High School, Lindsay Middle School and Machen Elementary School by Sept. 30. And cameras at another set of schools — Mary W. Jackson Elementary School, Thomas Eaton Middle School, Aberdeen Elementary School, Barron Elementary School and William Mason Cooper Elementary — will have a 30-day grace period beginning no later than Oct. 15.

Hampton city officials said about $3.5 million would be budgeted for the school zone speed camera pilot program.

Norfolk has 19 cameras in place across 10 public school locations. A 60-day warning period was slated to end in May, but a city spokesperson said last week that the cameras are still in an active warning period “until summons language can be resolved with the general district court and our vendor, Verra Mobility.”

Part of Anderson’s complaint in his lawsuits was that officers weren’t issuing an official Virginia summons document consistent with other traffic infractions when making the speeding citations.

Portsmouth has 16 cameras, and police began fining drivers in December. The city reports 28,289 citations and $951,061 of revenue collected between January and June. Of the total revenue, $565,042 will be paid to the third-party vendor.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated with the latest citations and revenue figures from the city of Portsmouth. The city provided the figures after the article published.

Natalie Anderson, 757-732-1133, natalie.anderson@virginiamedia.com

“I would talk about team-building, marketing, management and leadership and people were good to go,” she said. “But as soon as I started talking about money, it was like what are you talking about.”

Reddix, the founder, president and CEO of ARDX, a Norfolk-based health care management and technology consulting company, spends a great deal of time helping create economic empowerment for girls and women.

She serves as a business adviser to women through her Reddix Rules program and is the visionary behind The Mustard Seed Place, an entrepreneurial hub and women empowerment center in downtown Portsmouth. Her nonprofit organization Envision Lead Grow teaches young girls and women valuable financial literacy, entrepreneurship and leadership skills.

“If you line everything up, it’s all the same,” Reddix said. “It’s different ways of opening women’s eyes and minds to using their skill and will to build economic empowerment for their households.”

Three years ago, she created the RRFund Investment Club, a monthly safe space for women to discuss financial concepts. Reddix said women of color tend to have more difficulty accessing capital. Over time, she penned the book, “She’s Got the Power.” It shares the stories of 25 women from the group and their relationships with money.

The female fund members are now owners of a Hilton hotel in Chicago and angel investors in other women-owned businesses. Reddix heard from more women interested in joining the group, but with a cap of 100, it was maxed out.

So, Reddix and 35 of her partners from the RRFund created the RRFund Wealth Accelerator, a financial wealth and health program for women with 40 hours of financial education provided by The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America through Enoch Financial Group at the forefront.

“If we really want to grow businesses, households and communities, we have to get women more comfortable with talking about money,” she said.

The accelerator provides women with the tools and information to empower themselves and become sophisticated investors.

“We believe a woman who decides she is going to learn her value is a gem,” Reddix said, noting that is what each participant is called.

The 12-month program, which kicked off on Aug. 1 at The Mustard Seed Place, includes a mid-year in-person summit in March 2025 and an end-of-year retreat in January 2026. Additional cohorts begin every two months for the live sessions hosted on a virtual platform. The program starts at an introductory fee of $2,750 per person.

Participants apply what they learn to real-life scenarios and can explore what they can do in their households with one-on-one financial coaching. A licensed psychologist helps the participants with the emotional components of wealth, and a health coach advises them on improving their health and wellness.

“If women aren’t taking care of their health, it increases their rate of bankruptcy,” she said.

Goals for the program are set from Day 1. Reddix stressed that each woman becomes part of an encouraging tribe. Reddix isn’t afraid to admit that she’s made some mistakes along the way — both financially and in business — and she said they just made her dig in to learn more and teach others from her real-life experiences.

“We want women to feel that they belong at the table and when they are at the table, they have enough information to add value to the table,” she said.

For more information, visit rrfundwealth.com.

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

Defined as a census tract without a physical bank branch within a certain geographic radius from the population center, banking deserts exist where banks are more than 2 miles from an urban area, 5 miles for suburban and 10 miles for rural communities.

While the 2008 financial crisis led to bank closures and consolidations, the pace of branch closures accelerated during and since the COVID-19 pandemic. The total number of bank and credit union branches in the U.S. declined by 5.6% and the number of banking deserts increased by 217 between 2019 and 2023, according to a national report published by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. The focus of the report is full-service, brick-and-mortar retail branches, including those of savings and loan associations, commercial banks and credit unions.

Hampton Roads experienced a 38% reduction, or a loss of 143 bank branches from 381 in 2008 to 238 branches in 2023, according to Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. market share reports. The region experienced a 22% reduction by 69 branches from 307 in 2019. These figures don’t include credit unions.

The branch closures coincide with the rise of digital banking, including mobile and online services, and the use of kiosks and ATMs. Long gone are the days when consumers had to walk inside banks for their transactions.

But banking deserts affect people who struggle with transportation, digital services, high-speed internet access and skills to navigate websites and apps, according to the report. It can also greatly impede consumers with lower incomes, disabilities or language barriers — who may still tend to favor in-person banking.

The Fed study shows that 5% of census tracts in Virginia last year were banking deserts and 3% may become a desert if a branch closes. Of those tracts, 80% are suburban and 46% have limited access to broadband.

In Hampton Roads, the Federal Reserve’s interactive dashboard map shows that the southern parts of Virginia Beach (including Blackwater, Sandbridge and part of Pungo), Chesapeake and Suffolk are all banking deserts with the nearest branches from 2 miles to 9 miles away. The region is considered a mix of urban and suburban.

A small urban tract in the Lee Hall section of Newport News, with a population of approximately 3,400, shows its nearest branch is 3 miles away. In Willoughby Spit and West Ocean View on the northern end of Norfolk and in the Lynnwood section of Virginia Beach, consumers have to travel between 2 to 3 miles for their banking needs.

Parts of Isle of Wight and Gloucester counties and the northern Outer Banks area of Corolla also fall within a banking desert. Hampton, Portsmouth, Poquoson, Williamsburg, James City County and York County show no banking deserts although Mathews County is marked as a potential desert, meaning the area is one branch closure away from becoming a desert.

Both larger banks and community-based banks reduced their physical presence in Hampton Roads over the past several years, according to closing notices with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

The merger of BB&T and SunTrust as Truist in late 2019 led to a major consolidation of branches in the region. Bank of America and Wells Fargo have closed multiple branches across Hampton Roads. Bank of America closed its Fort Eustis and Lynnhaven Square branches this year. Wells Fargo most recently closed its Richmond Road branch in Williamsburg in January and its Wells Fargo Center branch in November in downtown Norfolk, where it maintains an ATM.

Hampton-based Old Point National Bank has also closed multiple branches over the past several years and recently announced it will close its downtown Norfolk branch in September due to cost-cutting efforts.

Suffolk-based TowneBank’s acquisition of Windsor-based Farmers Bank also meant the closure of the Farmers branches in Pungo and Chesapeake last year as TowneBank operated locations nearby. TowneBank also closed its Harbour View branch at 6255 College Drive in Suffolk last year.

PNC Bank plans to close a standalone branch at 3012 Pacific Ave. in Virginia Beach on Oct. 18 in an ongoing effort to optimize its physical bank network, spokesperson Kelby Krauss said. Customers will be directed to the branch at 1324 N. Great Neck Road. PNC Bank has 10 branches, ATMs and video banking machines in Hampton Roads.

“Branch locations remain an essential aspect of how we connect with and support our clients and the local community,” Krauss said.

View the banking deserts dashboard at fedcommunities.org/data/banking-deserts-dashboard/.

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

In a statement, Portsmouth Police Chief Stephen Jenkins said a 15-year-old boy was shot due to an unsecured firearm around 1:45 p.m. He was wounded in the thigh and abdomen.

Jenkins called the shooting a “shocking and completely preventable incident” and said police haven’t yet been able to determine how the boy was shot.

Police said they were called to the 1100 block of Virginia Avenue, where they found the teen. He was transported to the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters for treatment.

The investigation is ongoing, and police did not provide an update on the teen’s condition.

Police obtained warrants for child neglect for Maurice Savage, Naomi Savage and Demetric Ralph.

Adults attempted to remove other firearms and other evidence from the scene before police arrived, Jenkins said. He admonished those actions, saying they endanger lives and impede thorough investigations.

He also urged adults to keep firearms out of the reach of children and practice responsible gun ownership.

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

Steven Carter, 62, assumed the role of Portsmouth’s CEO in April after Portsmouth City Council pursued a nationwide search in 2023. At the time of his appointment, he was serving as city manager in Albany, Georgia — a city not quite as big as Portsmouth — in southwest Georgia. He marks the fourth city manager hire in as many years.

Raised in the small town of Waycross, Georgia — about 100 miles from Albany — Carter’s status as an outsider means he’s coming into the role with a fresh start. His arrival wasn’t without some conflict, however, as his hire was approved by a 4-3 council vote.

The division was created because some members supported retaining Mimi Terry, who held the interim role for more than a year. She also had previously served as the city’s chief financial officer, among other top city positions.

During Carter’s oath of office ceremony, he acknowledged the split appointment, noting at the time that “we have to agree that we are not adversaries.”

“One of the values of bringing somebody in that don’t have any alliances is that you get that fresh start,” Carter said during an interview with The Virginian-Pilot in his office last week. “I don’t know anybody here. I don’t owe anything to anybody here. Nobody owes me anything.

“I’m here to do a job. And again, I work for seven people. So anytime I’m dealing with a situation, I deal with seven people.”

The Air Force veteran has degrees in computer information systems and a master of business administration from Liberty University, according to his resume. Carter ascended to the city manager position in Albany through his background in technology as a chief information officer, where one perk of the job is working intimately with each department. He worked his way up to deputy city manager before spending three years as city manager.

“I’m really high on technology being a force multiplier for not just our police department, but for our regular working staff,” Carter said. “Because in the market today, labor is at a high premium. And the more I can get out of the things that we’ve already paid for, and the less labor I have to do, that means I can repurpose those people we have to do some more cool things for our city, other than just pushing paper around.” 

Carter said what appealed to him about Portsmouth is the opportunity to make a difference. Ultimately, he wants to leave a “legacy here that transcends” him. But in the meantime, he hopes to help the city figure out its vision through stability, consistency and a sense of calm through the storms.

Part of that comes from “protecting the brand.”

“It’s changing the mind of Portsmouth. Portsmouth talks bad about Portsmouth,” he said. “Portsmouth doesn’t have a good idea of who Portsmouth is.”

Some current initiatives include setting up a process improvement team, which will work to evaluate what’s working and what’s not. One area of focus is the city’s utility billing system. Carter also wants to improve the city’s leadership through quarterly forums with top city staff, including skill building opportunities.

“I’m trying to build better people, whether you’re at work or you’re not,” he said. “It’s difficult to actually have some consistency in how you perform when you don’t know what your next direction is going to be because it’s changing from day to day, from month to month, from season to season.

“I’m here to bring some stability to that and teach them how to do their job well, even if the head changes. I’m teaching philosophies that transcend who sits at the top.”

Outside of work, Carter spent the past two decades officiating high school and college basketball — an activity he believes has primed him for keeping a level head amidst chaos.

“(You) maintain your composure and make sure that everything else is going the way it’s supposed to go,” Carter said. “Even with my city council, I know they’ve been kind of tumultuous over the years, but I think one of the things that I bring to that position even is that I’m pretty level headed about things.”

Carter moved to Portsmouth with his wife, Maria. His two adult daughters live in Georgia and California. Away from the office, Carter enjoys amateur photography and said he’s read all of the books by John Grisham, who authored “A Time to Kill” and other legal thrillers. He’s traveled to 13 countries.

Natalie Anderson, 757-732-1133, natalie.anderson@virginiamedia.com

The funding — part of a multi-year grant to increase public safety measures in elementary and secondary schools — comes from the general fund of Virginia’s state budget as part of the School Resource Officer/School Security Officer Incentive Grant Program. The funds are prioritized for localities lacking such officers in their school divisions.

Chesapeake received $330,060 in state funding that will be complemented with a $160,590 contribution from Chesapeake Public Schools. For the current school year, eight officers have been spread across all 28 elementary schools. But at Tuesday’s meeting, Chesapeake City Council approved a request from the sheriff’s office to expand the program and allocate the state funding for six additional officers, resulting in one officer being responsible for two schools.

In a memo, city staff said Chesapeake school resource officers have handled 500 incidents since the program’s inception this year.

How much security do schools need? Hampton Roads ramps up spending.

Last year, the Chesapeake School Board also approved revised policies that would allow security officers to be armed if needed.

Portsmouth received $1 million, including a local cash match of $210,098 and in-kind contribution of $121,248 to support 12 officers for the city’s elementary, middle and high schools.

In addition to basic law enforcement training, school resource officers will be trained to respond to active threats and crisis situations.

Natalie Anderson, 757-732-1133, natalie.anderson@virginiamedia.com