Nine candidates are vying for three spots on City Council. Incumbents Chris Bowman, Hope Harper and Billy Hobbs are facing challengers Randy Bowman, Carolyn S. Campbell, LaToya Fleming, Whalan McDew, Janice Richison and Aaron T Weaver.
Three candidates are also competing in a special election to fill the remainder of council member Jimmy Gray’s term, which would end Dec. 31, 2026.
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City Council
Chris L. Bowman
Age: 70
Job title and company: Retired
Highest level of education: Master of Public Administration from Golden Gate University
Previous elected office: 4 years on Hampton City Council
If elected, what would be your top priority?
Top priority is continued progress on decreasing overall violence/crime. Although recent data shows tremendous improvement in reduction of violent crime and homicides, we need to continue to move the needle.
Do you agree with the city’s latest changes to short-term rental regulations? Why or why not? Should short-term rentals be allowed in higher density?
Yes, council and staff have put tremendous effort in establishing our regulations. The 1% density and 300-foot parameter are a good start, knowing these may need to be changed in the future.
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Randy Bowman
Age: 59
Job title and company: CEO, Bowman’s Soul N The Wall LLC/I Scream U Scream
Highest level of education: Some college, Norfolk State University
Website: RandyBowman4hcc.org
If elected, what would be your top priority?
If elected, my top priority would be to strengthen collaboration with economic development to attract new businesses that make Hampton a desirable place to live, work and play. As a business owner, I know firsthand the challenges small businesses face. That’s why I’ll focus on creating a supportive environment for small businesses to thrive and streamline the process for new entrepreneurs to start and grow their ventures here. By fostering a vibrant business community, we can boost our local economy and encourage young people to build their futures in Hampton.
Do you agree with the city’s latest changes to short-term rental regulations? Why or why not? Should short-term rentals be allowed in higher density?
I fully support Hampton’s recent changes to short-term rental regulations. These guidelines strike a balance between allowing business opportunities and protecting neighborhoods from oversaturation. Regulations are crucial to maintain a balance between interests of short-term rental operators and needs of the community. Guidelines can prevent issues like neighborhood overcrowding, noise and disruption, while ensuring that short-term rentals don’t negatively impact long-term housing availability. In summary, supporting short-term rentals with regulations in Hampton can provide economic benefits and flexibility for property owners while ensuring that the community’s needs and concerns are addressed.
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Carolyn S. Campbell
Age: 60
Job title and company: President, Cornerstone Investors Inc.
Highest level of education: Bachelor’s in computer science from Virginia Tech
Website: www.FriendsOfCarolynCampbell.com
If elected, what would be your top priority?
Born and raised in Hampton, I intend to ensure that our taxes are being spent efficiently and effectively by reviewing how and where the money is being spent, that new business is encouraged by reducing red tape and road blocks to innovation, that law and order is enforced in our community by listening to citizens and supporting our police, that the education of our students is effective by working with our school board and that our local waterfront is protected by championing partnerships with environmental advocates such as the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
Do you agree with the city’s latest changes to short-term rental regulations? Why or why not? Should short-term rentals be allowed in higher density?
As a strong business advocate, including short-term rentals, I agree with the city’s approach to start somewhere and improve. I do not believe density of the rentals will be the issue. The key issue will be the behavior of the renters and upkeep of the property. The goals of the short-term rental program should be to keep houses occupied to avoid blight without local residents having to serve as “neighborhood landlords,” to provide renters with options for supplemental housing without impacting the local hotel business, to promote small business and to generate more tax revenue for the city than it costs for first responder or city staff to respond to complaints. Tracking measurable goals via smart metrics should guide whether the program is successful and should continue.
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LaToya Fleming
Age: 36
Job title and company: Logistic analyst
Highest level of education: One year at Thomas Nelson Community College
Military service: 8 years in the Army
Website: www.TheLFCouncil.com
If elected, what would be your top priority?
Uniting our communities through the Neighborhood Watch program is my top priority currently. It’s not just about preventing crime. It’s about creating a city where everyone feels connected, valued and protected. When neighbors look out for one another, they create a ripple effect that extends far beyond safety. They build trust, foster relationships and create a stronger, more vibrant community. Revitalizing the Neighborhood Watch program will be my top priority because I believe it is the most effective way to create a safer, more united city. By working together, we can prevent issues before they arise, support one another in times of need and build a community that is resilient in the face of challenges. If elected, I am committed to making sure we love our neighbors as we love ourselves!
Do you agree with the city’s latest changes to short-term rental regulations? Why or why not? Should short-term rentals be allowed in higher density?
I believe that if we are proactive in our neighborhood watch efforts and ensure that property owners are held accountable for the behavior of their tenants, we can foster a healthy and safe community. This approach can help mitigate potential issues like noise, parking and security concerns often associated with short-term rentals. As for allowing short-term rentals in higher-density areas, I support this, provided that strict regulations and oversight are in place. It is crucial to ensure that these rentals do not negatively affect the character of our neighborhoods or the quality of life of our residents. By working together as a community and being vigilant, we can create an environment where both long-term residents and short-term renters can coexist harmoniously.
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Hope L. Harper
Age: 51
Job title and company: Property control specialist, Northrop Grumman Corp.
Highest level of education: Bachelor’s in information systems and decision sciences from Virginia State University
Previous elected office: Hampton City Council
Website: www.hope4hampton.org
If elected, what would be your top priority?
Youth violence, and I would continue to support opportunities for prevention and intervention.
Do you agree with the city’s latest changes to short-term rental regulations? Why or why not? Should short-term rentals be allowed in higher density?
As a member of Hampton City Council and Planning Commission, I have researched and had meetings with the stakeholders group and city departments associated with short-term rentals. I agree with the regulations as it provides guidelines for individuals with short-term rentals to adhere to, for those operating legally, and future enforcement for those that are operating illegally. It allows for short-term rentals, but not having too many in a neighborhood. I think we have come to a median, whether you are for or against short-term rentals, we can work with. I think we should start with a lower density and if we find there are too few or missed opportunities, we can move the density up as it’s better to start low and go higher than vice versa.
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W. H. “Billy” Hobbs Jr.
Age: 72
Job title and company: Retired
Highest level of education: High school
Previous elected office: Hampton City Council
Website: www.friendsofbillyhobbs.com
If elected, what would be your top priority?
Increasing sales tax income to continue to lower property taxes for our citizens!
Do you agree with the city’s latest changes to short-term rental regulations? Why or why not? Should short-term rentals be allowed in higher density?
Yes, I do agree. Short-term rentals are a big concern to the citizens of Hampton!
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Whalan McDew
Age: 61
Job title and company: Fresh Start program coordinator, Center for Child and Family Services
Highest level of education: Bachelor’s in human services from Old Dominion University
Military service: Army veteran
Website: www.McDewForHamptonCityCouncil.com
If elected, what would be your top priority?
Empowering returning citizens through education and skills training for a smoother transition back into society.
Do you agree with the city’s latest changes to short-term rental regulations? Why or why not? Should short-term rentals be allowed in higher density?
I agree with some of the changes, and also see there could be an issue with off-street parking in some areas that could become a barrier for some that would like to participate. The distance between rentals could also be an issue.
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Janice Richison
Age: 61
Job title and company: Assistant principal, Lindsay Middle School, Hampton City Schools
Highest level of education: Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University
Website: www.friends-of-janice-ri.com/
If elected, what would be your top priority?
If elected, my top priority will be education and development: infrastructure and educational advancement.
Do you agree with the city’s latest changes to short-term rental regulations? Why or why not? Should short-term rentals be allowed in higher density?
I agree. In a society that is already struggling financially with rising costs across the board, short-term rentals are necessary for residents to survive by having residual income; however, there are other factors that must be taken into consideration, such as: fire code violations, parking availability, size of rental property and preserving the residential character of the neighborhood. In addition to this, if taxed locally and by state, residents could possibly receive tax deductions. Taxing residents at a 1% tax rate is far lower than the average nationally for short-term rentals.
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Aaron T Weaver
Age: 38
Job title and company: Production planning and scheduler 2, HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding
Highest level of education: Bachelor’s in sports management from Hampton University
Website: www.aarontweaver.com
If elected, what would be your top priority?
Ensuring we put actions behind our city slogan of “making Hampton the most livable city in Virginia” starts with offering competitive, livable salaries to our city employees. The percentage bump and years-based adjustment in this year’s budget begins to correct salary discrepancies, but we need time to monitor and gather full data. By paying fair wages, we show appreciation for our employees and set a standard for all employers in Hampton. Fair wages help employees support their families, contribute to the local economy and improve quality of life. This initiative uplifts our workers, strengthens the community, fosters economic growth and ensures Hampton remains a place where everyone can thrive. Creating a prosperous and equitable Hampton for all is our goal.
Do you agree with the city’s latest changes to short-term rental regulations? Why or why not? Should short-term rentals be allowed in higher density?
For the most part, yes. This is still a fluid process and more changes can be made. The proposed homestay rental rules are a good change, ensuring that hosts live on the property and engage more with the community. However, one major concern I have is that there isn’t a rule or plan to prevent or address abundant LLC ownership of Hampton properties. An outside LLC entity with financial resources could purchase multiple properties in a zone, creating a monopoly on short-term rentals in this first-come, first-serve system, potentially leaving local residents at a disadvantage. We should start with the current density regulations and gather more information, experience and data before revisiting the idea of higher densities.
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Special election to fill the remainder of Jimmy Gray’s term
Jeannie Belgrave
Age: 49
Job title and company: Regulatory specialist, Registrar Corp.
Highest level of education: Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary
Military service: Air Force
Website: www.JeannieforVirginia.com
If elected, what would be your top priority?
My top priority would be developing a vibrant community that entices the potential of the generations that reside in the city of Hampton. We live in a time that requires collaboration to maintain a livable city as well as to continue to shovel a sustainable path where our diverse communities can engage culturally, historically and financially. Younger generations need to be exposed to a city they grow to be proud of — a city they identify with as they become the leaders of our future.
Do you agree with the city’s latest changes to short-term rental regulations? Why or why not? Should short-term rentals be allowed in higher density?
I agree. I think the city did a good job trying to accommodate the short-term rental property owners and the neighbors of those properties. As noted by some city council members, I agree with starting at 1% of the residential homes in each of the 51 zones. It gives each zone the possibility to grow if the metrics show that it is possible and the owners and neighbors can live in harmony. When it comes to higher density, I think the growth needs to be on a case-by-case basis or in this case, zone by zone. If the metrics show that short-term rental growth is feasible, I would possibly vote on increasing it on a case-by-case basis. It would benefit Hampton to have a few more tourists in the area supporting our local businesses.
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Michelle Taylor Ferebee
Age: 62
Job title and company: Deputy director, Strategic Partnerships Office, NASA Langley Research Center
Highest level of education: Bachelor’s in mathematics from William & Mary
Previous elected office: Appointed to Hampton City Council on interim basis from January to December 2022
Website: friendsofmichelleferebee.com
If elected, what would be your top priority?
There is no single issue that means more to voters on a local level than being able to live in a safe, clean and enjoyable environment, with great schools, well-maintained roadways and utilities and readily available and desirable leisure activities. I will work tirelessly to ensure all of Hampton’s residents and businesses are glad to be located here.
Do you agree with the city’s latest changes to short-term rental regulations? Why or why not? Should short-term rentals be allowed in higher density?
The city held several short-term rental stakeholder focus groups from December 2023 to January 2024 in order to obtain feedback that was used to update the regulations. As a result, the approval process has been streamlined. I agree with the changes and especially support the fact that they were implemented as a result of input from the community, which is the way interacting with and relying upon city council members and other elected representatives should work.
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Chelsea Greenwood
Age: 36
Job title and company: Owner/operator of CrossFit Fort Monroe
Highest level of education: Two years, business management focus, at Virginia Peninsula Community College
Website: www.facebook.com/people/Chelsea-for-Change/61564682278149/
If elected, what would be your top priority?
If elected, my top priority would be to help the city of Hampton more effectively communicate with and better serve its businesses and residents. We need to improve the benefits associated with opening a small business in the city of Hampton, in particular. When new business comes to our city, it brings tax revenue and additional employment opportunities. My secondary focus is providing additional resources to train our first responders more effectively in community engagement, de-escalation techniques and mental health awareness.
Do you agree with the city’s latest changes to short-term rental regulations? Why or why not? Should short-term rentals be allowed in higher density?
I do believe short-term rentals can be a great way to increase tax revenue and bring additional business and visitors into our city. Stringent rules with the possibility of fees for homeowners comes with the territory of having a short-term rental, in general. However, there have to be distinguishing factors between short-term rentals in what would be considered a vacation destination versus a tight-knit neighborhood, for example. Short-term rentals should not be contained within a “one size fits all” regulation and should be specific to areas of the city.
Answers were compiled by the Daily Press staff.
