Two candidates are running for office in the Chesapeake mayor’s race. Incumbent Mayor Rick West faces a challenge from City Council member Don Carey.
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Don J. Carey III
Age: 37
Occupation/job title: Consultant, Carey Consultant Firm
Highest level of education: Master’s degree in Strategic Management, Indiana University, Kelley School of Business
Previous elected office: Chesapeake City Council, 2020-present
Military service (if any): N/A
Website: www.votedoncarey.com
If elected, what would be your top priority for Chesapeake?
My top priority is expanding affordable and attainable housing in Chesapeake. While our city has many beautiful single-family homes, we need to diversify our housing options to meet the needs of all residents, from first-time buyers to seniors. By introducing more varied housing types we can help stabilize home prices and ensure that everyone has access to a place they can call home. This approach not only supports a more inclusive community but also drives economic growth by attracting a diverse population to our city.
If elected, how would you work to address the city’s ongoing challenge grappling with growth, particularly when it comes to adequate infrastructure and overcrowded schools?
If elected, I will proactively manage Chesapeake’s growth by ensuring our infrastructure and schools keep pace. As our city expands, I will collaborate with the council to assess and upgrade roads, utilities and public facilities in growth areas, preventing traffic bottlenecks and ensuring developments strengthen our infrastructure. With 50,000 new residents expected in the coming years, partnering with the school board is vital. I propose creating a joint task force to align future growth with educational needs, expanding schools, building new ones, or rezoning to prevent overcrowding, ensuring every child has access to quality education.
Where do you stand on the issue of recycling and how would you address it in Chesapeake? Would you act according to the will of the voters on the advisory referendum?
My family and I are passionate about recycling because preserving our planet is a responsibility we all share. I’m committed to finding the most effective and affordable recycling program for Chesapeake. I believe that the Southeastern Public Service Authority (SPSA) will offer our city a top-notch, efficient recycling solution, and I’m eager to support their efforts. SPSA is not just focused on recycling; they are also working to streamline our entire waste management system, which will benefit our community as a whole by extending the life of our landfill.
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Rick West
Age: 72
Occupation/job title: Mayor of Chesapeake
Highest level of education: Doctoral degree, Urban Studies and Leadership, Virginia Tech
Previous elected offices held (if any): Chesapeake City Council, 2008-2017; Mayor, 2017-present
Military service (if any): N/A
Website: rickwestformayor.com
If elected, what would be your top priority for Chesapeake?
Putting citizens first. Everything I do is about one thing – people. This priority guides me to prioritize public safety, accessible amenities, low taxes, quality jobs and first-class customer service for our Chesapeake citizens. As mayor, I strive to ensure Chesapeake is not only the best place in the Commonwealth to live, work, learn and farm, but also the safest and friendliest. We back up our words with actions, treating our citizens with dignity and respect while prioritizing best-in-class public safety and enforcing the law to keep our families, streets and businesses safe.
If elected, how would you work to address the city’s ongoing challenge grappling with growth, particularly when it comes to adequate infrastructure and overcrowded schools?
Tackling growth and infrastructure is essential, and is already a top priority of mine. We prioritize infrastructure development to support our expanding population, ensuring safe and efficient roads and bridges. Our focus on education is equally strong — listening to parents and delivering high-quality educational opportunities that prepare our children for the future. Whether public, private, or learning from home, I will always support all educational pathways to meet our community’s diverse needs. Every child deserves a first-class education regardless of their zip code. In Chesapeake, we work to make this a reality for all children.
Where do you stand on the issue of recycling and how would you address it in Chesapeake? Would you act according to the will of the voters on the advisory referendum?
Recycling is a vital issue for our community. I am committed to honoring the voters’ will as expressed in the advisory referendum and ensuring our recycling is efficient and effective. We must balance environmental stewardship and practical solutions that meet the needs of Chesapeake’s residents.
