THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, February 17, 1996 TAG: 9602170306
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TONI WHITT, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PORTSMOUTH LENGTH: Medium: 52 lines
Mayor Gloria O. Webb announced Friday that she will seek re-election for a third term.
Webb, 63, said that she wrestled with her decision, but that the city's revitalization efforts and citizens' optimism about Portsmouth's future convinced her to stay in office.
``Portsmouth is alive with energy, new optimism, a new spirit is felt throughout the city - an excitement,'' Webb said. ``Hundreds of volunteers have become involved in this very exciting Vision 2005 strategic community development plan that should carry us well into the next century. They are telling us what they want and are working alongside us. I want to be a part of that.''
Webb's husband, Thomas, attended the announcement in her support.
While crime is still a problem, Webb said that citizen involvement through neighborhood policing and community watches are making a difference.
Webb has served virtually full-time as mayor, keeping regular office hours at City Hall.
Webb became mayor in 1987 after then-mayor James W. Holley III was recalled in 1987. She was elected to office in 1988.
She said last fall she was asked if she had completed her agenda. She thought about it and realized that changing the city would never be completed and that she would always be adding to her agenda.
Working as mayor for the past eight years has been demanding, Webb said. She said she discussed the decision with her family at length.
Webb has served on the council for a total of 16 years. Before coming to the council she served on the school board for eight years.
Webb is the only announced candidate for mayor. City Councilman Cameron C. Pitts earlier announced his intention to seek re-election.
City Council and School Board elections will be held May 7. Portsmouth voters will select the mayor and three of the six council members and will pick five of the nine members of the school board - the first time the city has elected a school board.
The filing deadline for candidates is 7 p.m., March 5. Citizens have until April 8 to register to vote. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Mayor Gloria O. Webb: ``A new spirit is felt throughout the city . .
. I want to be a part of that.''
KEYWORDS: CANDIDATE PORTSMOUTH MAYOR'S RACE by CNB