Mayoral race

I’m supporting Norfolk mayoral candidate Tommy Leeman over incumbent Mayor Kenny Alexander for concrete reasons. The time is now to welcome this qualified candidate who has stepped forward to provide sound leadership and direction. Stark differences exist between the two that I hope Norfolk residents will pay attention to. It’s time for a change in this leadership position.

The mayor is the only “at-large” member of the City Council representing all citizens. Even though the mayor has only one vote on the council, it’s important who the mayor is because that person has influence over policy and council actions.

Leeman has a career path many can identify with. Important to him are the words opportunity, good education, a safe and prosperous Norfolk for all, and especially children. This should include safety from coal dust pollution. These aren’t empty words. Compassion is a powerful word, but life-changing when practiced. The city manager runs the city and provides expertise, but the direction, focus, policies and decisions are the responsibility of elected officials. The position of mayor should reflect the careful thought of all voters. This is why I’m asking Norfolk citizens to explore the candidates and make their choice toward a better direction of our city and citizens.

Georgette Constant, Norfolk

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.

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