The proposed Long Ridge Solar Farm, owned by brothers Christopher G. Weatherly and Glenn Scott Weatherly, will take up 41 acres of a 122-acre parcel along Long Ridge Road between Beaver Dam Road and Carolina Road. It will allow for cheaper energy for about 1,000 homes through the Virginia Shared Solar program, according to Cara Romaine, a senior developer with ESA Solar Energy who spoke in favor of the project.

Half of the energy produced by the project will support low-to-moderate income residents by providing 10% savings on their monthly power bills, Romain said. The site’s power lines will be connected to the grid underground via an existing power pole owned by Dominion Energy, which means it will not require the construction of a new substation.

This solar facility is expected to be able to operate for at least 35 years, according to the site’s decommissioning plan. The city has now approved 10 utility solar energy projects since 2019 covering a total of 2,020 acres, according to planning documents.

Speaking to council prior to the vote, Glenn Weatherly said his family has been on this farm since 1964 and he’s worked on it full-time since 1986. He said using some of their land for solar panels will provide him some “security.”

“I still want to farm … I’m pushing 60 years old this December, I’m looking for the easy life for a change,” Weatherly said.

The project was approved on a 7-2 vote, with council members Debbie Ritter and Jeff Bunn voting against. Ritter, who said she lives near a solar farm, called them “intrusive” and took issue with calling them “farms,” saying they’re more accurately described as industrial.

Ritter particularly highlighted the disruptions to travel during the construction period of the solar farms. She lamented the loss of agricultural land, listing things like transfer stations and proposed lithium battery storage facilities popping up across the area as signs of a negative trend.

“It all sounds great if you live in an urban area of the city or even a suburban area where (the solar project) isn’t where you live,” Ritter said. “This is an agricultural area … If the council wants to go ahead (with the project) that’s terrific, we’ll continue to give up valuable farmland.”

Two neighbors of the Weatherly’s farm spoke in favor of the project. Dana Todd, whose property is on Middle Ridge across the street from the Weatherly’s, said the addition of solar panels is a “good way to use the land and still make sure it stays farmable.”

“Supporting the Long Ridge solar project isn’t just about solar power, it’s about keeping our farmland safe and finding new ways for local farmers to make a living,” Todd said.

Gavin Stone, 757-712-4806, gavin.stone@virginiamedia.com

Mayor Bobby Dyer described it as “a major snafu” at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. “It’s our duty that when we have any event at the Oceanfront that there’s a positive light on it. This was not a positive light.”

He recommended that in order to rebuild trust, the festival organizers should commit to a long-term partnership, possibly for three-to-five years, and that the city must take a more proactive role.

“The city has been left out of the decision loop in terms of what goes on in operations,” said Dyer, who wants a contract with the festival team outlining the city’s expectations.

Festival organizers notified the city Friday afternoon, just hours after tickets went on sale, that the Oct. 12-13 event was canceled and they intend to reschedule it in April. Soon after the city was notified Friday, Pharrell Williams posted on social media that the festival wasn’t ready yet and ticket-buyers would be refunded.

While organizers are eyeing a move back to April, City Manager Patrick Duhaney said the decision to change the festival date hasn’t been solidified by the City Council.

Something in the Water was first held at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront in 2019. Williams was originally asked to organize an event in late April to provide structured entertainment for college students who had been coming to the resort area each spring.

After inclement weather forced Williams to cancel the festival’s third day in 2023, he decided to move it to October this year in hopes of better conditions.

Duhaney noted money the city set aside for sponsorship — as much as $2 million — has not been spent. He read a letter from the festival team which indicated that issues with the lineup of performers prompted Williams to drop the October date.

“After spending considerable time with members of the music community, we have collectively decided that a festival in April will be far more substantial and impactful for the city of Virginia Beach and allow some of the participants who had committed and endured conflicts beyond Pharrell’s control to participate in April,” the festival organizers wrote.

The festival team promised to have “a concrete plan set within this calendar year.”

Councilmembers Amelia Ross-Hammond and Jennifer Rouse, liaisons to the festival, said Friday’s announcement came as a surprise to both of them.

“We felt blindsided,” said Ross-Hammond.

The two of them held several meetings with city officials and the festival organizers over the weekend.

“We received a lot of reactions, and questions and frustrations and concerns,” said Rouse. “We made sure to share that with the Something in the Water team as well as the city.”

Rouse is pushing the festival organizers to set the April date and lineup sooner than later, she said.

“They want to make an intentional effort to rebuild credibility and trust,” said Rouse.

Councilman Barbara Henley said the postponement is more than just a disappointment to business owners.

“It’s cost a lot of people some serious money,” she said, citing that some hotels are not going to have the income they were counting on.

“We take this as a learning experience,” Henley said. “We have to set benchmarks.”

Stacy Parker, 757-222-5125, stacy.parker@pilotonline.com

While the presidential race may be the main event, dozens of candidates are running for state and local offices in Hampton Roads. The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press voter guide — 757 Votes — explains what races are on the ballot and who is running for office.

The 2024 election guide contains Q&As with candidates running for mayor, city council, school board and in other special elections in Hampton Roads, as well as with candidates running for four congressional seats. The guide will be updated throughout election season with additional reporting on local races and candidates.

Early voting for the Virginia general election begins Friday, Sept. 20 and runs through Saturday, Nov. 2. Voters can cast ballots in person at their local registrar’s office or vote by mail.

Click on each race to learn more about the candidates.

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Congressional

U.S. House of Representatives, Virginia’s 1st District: Leslie Mehta (D), Rob Wittman (R).

U.S. House of Representatives, Virginia’s 2nd District: Missy Cotter Smasal (D), Jen Kiggans (R), Robert Reid Jr. (I).

U.S. House of Representatives, Virginia’s 3rd District: Bobby Scott (D), John Sitka (R).

Senate: Hung Cao (R), Tim Kaine(D).

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Chesapeake

Here’s a rundown of what is on the ballot in Chesapeake.

Mayor: Don Carey and Rick West.

City Council: Reagan Davis, Robert Ike Jr., E. R. “Jeff” Jefferies Jr., Patricia “Pat” King, Jennifer Naperala, S. Z. “Debbie” Ritter,  Les Smith Jr., Jeff Staples, and Eric Wray II.

School Board: Sam Boone Jr., Elijah Colon, Gregory Dono, Malia Huddle, Thomas Mercer Sr., Norman Pool, L. Jameel Shaheer, Daniel Stahler, Angie Swygert, and Rue Willis.

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Hampton

Here’s a rundown of what is on the ballot in Hampton.

Mayor: Jimmy Gray and Richelle Wallace.

City Council: Chris Bowman, Randy Bowman, Carolyn Campbell, LaToya Fleming, Hope Harper, Billy Hobbs Whalan McDew, Janice Richison and Aaron Weaver.

School Board: Stephanie Jackson Afonja, Ann Stephens Cherry, Tina Banks-Gray, Natalie Kidd and Reginal Woodhouse.

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Newport News

Here’s a rundown of what is on the ballot in Newport News.

City Council:

• • North District: Marcellus Harris
  • Central District: Rob Coleman, Scott Cox, Andrea Diggs, Stephen Ferguson, and Justin Kennedy.
  • South District: Clifton Atkins and Tina Vick.

School Board:

• North District: William Beverley, John Bloom and Rasheena Harris
• Central District: Rebecca Aman and Christopher Worthington
• South District: Maritsa Alger

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Norfolk

Here’s a rundown of what is on the ballot in Norfolk.

Mayor: Kenny Alexander, Giovanni “Gio” Dolmo and Tommy Leeman.

City Council:

• Superward 6: Jeremy Mason and Jeremy McGee.
• Superward 7: Carlos Clanton, James Graham, Phillip Hawkins, Rodney Jordan, Leon Judge and Christine Smith.

School Board:

• Ward 5 special election: Ken Paulson.
• Superward 6:  Rebecca Danchise Topping and Sarah DiCalogero.
• Superward 7: Alfreda Thomas and Ronald White.

Portsmouth

Here’s a rundown of what is on the ballot in Portsmouth.

Mayor: Harold S. Carothers III, Shannon E. Glover and Lisa L. Lucas-Burke

City Council: 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.

School Board: LaKeesha “Klu” Atkinson, Irene Boone, Kendall Bradshaw, Arnette “Love” McSwain, Lateacia Sessoms, Jaclyn  “Jackie” Walker, and Ingrid Whitaker.

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Suffolk

Here’s a rundown of what is on the ballot in Suffolk.

Mayor: David Bosselman, Michael Duman, and Clinton Jenkins

City Council:

• Nansemond Borough: Lue Ward
• Sleepy Hole: Roger Fawcett and Ebony Wright
• Whaleyville: LeOtis Williams and Jason Wooldridge

School Board

• Nansemond Borough: Valerie Fields and James Shores
• Sleepy Hole: Carly Bosco and Heather Howell
• Whaleyville: Thelma Hinton,  Sean McGee, and Jonathan Rankin

Sheriff special election: Interim Sheriff David Miles is running unopposed.

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Virginia Beach

Here’s a rundown of what is on the ballot in Virginia Beach.

Mayor: Bobby Dyer, Richard W. Kowalewitch, John Darrell Moss, Chris Taylor and Sabrina Devon Wooten.

City Council:

• District 1: Ryan Gilliam and David “Hutch” Hutcheson
• District 3: Michael Berlucchi, Christina M. Felder and Cleon Jones
• District 5: L.G. Shaw is facing Rosemary Wilson
• District 7: Cal “Cash” Jackson-Green and Mabinty Saffie Scott
• District 8: Cody Conner, Stacy Cummings, Phil Hines and Leland Jones

School Board:

• At large: Monty Gerald Ashliman, Jr. and Sharon Ruth Felton
• District 1: Rose Marie Dwyer, Jennifer Sue Franklin
• District 3: Mark Douglas Bohenstiel
• District 4 special election: Anissa M. Bowden, Alveta J. Green, and Shannon L. Kendrick
• District 5: Melinda Josa Rogers and Vincent Earl Smith
• District 7: Matthew Cummings and Noah Moreland

Sheriff special election: Aldo Dibelardino and Rocky Holcomb III.

The mayor is elected at-large to a four-year term, and the office has no term limits.

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Robert “Bobby” Dyer

Age: 74

Occupation/job title: Professional-in-residence, Robertson School of Government, Regent University

Highest level of education: Doctoral degree, Regent University

Previous elected offices held: Current mayor of Virginia Beach; Virginia Beach City Council member

Military service: United States Marine Corps

Website: www.bobbydyerformayor.com

What would be your top priority if elected? Affordability is the top concern, not only in our great city, but across the nation. The national economy with high inflation and interest rates hurts every family and every city government. Groceries and gas have skyrocketed in cost and so have costs in government in everything from roads to schools to employees. We lowered real estate taxes this year and have the lowest tax rate in Hampton Roads. We balanced that by fully funding our schools and dedicating hundreds of millions of dollars to combat flooding. We have been a ribbon-cutting champion in attracting new business and jobs, including everything from Amazon to small businesses across the city. These new jobs will help local families and new businesses will generate city revenue without relying on residential taxes.

What steps need to be taken in order to provide more affordable housing options in Virginia Beach? Housing challenges are so significant that our military partners list it as a major priority. I was chair the Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance, and their position is clear. Our executive director stated, “If the cost of housing in Hampton Roads continues to climb, this could have a negative impact on future military basing decisions.” Solving the housing cost crisis actually strengthens our partnership with the military. We’ve made attainable housing a top priority and are working to lower the costs of building new housing and increasing the availability of housing while preserving our great quality of life.

If elected, what actions would you take to increase economic development and lower tax burdens on residents in Virginia Beach?
I always say, “Friends don’t let friends’ kids find jobs in Northern Virginia. We’ll get them a career here.” We are attracting jobs in Virginia Beach, and partnering with Gov. Youngkin and his economic team, Virginia Beach is bearing the fruits of success. We’ve brought new companies here and overseas broadband cables are building a strong technology sector for job growth. We are also preserving the future of NAS Oceana and, as Virginia Beach’s first veteran Mayor, strengthening our partnership with the military to keep our community and economy strong. These efforts generate revenues that allow more reductions in taxes. Our taxes are much lower than neighboring cities and that’s due to our success at expanding the business tax base. We need even more successes in the future.

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Richard “RK” Kowalewitch

Age: 64

Occupation/job title: Self-employed, construction

Highest level of education: some college or professional certification

Website: www.RKforMayor.net

What would be your top priority if elected? My priority is to follow proper procedures to fix defects in the City Charter & to stop violations of election law. Below are two examples: a. Charter § 3.01:1 states Virginia Beach has a 7-3-1 at large voting system. The voting system was changed knowingly and illegally by City officials in 2022 to a 10-1 district system. Officials claim there is a court order. That court order was vacated. Va. Code § 15.2-200 was not followed to legally amend the charter. b. In the mayor’s race for 2024, there are three ineligible candidates. Two of the candidates have violated Charter § 3.02:2, and three have violated The Constitution of Virginia Article VII Section 8 and Va. Code § 15.2-1535. Please note that city employees are considered to be appointees. These candidates should not be on the ballot in November.

Editor’s note: The candidate has filed lawsuits challenging the district voter system and eligibility of other candidates. Those lawsuits are pending and no determination about legality has been made. 

What steps need to be taken in order to provide more affordable housing options in Virginia Beach? Unfortunately, in a free market economy, the market dictates what the price of houses will be. The City of Virginia Beach carries $1.2 billion in bond debt, not counting the unfunded unmandated pension liabilities. I do not think it is fair for citizens to pay for one person’s gains or the profits of any developers. I think it needs to be explored to provide some incentives for police, firefighters and teachers. They are a key part of the economic structure in a free enterprise system. I am for whatever will make this city better and is fair for all businesses and citizens. The citizens and businesses are already paying high taxes and fees. I want to decrease these, not increase them. I will be fiscally responsible with our budget.

If elected, what actions would you take to increase economic development and lower tax burdens on residents in Virginia Beach? The first step is to do an audit on all departments within the city to cut frivolous and unnecessary spending. It is estimated that 10-15% could be cut from each department. This would result in an immediate savings to residents in Virginia Beach. Second, all public private partnerships need to be fully vetted to make sure they are not competing with the private sector. Any PPP needs to be in favor of the taxpayers first, not for the developer. Businesses should not be asked to collect a tax to create their own competition.

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John Moss

Age: 70

Occupation/job title: Retired as Director Submarine Warfare Programs and Warfare Development, Commander Submarine Force Atlantic Command

Highest level of education: MA U.S. Naval War College (Senior Officer Class); MPA Old Dominion University

Previous elected offices held: Virginia Beach City Council member: At-large 2011-2022; At-large 1992-1995, and Kempsville Borough 1986-1990

Website: JohnMossforMayor.com

What would be your top priority if elected? Reducing the financial burden of local government taxes on families and businesses. Place fiscal discipline on spending growth by reducing the real estate tax rate and indexing it, and phasing out the personal (car tax) and business property tax over time. Like the private sector, the city’s technology investments must deliver productivity and cost reduction. Revenue growth from economic growth would not automatically be applied to increased spending. A portion of end-year budget surpluses will be returned to residents by reduction in tax rates, for example, the car tax.

What steps need to be taken in order to provide more affordable housing options in Virginia Beach? Affordable housing includes renting, first home purchase, and remaining in a home purchased. Increases in property taxes and shelter costs are now factors adversely impacting all categories of shelter affordability. Exerting downward pressure on the real estate property tax rate and completing flooding projects to slow insurance cost increases are easy low hanging fruit actions to improve shelter affordability. City Council should better leverage the Virginia Beach Community Development Corporation (VBCDC) whose mission is to provide affordable shelter. Transferring excess city, schools, Virginia Beach Development Authority (VBDA) properties to the VBCDC would be a good start, for example, the old Circuit City property owned by the VBDA.

If elected, what actions would you take to increase economic development and lower tax burdens on residents in Virginia Beach?
I will make the case with council peers to end city council’s strategy of picking the winners and losers via taxpayers’ direct and indirect subsidies, for example the “wave pool”. Enact broad-based reform to our tax structure to accelerate economic growth. Let the free enterprise capital markets decide what is profitable and what is not. Reduce the time to open a business by extending the use of private sector sources to review Amazon’s site plans and construction to all businesses in a bonded environment. Implement the use of artificial intelligence software to achieve major productivity in delivering city services and providing the means to rely on auditable third verified-compliance of residents and businesses with city ordinances and regulations.

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Chris Taylor

Age: 40

Occupation/job title: City Council member, Virginia Beach

Highest level of education: Bachelor’s degree, Business Administration

Previous elected offices held: Current City Council member Virginia Beach, since 2023

Website: https://christaylorforvb.com/

What would be your top priority if elected? Stormwater/Flooding mitigation.

What steps need to be taken in order to provide more affordable housing options in Virginia Beach? Minimize special interest influence. City staff should identify what if any city properties could be developed for affordable housing. Gain support from citizens on plans for improvements in affordable housing.

If elected, what actions would you take to increase economic development and lower tax burdens on residents in Virginia Beach? My first action would be to direct the City Manager to review all policies related to economic development. We need an assessment of the effectiveness of current economic development strategies. We need to incentivize local small businesses to expand and grow their businesses. I would advise the City Manager to reduce vacancy savings projections, and utilize surplus monies to reduce the real estate tax rate. The council could also consider revising dedicated fund source policies, which would reallocate funds to assisting more small businesses.

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Sabrina Wooten

Age: 49

Occupation/job title: City Council member, Virginia Beach; adjunct professor at Regent University

Highest level of education: Masters Degree in Public Administration, Regent University; Doctoral student in Public Administration, Walden University

Previous elected offices held (if any): Virginia Beach council member, District 7, since 2018

Website: www.WootenforMayor.com

What would be your top priority if elected? The top priority of my administration will be to eliminate excess spending and increase the effective use of resident’s tax dollars by implementing the following: Yearly Assessment of Programs: Implement a regular review process to assess the effectiveness and relevance of government programs. Identify and eliminate obsolete programs that no longer serve their intended purpose. Cut excess spending by reallocating resources to more impactful initiatives. Public Engagement: Conduct public surveys, town hall meetings, or online platforms to gather feedback on spending priorities. Utilize feedback to prioritize funding for programs that align with community needs and preferences. Increase transparency in budgeting processes to build trust and accountability.

What steps need to be taken in order to provide more affordable housing options in Virginia Beach? 1) Secure increased funding from state and federal governments for affordable housing projects. For example, provide grant funding to non-profit housing organization. 2) Promote mixed-income developments. Encourage developments that integrate affordable housing with market-rate units. This can help prevent the concentration of poverty and provide a broader range of housing options within diverse communities. 3) Preserve existing affordable housing by implementing programs to renovate aging housing units to prevent deterioration and conversion to market rate properties. 4) Address homelessness by developing comprehensive strategies that support programs and services that assist individual’s transition into stable housing. 5) Collaborate with key stakeholders to create innovative solutions.

If elected, what actions would you take to increase economic development and lower tax burdens on residents in Virginia Beach? As Mayor I would take the following actions: Economic Development: Invest in infrastructure improvements such as expanded transportation networks and incentives to attract businesses in renewable energy sectors like wind and solar. Support local arts and culture initiatives to stimulate economic growth and tourism. Workforce Development: Develop training programs and certifications for jobs in renewable energy industries. Collaborate with educational institutions to align curriculum with industry demands. Lower Tax Burdens: Expand programs that assist with increasing costs and inflation, such as property tax relief for seniors and financial assistance for young adults. Advocate for policies that stabilize property taxes and utility costs to mitigate the financial burden on residents.

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District 1

Rose Dwyer

Age: 66

Occupation/job title: Retail sales

Highest level of education: Certification, Bible College of Texas

Previous elected offices held (if any): Appointed School Board member

Website: RoseforVB.com

Student mental health has been a growing concern for parents and schools. How can school boards address the issue?

As a former PTA President, I understand the importance of parents being involved in their child’s education and schools must welcome parental involvement, especially when mental health concerns are identified. Mental health problems among students were worsened by school closures during COVID. The VA Beach School Board should have re-opened schools for in-person learning much sooner than they did. Too much screen time also negatively impacts children, especially young ones developing social skills. Many young children are showing up to school addicted to devices such as phones. School boards need to limit the amount of time that children spend on technology while in school, especially with the youngest learners.

Name one of the most pressing issues for your division and how you would address it. 

Students need to be more prepared to enter the workforce or college and we must emphasize the importance of career training. While college is important, it isn’t the right solution for everyone. Careers in trades are very lucrative and must be encouraged in school. Virginia Beach has a vocational training specialty school but it is only part-time. I will advocate for the Virginia Beach City Public Schools career and tech ed program to be a full-time program. School infrastructure is also an issue we must be planning for now. As a former appointed school board member in another district, I have experience in planning around this topic and will bring that experience to the Virginia Beach School Board.

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Jennifer Franklin

Age: 55

Occupation/job title: Production manager, C&F Mortgage

Highest level of education: Some college

Previous elected offices held (if any): Current school Board member

Military experience: Retired Navy

Website: /jenfranklinforvb.com/

Student mental health has been a growing concern for parents and schools. How can school boards address the issue?

This topic is crucial for fostering an environment in which our students and families can thrive academically and personally. As the vice chair of the School Board and a board member for over 3 1/2 years, I have witnessed firsthand the priority our board and school administration place on this issue. In Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS), we are committed to ensuring that our counselors receive comprehensive training to effectively support our students. Additionally, we collaborate with Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD) through the Care Solace platform. This partnership provides a 24/7 hotline for any student or family within VBCPS, as well as their household members, to access mental health support.

Name one of the most pressing issues for your division and how you would address it. 

The foremost challenge for Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) is attracting and retaining high-quality educators. Tackling this issue demands a comprehensive strategy: Fostering strong parent-teacher partnerships — building robust relationships between families and educators enhances the school environment and supports teacher satisfaction. Supporting teacher professional development: Investing in continuous professional growth helps teachers stay updated with best practices and remain motivated. Providing competitive compensation: Offering attractive salaries and benefits is crucial for drawing and keeping top talent. By emphasizing these three strategies, VBCPS aims to create an environment where high-quality educators are both attracted to and retained within our schools.

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Kelly Convirs-Fowler

Convirs-Fowler dropped from the District 1 race.

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District 3

Mark Bohenstiel

Age: 66

Occupation/job title: Owner, Coastal Candle VB

Highest level of education: High School diploma

Website: www.markforvbschoolboard.com

Student mental health has been a growing concern for parents and schools. How can school boards address the issue?

A Yale School of Medicine study found that excessive screen time can have harmful effects on youth, even years later. Addiction to phones, online gaming, etc. is an epidemic. While I believe that parents are the most important teachers in a child’s life, it is imperative that schools not contribute to this problem with too much screen time in the classroom. I support recent decisions of the School Board to limit cell phone use in the classroom, but teachers have indicated it is still a problem. I would support a school board policy that sets appropriate limitations on screen time based upon age.

Name one of the most pressing issues for your division and how you would address it. 

One of the most pressing issues is that a large number of students across the division cannot read on grade level. It is imperative that a focus be placed on academic achievement rather than political issues in the classroom. Students who struggled through COVID virtual learning are still trying to catch up. The Governor has placed an emphasis on providing resources for reading instruction and extra tutors. This is a great start but it must continue at the local level. Replacing school infrastructure is also an important issue that must be addressed in a cost-effective way.

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John Sutton

Sutton withdrew from the race for District 3.

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District 4 special election

Anissa M. Bowden

Bowden did not respond to the questionnaire.

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Alveta J. Green

Age: 66

Occupation/job title: Retired educator

Highest level of education: Doctorate, The George Washington University

Website: agreen4schoolboard.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 growing concerns for mental health through the development of strong policies that will provide school-based services, programs and support for students. It is important for school boards to work collaboratively with their local state legislatures to address funding needs to ensure competitive pay for personnel who have specialized training to support students’ mental health and well-being such as school counselors, psychologists, social workers and behavior specialists.

Name one of the most pressing issues for your division and how you would address it.

Virginia Beach Public Schools currently has a book ban in place which restricts the intellectual freedom of all students. I can address this issue by initiating policy changes to end the book ban by working with other School Board members to help educate that book bans limit access to knowledge especially books written by marginalized authors and books about the history of marginalized groups. Each parent must have input for his/her student’s intellectual freedom. Protocols that will allow a parent to review books his/her student wants to read can be implemented through policy. The elimination of book bans guarantees the intellectual rights of every Virginia Beach student to seek and receive information.

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Shannon Kendricks

Kendricks did not respond to the questionnaire.

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District 5

Melinda Rogers

Age: 50

Occupation/job title: Self-employed, CLASS Observer

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

Website: melindarogersforschoolboard.com

Student mental health has been a growing concern for parents and schools. How can school boards address the issue?

To address mental health concerns across the division, I will advocate for a multifaceted approach. First, limiting screen time on personal and school devices, especially for our youngest learners, should be a priority. Second, I will push for increased funding to hire more mental health professionals, social workers and counselors, as current staffing levels are insufficient to meet students’ needs. Proper resources must be available to support and refer students effectively.

Name one of the most pressing issues for your division and how you would address it.

VBCPS is facing a critical issue with staff retention. Last year, some high schools lacked the necessary staff, forcing students to attend classes via Zoom at different schools. If this problem isn’t addressed, it will continue. To tackle this, I will propose both economic and quality-of-life improvements for staff. This includes adjusting the school calendar for greater instructional flexibility, advocating for a budget review to prioritize staff wages, and supporting policies that compensate staff for work done outside of contract hours, such as mandatory staff training and classroom preparation during unpaid breaks.

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Vincent Smith

Age: 54

Occupation/job title: Division manager, city of Virginia Beach

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

Website: www.VincentSmithVB.com

Student mental health has been a growing concern for parents and schools. How can school boards address the issue?

The Governor’s Executive Order 33 is a good first step. The School Board needs to ensure our students have access to a calmer, focused learning environment. Young minds are full of energy and the ability to concentrate is not necessarily an inherited trait. Removing distractions will also give our students a respite from the stresses of social media. Secondly, we must not only ensure a safe and secure environment for our students but we must make sure they know it is safe and feel safe in it. This will lead to better focus on learning. Lastly, when on the School Board I will do all I can to ensure all students, teachers, and staff have appropriate access to qualified mental health resources.

Name one of the most pressing issues for your division and how you would address it.

By VBCPS’ own statistics, pushing 30% of our elementary students are not reading at grade level. This percentage decreases slightly but not significantly as students move on to higher grades. We need to do better for these students. Nationally, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), this number hovers around 37%. Despite VBCPS already doing noticeably better than a national statistic, I find this shocking and saddening. Reading and written communication are cornerstones of human civilization. Students who cannot read at grade level will struggle to learn at grade level and become frustrated. This ties into the mental health discussed above. I propose building a funding prioritization policy for reading recovery that automatically reallocates funds whenever this number climbs over a set threshold. That reallocation would continue perpetually until the percentage drops below that threshold.

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District 7

Matthew “Matt” Cummings

Age: 40

Candidate’s occupation/job title: Sentara health plans, team coordinator

Education: Master’s, Eastern University

Website: mattforvirginiabeachschoolboard.com/

Student mental health has been a growing concern for parents and schools. How can school boards address the issue?

Creating anti-bullying and inclusive environments is important for our students’ mental health and well-being. Our youth need to feel safe and welcomed in an environment that promotes their academic learning and social and emotional growth. A 2023 report from the Surgeon General highlighted that social media is a major contributor to depression and anxiety among teenagers. Developing a curriculum focused on mental health and well-being, reducing screen time on devices and exploring outdoor education opportunities will benefit our students. Additionally, I would advocate for partnerships with local and telehealth agencies to meet the demand for mental health services. In my previous professional roles, I established partnerships with national telehealth organizations to address the rising demand for student mental health services.

Name one of the most pressing issues for your division and how you would address it.

The nationwide shortage of teachers in public education is a pressing issue. Ensuring our students come first requires focusing on retaining and recruiting staff. If our city doesn’t address this shortage, we’ll see larger classrooms and lower-quality education. I propose stronger partnerships with local colleges and launching targeted marketing campaigns to attract talent. I would explore scholarships to encourage graduates to return and teach. Currently, Virginia Beach does not have the most competitive pay and is causing teachers and staff to leave for better-paying jobs in neighboring districts. Increasing access to transitional licenses and credentialing will also boost our talent pool. As a parent with children at Salem Middle and Tallwood Global Languages Academy, I believe in the bright future of our schools with low student-to-staff ratios and a focus on retaining talent.

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Noah Moreland

Age: 27

Occupation/job title: Damage prevention technician, Utiliquest LLC

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

Website: www.vote4moreland.com

Student mental health has been a growing concern for parents and schools. How can school boards address the issue?

1.) We revitalize efforts to get the community interested and engaged in their students/school systems. Enhancing connectedness between students, families and employees. This starts with transparency involving school activities curriculum and fostering an open spirit towards parents who do want to be involved, enabling them to do so with as few barriers as possible. The more connected we are the more we can look out for, engage with and create a spirit that makes everyone feel involved and important in the school system. 2.) We improve and focus on workforce readiness initiatives in the school system. Mental health challenges can often stem from a lack of direction or purpose and showing students what options they have other than university that exist and can be just as fulfilling for them after they graduate.

Name one of the most pressing issues for your division and how you would address it.

One of the biggest issues is an increasing desire for better workforce readiness initiatives. University is increasingly becoming less desirable to many students and our schools do a poor job of showing what other options are out there. I’d like to partner with companies and contractors to develop pathways for students to get jobs straight out of high school that can lead to well-paying and meaningful careers. This could include jobs in the utility industry, city infrastructure maintenance, and apprenticeships that can lead students to start their own businesses with the skills they have learned.

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At-large District

Monty Ashliman

Age: 56

Candidate’s occupation/job title: Retired, U.S. Navy

Education: Master’s Naval War College

Military experience: 32+ years active duty in the U.S. Navy as an aviator and retired as a Captain.

Website: www.montyashliman.com

Student mental health has been a growing concern for parents and schools. How can school boards address the issue?

The public school team is responsible for a school culture that respects everyone. This is respecting others and treating them how you want to be treated, which is where my background is unmatched. While teachers must recognize concerns in the classroom, they should not be expected to be experts in mental health. This is best provided by trained experts. Our schools partner with CHKD for family access to mental health treatment, and I support this endeavor. Schools should not contribute to mental health problems. Overuse of social media and screen time are driving factors behind mental health concerns. Unnecessary school closures and isolation amplify mental health concerns. Children must be taught social skills and how to interact with others. We should limit instruction time provided through electronic devices. Students need more face-to-face instruction and interactions with peers.

Name one of the most pressing issues for your division and how you would address it.

A pressing issue for our public schools is the health of the teacher workforce, and I have a proven record in my career of building teams for success. There are dedicated professionals desiring to teach and we need to ensure our schools are where they want to be. We must allow the teachers to teach and not overburden them with collateral duties that are not in support of educating the students. Teachers’ preparation time should not be taken up with commitments that are not directly supporting their lessons to be taught in the classroom. School administrations must support teachers and the enforcement of rules in the classroom that are for the safety of everyone. Virginia Beach is a wonderful community to raise a family. We must ensure our schools are strong attributes of this community, a place where families want to be, and they are confident in the school system.

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Sharon R. Felton

Age: 70

Occupation/job title: Retired

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

Previous elected offices held (if any): Virginia Beach School Board member, 2015-2022

Website: www.sharonfelton.com

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 issue that requires our full attention, for every student, every day. I will advocate for increasing access to mental health resources within schools by hiring more counselors and social workers, providing regular mental health training for teachers and staff, and cultivating an environment where students feel safe and supported. I will seek ways to partner with mental health organizations to offer additional support. I will also stress the importance of parents’ involvement in their children’s mental health education through regular communication and educational workshops. Addressing student mental health early and consistently allows for an environment where students have a safe space and an equal opportunity to thrive academically and personally. Student mental health is essential to my mission to support every student, every day.

Name one of the most pressing issues for your division and how you would address it.

One of the most pressing issues in our division is the aging school buildings, some of which are over 70 years old and no longer conducive to a healthy, innovative learning environment. Despite these challenges, I want to applaud our dedicated faculty and staff for showing up and providing a world-class learning experience for every student every day. I will work with my colleagues on rebuilding and modernizing our schools by partnering with local and state elected leaders to identify and designate funding. This includes exploring bonds, grants and public-private partnerships to secure the necessary resources. By investing in new, state-of-the-art facilities, we can create environments that inspire learning and support the academic and personal growth of every student every day. Our students deserve safe, modern spaces that reflect our commitment to their future and well-being.

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Aldo DiBelardino

Age: 55

Occupation/job title: Owner of X-IT Products

Highest level of education: Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Virginia, graduate student at Harvard Business School

Party Affiliation: Independent

Military Service: 1 year, Navy midshipmen at University of Virginia, honorable discharge

Website: PeaceMakerSHERIFF.org

What would be your top priority if elected?

Restore accountability by ensuring public oversight of the grand jury process.

What’s an issue that you believe the Virginia Beach sheriff’s office needs to contend with, and how would you tackle it?

They are not upholding their oaths to protect all residents’ constitutional rights, and the way our jail and courts are operating is making crime worse in our community.

Why do you want to be Virginia Beach sheriff?

Souls are not slaves. Our justice system tried to enslave me and I am standing against it.

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Rocky Holcomb

Age: 56

Occupation/job title: Virginia Beach Sheriff

Highest level of education: Bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and management from Regent University

Party Affiliation: Republican

Previous elected offices: State delegate for the 85th District of Virginia, Virginia Beach District 1 City Councilman

Military Service: United States Marine Corps (Semper Fi), 0311 Infantryman, Honorable Discharge

Website: rockyholcombvbsheriff.com

What would be your top priority if elected?

If elected, my top priority would be to continue the groundbreaking work that the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office is doing to make a difference in the treatment of people who suffer from mental illness in our jail. We have many offenders who need treatment, not incarceration. Unfortunately, jails in Virginia have become the defacto treatment facilities for offenders suffering from mental illness. Virginia’s mental health facilities are maxed out, and the overflow too often ends up incarcerated. We have made huge strides to help people before, during and after incarceration, and will continue doing everything we can to address this problem. I hope to earn the confidence and support of the voters to allow me to continue to address this critical public safety issue.

What’s an issue that you believe the Virginia Beach sheriff’s office needs to contend with, and how would you tackle it?

There are several critical issues, including addressing our community’s mental health crisis. Over 60% of Virginia Beach inmates suffer from mental illness. We constantly update our training to help our deputies work better with this population, and we work with community partners to find innovative solutions to this issue. Our partnership with the VB Department of Human Services has been tremendously successful, and we are always looking for new resources to expand our programs. Another issue is ensuring that Sheriff’s Office employees receive top-notch pay, training, equipment and technology to help them excel, work smarter and deliver the level of service citizens deserve. Every day we work to demonstrate our value as a community partner, which will continue if I’m elected.

Why do you want to be Virginia Beach sheriff?

Serving this community as Sheriff has been the highest honor of my life. I have proudly worn a VBSO star since 1991, and I’m an expect in our operations. We run the largest city jail in Virginia, maintain the security of the Virginia Beach courts and deliver court orders, including evictions and subpoenas. Our deputies are sworn law enforcement officers who can make arrests and prosecute crimes, and we stand with our public safety partners to keep Virginia Beach the safest city of its size. Public safety requires community support, which is why I have expanded our community engagement efforts with events like my Turkey Bowl to support VB Schools’ Beach Bags program. I hope I have earned the voters’ trust and confidence to continue serving them as “The People’s Sheriff”.

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.

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Kenneth Cooper Alexander

Age: 57

Job title and company: President, Metropolitan Funeral Service; Chancellor, Centura College, Aviation Institute of Maintenance and Tidewater Tech.

Highest level of education: Ph.D. in leadership and change from Antioch University.

Previous elected offices candidate has held (if any): Member, Virginia House of Delegates; member, Senate of Virginia.

Website: KennyAlexander.com

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

Public safety. Enhancing community wellbeing through collaboration and proactive measures.

Economic and workforce development through: Enterprise Zone program, Commercial Corridor Program, Support for small, local, and startup businesses to promote economic growth and diversity.

Education. Investing in Norfolk’s future by: Supporting increased funding for Norfolk Public Schools, Expanding career and technical education, job training and workforce development, Addressing and adapting to the changes in the way we live, work and learn.

Rising sea level and resilience. Designing a coastal community of the future, Collaborating with our state, federal and regional partners.

Rents continue going up, and a large chunk of Norfolk residents can no longer afford to live in the city. The city is facing a shortage of 6,800 rental units for households making less than $35,000 a year, according to a recent study. How should the city address the affordable housing crisis?

Housing priorities: Create more homeownership opportunities, ensuring housing options are inclusive, affordable and accessible to all segments of the population. Build accessible housing through: Grants/financial aid for retrofitting homes. Tax credits/incentives for builders and homeowners.

Preserve existing housing stock. Revisit development patterns of some of the city’s oldest neighborhoods with a variety of housing options — duplexes, fourplexes, cottage courts — interspersed with single-family homes. This varied housing stock, termed “missing middle,” can: Meet the growing demand for walkable, urban living, Respond to household demographics, Address the need for more housing choices at different price points.

Several city-backed developments, like Military Circle and the casino, have stalled or moved back in progress. How would you get these projects back on track or ensure other projects do not fall by the wayside?

Military Circle Mall: A vibrant hub of sports facilities/retail/diverse residences/modern offices. Key highlights: $500 million investment, 963,000 square feet, Market analysis by Economic Development Authority and Gensler architects, Developer interest in health/wellness complexes and sports tourism.

Casino. The Norfolk casino gaming measure approved November 2020, requires a gaming license by November 2025. Plans expected by summer’s end. Project highlights: $500 million casino private investment, $185 million annual revenue, $50 million in taxes, 2,000 construction/2,500 permanent jobs.

To ensure economic projects are the best use of city’s land, and stay on track: Conduct assessments/analyses, Develop a strategy, Foster partnerships, Set timelines, Engage the community, Monitor performance, Encourage innovation.

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Giovanni Dolmo

Age: 41

Job title and company: Home preacher

Highest level of education: Bachelor’s degree in technology management, Excelsior College

Military service (if any): U.S. Navy

Candidate’s website: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092264627269

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

I will focus on addressing the challenges of crime, flooding and inadequate education within the city of Norfolk, Virginia, to work towards effective solutions and improvements in these areas.

Rents continue going up, and a large chunk of Norfolk residents can no longer afford to live in the city. The city is facing a shortage of 6,800 rental units for households making less than $35,000 a year, according to a recent study. How should the city address the affordable housing crisis?

The city should equip residents with the skills and knowledge necessary to secure better-paying jobs and provide assistance where possible to help them afford housing.

Several city-backed developments, like Military Circle and the casino, have stalled or moved back in progress. How would you get these projects back on track or ensure other projects do not fall by the wayside?

As mayor, I will ensure that all projects are completed in a timely manner. If current contractors are unable to meet deadlines, new contractors who can deliver results on schedule will be hired. It is time for Norfolk to implement effective practices to achieve real, positive outcomes.

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Thomas P. “Tommy” Leeman, Jr.

Age: 51

Job title and company: Personal Wealth Manager, Steward Partners

Highest level of education: Accredited Asset Management Specialist, College for Financial Planning

Website: tommyleeman4mayor.com

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

When leaders don’t listen, our city loses. Without consistent direction and management, our city stalls. Without a strong vision and plan, our city lags behind. We need a mayor who takes responsibility. We need a mayor who puts the needs of Norfolk above a need for career advancement. My top priority is to be accessible and accountable to the people of Norfolk. I will strive to unite the City Council, School Board, and Norfolk Delegates so we speak with one voice and to work towards one goal, to make Norfolk the gem among the seven cities; a city people move to and are proud to call home. I will be that mayor.

Rents continue going up, and a large chunk of Norfolk residents can no longer afford to live in the city. The city is facing a shortage of 6,800 rental units for households making less than $35,000 a year, according to a recent study. How should the city address the affordable housing crisis?

This is a concern that is necessary for all of our elected officials to work on and is critical for Norfolk’s future. I believe affordable housing is essential. Sen. Mark Warner was absolutely spot on regarding his legislative goals pertaining to this. In addition to what he said, I would add that we seriously consider looking into tax incentives for public safety, public school and public works employees. When you live in the city where you work, you just care more. Everyone who works in Norfolk deserves the opportunity to live in Norfolk.

Several city-backed developments, like Military Circle and the casino, have stalled or moved back in progress. How would you get these projects back on track or ensure other projects do not fall by the wayside?

Norfolk Economic Development has publicly admitted that the current mayor’s plans have no proposals or bids; they’re just pictures, and City Council knows this. Norfolk’s business decisions remain unprofessional and uninformed, despite downtown being home to the Chamber of Commerce, Retail Alliance, Black Brand business association and Downtown Norfolk Council. Big projects are needed but not at the expense of small businesses and economic development within the neighborhoods. We cannot ignore or hamstring our business owners and expect them to grow our economy. We should harness the power of our entrepreneurs and creatives to find new solutions to these derailed developments and implement these plans with care and precision.

Mayoral candidates are incumbent Michael Duman, and challengers Clinton Jenkins and David Bosselman. Suffolk’s mayor and city council races are nonpartisan.

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David Bosselman

Age: 62

Occupation/job title: President, Bosselman Farms, Inc.

Highest level of education: High school diploma or GED from Nansemond Suffolk Academy

Previous elected offices held (if any): Farm Service Agency County Committee

Website: davidbosselmanformayor.com

If elected, what issue will be your top priority to address in Suffolk? If elected as mayor of Suffolk my top priority will be to address the over development facing our city. Our city leadership is not in touch with the citizens of Suffolk and their concerns over this rapid growth. This over development is problematic across the city. When a city has too many citizens crowded into any given community the infrastructure begins to break down. The roads become congested and the public services as well as the school system become strained. This strain on our amenities has caused the need for more and more development and higher taxes for our citizens. The city of Suffolk has put itself in a never-ending cycle of constantly feeding on growth.

What is the right level of development for Suffolk and how would you work in office to advocate for that? The leadership of Suffolk past and present have led the citizens on this constant path of development. There has been no foresight in the development of Suffolk that would ensure the quality of life our citizens crave. City leadership must envision the need for less congestion, more recreational activities, and open space. New residents as well as lifelong residents want to enjoy a quality of life that has been the lure to live here. The time has come for our city to entertain the idea of implementing land preservation and conservation programs to balance all of this rapid growth. Our city needs to be leading the development instead of the development leading the city. The mindset of our leadership must be changed.

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Michael D. “Mike” Duman

Age: 73

Occupation/job title: President of Mike Duman Auto Sales

Highest level of education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Old Dominion University

Previous elected offices held: Mayor of Suffolk (current), City Council member representing the Chuckatuck Borough from 2011 to 2020

Military Service: U.S. Army Reserve, Captain Military Intelligence

Website: www.mikedumanformayor.com

If elected, what issue will be your top priority to address in Suffolk? My top priority will be to maintain a steady tax base by promoting economic growth while managing that growth to ensure our city retains its unique character and our citizens maintain an exemplary quality of life.

What is the right level of development for Suffolk and how would you work in office to advocate for that?  Development should be balanced with the ability to provide infrastructure and public services. Our updated comprehensive plan will serve to provide guidance regarding that growth as it relates to land use, growth management, transportation, municipal services, and housing.

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Clinton Jenkins

Age: 61

Occupation/job title: Property Manager at Jenkins Real Estate, LLC

Highest level of education: Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Administration from Saint Leo University

Previous elected offices held (if any): Delegate, Virginia House of Delegates

Military service: U.S. Army

Website: https://clintonforva.com/

If elected, what issue will be your top priority to address in Suffolk? Gun Violence Prevention (more Youth & Family Programs / Activities to get our youth off the streets), Enhance our School System and Grow Business Partnerships with Schools, Improve Infrastructure Roads and Public Transportation, Research and find Sustainable Resources for our growing Elderly Populations, Advocate for Affordable Housing.

What is the right level of development for Suffolk and how would you work in office to advocate for that?  Suffolk has a 2045 Comprehensive Plan. I will work to ensure that the voices of all Suffolk communities are heard, the plan is inclusive of all Suffolk’s communities, including the underserved and our farmers.

The Nansemond Borough incumbent, Vice Mayor Lue Ward, is running unopposed. Sleepy Hole Borough incumbent Roger Fawcett will face Ebony Wright. Whaleyville incumbent LeOtis Williams is running against Jason Wooldridge.

The City Council operates by a nonpartisan borough system, in which the city is divided into seven voting boroughs.

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Nansemond Borough

Lue Ward

Age: 70

Occupation/job title: Founder and Publisher of Harambee Communications

Highest level of education: Some college at Chowan College

Previous elected offices): City Council member serving Nansemond Borough for three terms

If elected, what issue will be your top priority to address in Suffolk? The future. My eyes are totally on the future of our city. Suffolk is celebrating its 50th year as a united city, and the goal over the next four years is to position Suffolk as a viable partner in the Hampton Roads region as well as fulfilling our unique geographic placement regarding the Port of Virginia expansion.

What is the right level of development for Suffolk and how would you work in office to advocate for that? I believe in capitalism, and the theory of the supply chain. When you have more supply then demand, you are about to go out of business. On the other hand, when you have more demand than supply you have an opportunity. Suffolk, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach basically all have the “green line” going south toward the North Carolina border. So, regional we have a central corridor and opportunities going north. We now have demand in our growth zone, and we are going to maximize on the planned development model, i.e. Harbour View and Hillpoint as the model going forward. The one thing I am going to work on is making sure that we remember the older communities like Pughsville and make sure that we maximize infill development.

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Sleepy Hole Borough

Roger Fawcett

Age: 72

Occupation/job title: retired, former Fire Chief at Norfolk Naval Base and former Virginia State Police Sex Crimes Unit Compliance Officer

Highest level of education: some college, took Fire Sciences courses at Tidewater Community College

Previous elected offices: Suffolk City Council from 2013 to present

Military service: U.S. Navy 1969-1972

Website: rogerfawcett.com/

If elected, what issue will be your top priority to address in Suffolk? Keep taxes low and maintain the City’s AAA (excellent) bond rating. Having strong city finances is vital to everything else the city does.

What is the right level of development for Suffolk and how would you work in office to advocate for that? Follow our city comprehensive plan. The city is developing a new 2045 Plan that will be debated and adopted in September or October. These documents provide our developmental plans.

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Ebony Wright

Age: 47

Occupation/job title: Management analyst at the Department of Defense

Highest level of education: Master of Business Administration from Saint Leo University

Military Service: U.S. Navy

Website: wrightforsuffolk.com/

If elected, what issue will be your top priority to address in Suffolk?  Infrastructure development

What is the right level of development for Suffolk and how would you work in office to advocate for that?

The right level of development for Suffolk is well-developed infrastructure that balances smart economic growth with environmental protection to improve the quality of life for residents. Suffolk is the largest city in Virginia by land. I believe there is sufficient land to accommodate multiple purposes, to include but not limited to agricultural, residential and commercial. I will work to advocate for the right level of development through strategic planning, taking into account social, economic, and environmental factors. It’s important to me that residents are part of the development and decision-making process.

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Whaleyville Borough

Jason Wooldridge

Age: 50

Occupation/job title: Engineer III, Oceaneering International, Inc.

Highest level of education: Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering from Excelsior College

Military service: U.S. Navy

Website: jw4va.com

If elected, what issue will be your top priority to address in Suffolk? Protecting the loss of our agricultural land due to overdevelopment while still supporting the economic growth of our city.

What is the right level of development for Suffolk and how would you work in office to advocate for that?

Suffolk’s growth rate is outpacing our ability to support our basic needs. More schools, fire & police stations are needed for growth. We must improve the condition and capacity of our roadways & infrastructure systems. This is costly to taxpayers. The citizens have said they do not want expansion into our agricultural areas. Suffolk has clear agricultural ties, and we are losing farmland which has a negative economic effect. I am not against growth, but we need to focus on redeveloping areas of the city vs expanding into undeveloped land. Focusing on redevelopment in areas such as downtown should be a priority vs the current course we are on. This area can provide opportunities and affordable housing solutions compared to sacrificing the city’s valuable agricultural land and heritage.

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LeOtis Williams

Williams did not respond to this survey.