NEWPORT NEWS — Eight candidates, including two incumbents, are running for three seats on City Council. The North District race is uncontested.
North District
Marcellus L. Harris III
Age: 46
Job title and company: Counseling director, Portsmouth Public Schools
Highest level of education: Doctor of Divinity from Canaan Theological Seminary and College
Previous elected office: Newport News City Council
What development or policy change would you support to help revitalize downtown Newport News? What other areas of the city, if any, do you believe are in need of revitalization?
My developmental priority for downtown is for the new Huntington Middle School building to be constructed so the students in that community can begin to attend a new state of the art school, with amenities for our residents to take advantage of social and recreational activities. In the North District, as we begin the process of revitalizing Sherwood Shopping Center into the new Grissom Library, I am excited about how the modernized library will bring a new energy to the area. In addition to that, my focal point will remain on the old Kmart site. Since I have been on council, we have moved forward in eliminating the blight from the old building. Now, it’s time to reimagine how the space can become an economic driver for our city while providing our residents with a venue that is unique to our region and accessible to our citizens.
What is the biggest problem Newport News residents currently face and how would you address it?
As we are currently awaiting the results of a community survey to gather feedback from our residents, some of the primary concerns that I have heard from citizens stem from the process of property assessments. Since I have been on council, we have decreased the tax rate but some of the property assessments have continued to increase. I will continue to work with our citizens in educating them about the process of how assessments are formulated. Another high priority issue that we face is the state of our school facilities. We have a significant number of aging buildings that we will have to address in the upcoming years as we formulate our capital improvement plans.
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Central District
Robert “Rob” Coleman
Age: 53
Job title and company: Chief operating officer, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula
Highest level of education: Warwick High School
Previous elected office: Newport News City Council – North District
Website: robcolemanforcouncil.com
What development or policy change would you support to help revitalize downtown Newport News? What other areas of the city, if any, do you believe are in need of revitalization?
I support the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative program because it is a critical intervention opportunity for the Southeast Community that addresses the systemic issues that have contributed to its challenges over the years. The Southeast Community has faced long-standing challenges related to poverty and crime. CNI has already started to create an environment where individuals can break out of the cycle of poverty and thrive — not just survive. Developing the greater City Center area into the Peninsula’s premier business and entertainment center is a priority for me. Diversified entertainment, expanded dining and nightlife options, enhanced public spaces, signature events and festivals and ensuring it is safe and secure for all patrons will be essential in making Newport News the entertainment hub of the Peninsula.
What is the biggest problem Newport News residents currently face and how would you address it?
The cost of living is a significant issue for residents in Newport News, which creates financial strain, particularly for low- and middle-income households. One factor that has a substantial impact on both taxes and the cost of living is poverty. The effects of poverty create a cycle that further exacerbates economic challenges in our community, leading to increased demand for public services, reduced tax revenue and higher costs for essential goods and services. Addressing poverty is essential to breaking this cycle. By investing in education, affordable housing and workforce development, we can reduce the financial burden on our residents, stabilize our tax base and create a more equitable and prosperous community. This approach will not only improve the quality of life for those struggling but will enhance our overall economic health, benefiting every resident in the long term.
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Scott O. Cox
Age: 45
Job title: Pest control technician
Highest education level: Attended Radford University, Virginia Tech
Military service: Navy personnelman
Website: www.scottcoxfornncitycouncil.org
What development or policy change would you support to help revitalize downtown Newport News? What other areas of the city, if any, do you believe are in need of revitalization?
Create a free recreational facility that includes an arcade, basketball gym, swimming pool and an indoor track downtown. Build a River Casino Hotel connected to the James River and Huntington Beach. This will generate an abundance of revenue growth funding other future development projects, such as a public swimming pool structure in our North District inside the neighborhood of Courthouse Green Apartments. This will provide swimming lessons for our youth who do not have access to a public pool in a very big part of our community.
What is the biggest problem Newport News residents currently face and how would you address it?
Lower income housing. I would focus on development of more lower income family residences in the most needed areas of the community.
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Andrea Diggs
Age: 40
Job title and company: CEO, Therapeutic Services of Virginia LLC; executive director, Insight Enterprises Inc.
Highest level of education: Pursuing doctorate in social work; Master of Social Work, Saint Leo University; Master of Public Administration, Old Dominion University
Website: diggs4citycouncil.com
What development or policy change would you support to help revitalize downtown Newport News? What other areas of the city, if any, do you believe are in need of revitalization?
I would support the city’s ongoing efforts while placing an emphasis on inclusivity, ensuring that new housing opportunities are both affordable and accessible and lower-income residents are not displaced. I would advocate for an ordinance that requires landlords to undertake in-depth trainings as it relates to the uniqueness of Newport News, so as to avoid exploitation. I would also advocate for policies that foster economic opportunities, support local businesses and enhance public services to create a thriving, inclusive community. I would also support developments that facilitate ensuring food access for residents. I believe it is important for individuals and families to live in close proximity to affordable fresh foods. There are areas in both the North and Central districts that could benefit from attention, improved infrastructure and increased economic development initiatives.
What is the biggest problem Newport News residents currently face and how would you address it?
Housing. It is important to ensure access to affordable, accessible and safe housing for all Newport News residents. I would keep open channels of communication from constituents facing housing struggles regarding both the barriers that they are facing and the strengths they see in the existing system. I would engage the leaders of other cities to determine what their biggest concerns and issues are as they relate to housing. Our housing problems, although individual, can also be tied to those in our surrounding areas. I also believe in the importance of holding landlords accountable and responsible for their service to our community. Ensuring fair prices and that landlords have an understanding of the laws and regulations as it pertains to safety and accessibility would be a priority for me.
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Stephen Ferguson
Age: 51
Job title: Business owner, former firefighter
Highest level of education: Some college, Christopher Newport University
Website: lowernewportnewstaxes.com
\What development or policy change would you support to help revitalize downtown Newport News? What other areas of the city, if any, do you believe are in need of revitalization?
As a dedicated business owner right here in Newport News, I’m committed to unlocking the tremendous potential of our city. I see a future where Newport News doesn’t just participate on the regional or national stage, but shines as a global beacon of innovation and economic vitality. This isn’t just about growth. It’s about sustainable, inclusive progress that benefits every one of us. My plan is to transform Newport News into a magnet for cutting-edge businesses from around the world. By fostering a business-friendly environment through strategic partnerships and proactive policies, we will attract and nurture the kind of enterprises that offer not just jobs, but careers that pave the way for lifelong learning and success.
What is the biggest problem Newport News residents currently face and how would you address it?
As a lifelong resident and business owner in Virginia and long-time resident here in Newport News, I understand firsthand the weight of our high property taxes — one of the heaviest in Hampton Roads. This burden is not just numbers on paper; it’s a reality that drives families and businesses away to seek relief, taking vital jobs and opportunities with them. We can’t stand by and watch our community’s potential wash away with them. I am committed to changing this trend. By making Newport News a more welcoming place for both new and expanding businesses, we can increase our tax base while diversifying and stabilizing our local economy. This growth means we can lighten the tax load on our residents without cutting essential services. More than just a fiscal adjustment, this is about revitalizing our city and keeping it vibrant and thriving for generations to come.
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Justin A. Kennedy
Age: 52
Job title and company: Partner, The Kennedy Firm LLC
Highest level of education: Juris Doctor, Rutgers Law School – Newark
Website: www.kennedyforcitycouncil.com
What development or policy change would you support to help revitalize downtown Newport News? What other areas of the city, if any, do you believe are in need of revitalization?
Revitalizing Newport News’ downtown needs a community-centered approach. As your representative, I propose supporting small businesses with incentives, creating living-wage jobs and increasing affordable housing to stabilize our community. Enhancing public transportation, upgrading utilities and creating green spaces are essential. Investing in education, workforce programs, public safety and local arts, alongside enacting tax incentives and zoning updates, will drive progress. The North District is primed for growth, offering key investment opportunities. As downtown and the Central District expand, the North District stands ready for development, with space for businesses, residential projects and community initiatives. Focusing here will ensure balanced citywide growth, transforming it into a vibrant hub of innovation.
What is the biggest problem Newport News residents currently face and how would you address it?
To build a thriving society, we must address the systemic issues holding our community back, starting with education. Our public schools, the cornerstone of our future, need more than state funding to succeed. It’s time for a new approach — a public-private funding partnership that truly invests in our children. By studying successful models from other states and cities, we can create a tailored plan to revitalize school infrastructure, expand activities and fairly compensate teachers. Doing the same thing and expecting different results is not an option. Let’s work together to secure a brighter future for our children and community.
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South District
Clifton J. Atkins
Age: 58
Job title and company: Transit operator, Hampton Roads Transit; private construction contractor
Highest level of education: Newport News Apprentice School; heating, ventilation and air conditioning program, Centura College
Military service: U.S. Army reservist 1992
Website: Facebook/Instagram Clifton Atkins
What development or policy change would you support to help revitalize downtown Newport News? What other areas of the city, if any, do you believe are in need of revitalization?
Continued redevelopment in the southeastern section of the city to include renovation to older structures and dwellings owned by private citizens. To include city and federal appropriated grants made available to homeowners to upgrade existing properties to include expanding weatherization programs, energy efficiencies and structural integrity. I advocate for cleaner neighborhood awareness in a coordinated effort between homeowners and city operations.
What is the biggest problem Newport News residents currently face and how would you address it?
One of the biggest problems in the South District is the reality that property values are decreasing more rapidly than assessed value increases. This thus places the burdens on homeowners with the difficult task of maintenance of said properties in lieu of the rising cost of general upkeep. This problem often leads to code violations and dangerous structural integrity as potential losses of homes are greater possibilities, especially for the elderly and those on fixed incomes.
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Tina L. Vick
Age: 62
Job title and company: Principal broker, Tina L. Vick Realty & Development LLC
Highest level of education: Bachelor’s in mass communications from Virginia Commonwealth University
Previous elected offices: Newport News vice mayor, Newport News City Council member since 2008
Website: Re-Elect Tina Vick for Newport News City Council
What development or policy change would you support to help revitalize downtown Newport News? What other areas of the city, if any, do you believe are in need of revitalization?
As a city council member, I have been involved in revitalization of downtown Newport News even before I was elected. I worked as the director of Peninsula Community Development Corp. and I was responsible for building and renovating single-family homes. As a council member, I worked with former city manager Neil Morgan to find funding to improve the aesthetics of what is now called our Lower Jefferson Avenue Corridor. I worked with the developers to bring our Noland Green and Brennan Pointe Apartments for residents. I currently am supporting Mayor Phillip Jones and our effort to work with community stakeholders and local leaders, including the shipyard and Navy to continue to revitalize the downtown Newport News area. The newly adopted strategic plan has timelines for development and improvements throughout our city.
What is the biggest problem Newport News residents currently face and how would you address it?
Gun violence is the biggest problem that communities are facing throughout the world. Our police chief, Steve Drew, has been a leader in decreasing the gun violence in Newport News. He has included the ShotSpotter program and has increased officer presence in the community. With City Council, we have funded several nonprofit agencies that are working with youth and families to assist in decreasing the gun violence. I also supported the funding for metal detectors to protect our children, teachers and school personnel, particularly after the school shooting incidents. We also initiated the Youth Career Program and THRIVE programs to strengthen our youth and families by providing jobs and job training. Partnerships with our mental health agencies are established to have advocates for parents and children to keep people from shooting others.
Answers were compiled by the Daily Press staff.
