THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 14, 1996 TAG: 9604130227
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 18 EDITION: FINAL
SERIES: Campaign '96 - Hampton Roads
SOURCE: Compiled by Elizabeth Thiel, Mac Daniel and Denise Watson, Staff
writers
LENGTH: Long : 752 lines
Across Hampton Roads, citizens will go to the polls May 7 to elect representatives to their local governments.
It may be a bewildering experience.
In Chesapeake, there are two candidates for mayor, nine candidates for three other City Council spots and nine contenders for four School Board seats.
For city voters, the outcome is important. Winners in the council race will help determine major quality-of-life issues, such as how much money will go to education and which communities will get new fire and police equipment.
School Board victors will help decide, in important ways, what kind of education the city's children receive.
To help you get to know the people who want your trust, we've asked the candidates to answer a few simple questions.
Why are they running? What's their vision for the city and the school system? Where do they want the city and the school system to be in 10 years? If elected, how would they achieve their visions? Do they have any special skills that might help them?
We've reproduced their responses verbatim, editing only for space. MAYORAL CANDIDATES
John A. Cosgrove
Age: 41
Address: 800 block of Amy Marie Lane
Occupation: Electronics engineer for the Navy.
Political experience: None.
Why are you running? ``Chesapeake is my home, and there are several serious problems in our city that require immediate attention. Our schools are overcrowded to a level that is unprecedented and unsafe, as there are over 350 portable classrooms in the city. Our roads are inadequate for the amount of traffic, and our critical city safety services are understaffed and underpaid.''
Vision: ``I want to see Chesapeake as a city that has taken control of its expansion and has planned for the orderly and well managed development of the overall city. We must ensure that all areas of Chesapeake are equally serviced and that the burden of over-development is not borne totally by the current residents in our city. In addition, we will work extremely hard to provide new and modern schools that will be able to handle the increase of students as our city grows without having to subject our children to outdoor classrooms and outdated school buildings. Finally, I have spent a great deal of wonderful time with the youth of our city as a recreation league football and baseball coach. Our children must have adequate areas to run and play so that our streets are no longer the Chesapeake Playground System.
``City government must utilize modern technology and procurement methods that will rid us of the `That's the Way We've Always Done It' mentality. We must take control of the development explosion in Chesapeake by strictly enforcing the Levels of Service policy enacted by the current council majority, and we must also look at ways used by other municipalities in Virginia to curb the growth in their cities. I will work regularly and frequently with state and federal legislators to receive more dollars for schools and infrastructure needs in our city. I have spent a considerable amount of time speaking to firefighters and police officers about their needs and we will make sure that these valiant men and women are paid a competitive wage and provided with safe and modern equipment in order to do their jobs quickly, efficiently and safely.''
William E. ``Bill'' Ward
Age: 62
Address: 1400 block of Waterside Drive
Occupation: Professor of history at Norfolk State University.
Political experience: Appointed mayor in 1990; re-elected in 1992; has served on the council since 1978; ran for Congress in 1972; was an organizer and campaign worker for the Democratic Party before that.
Why are you running? ``I have always believed that it is better to work within the political system rather than attack it from the outside. I believe that my leadership has made a positive difference in the lives of all Chesapeakeans. I believe that I can continue to make a difference.''
Vision: ``The critical question facing the citizens of Chesapeake today is `Are we ready for the 21st century?' Further questions that must be resolved are: `What kind of city do we want Chesapeake to be in the future? What steps should we take to make Chesapeake a better city? How do we enhance and expand upon the good life that we now enjoy?'
``During my tenure as mayor, I have advanced the idea of visioning for the future. I have sought to build a greater sense of community in Chesapeake. Once that is achieved, the citizens of Chesapeake will help their elected officials to define what the city should be like in the year 2000.
``Certainly, we want to maintain a mixed economy and a high quality of life. More recreational facilities, a conference center and a fine arts complex is necessary for the city's cosmopolitan population. The city must maintain its commitment to quality education, inclusionary politics, safe communities, and providing a stock of affordable housing.
``No one person alone can accomplish the great expectations we have for Chesapeake in the next century. The time is now, not later, for the citizens of Chesapeake to elect a council that is void of personal bickering, vendetta, and petty partisan politics. We need a council that is respectful to each other and the citizens, collegial, civil and willing to work in union for the good of the city.
``Chesapeake is at a crossroads in its young history. In five years, a new century will dawn. The public policy issues facing the city over the next half decade will require experienced leadership. I have both the procedural and substantive knowledge to guide the legislative body in addressing the critical issues the city must face in the near future.'' CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES
Robert D. ``Bob'' Bowman
Age: 45
Address: 1000 block of Pleasant Ridge Drive
Occupation: Owner of Bob Bowman Construction Corp.
Political experience: None.
Why are you running? ``I am concerned about the quality of life in our city. The critical issues that confront us are well-managed residential and business growth, high-quality schools, public safety, and basic services such as water, waste removal and roads. I don't believe the current City Council has the will or vision to successfully resolve these challenges. I want to be part of the solution.''
Vision: ``My vision of Chesapeake is a safe, meaningful and well-managed place where the quality of life is outstanding. I envision a city with infrastructure in place and enough business flourishing that it broadens the revenue base and removes some tax burden from residents.
``I want the city to be productive and organized with a high standard of living for all. I want to see the ratio of business to private residence turned around to broaden our tax base. I want to see our schools, roads, utilities and public safety maintained at the highest standards.
``I want Chesapeake to be attractive so that everyone visiting Tidewater will want to see and visit. I want this city to leave a positive and lasting impression on all who come here.
``I propose to achieve this by working to improve and maintain the quality of life we now enjoy. Through our schools and other public facilities, we should attract large and small businesses. This will broaden our revenue base, allowing us to maintain our infrastructure without putting the tax burden on citizens.
``My special skill is being a businessman. I want to bring a business perspective to the business of government. I want to share what I have learned as a small business owner. I wish to be a part of anticipating the market, effectively estimating costs and ensuring services are delivered effectively. Like operating my own business, I want to complete the job on the first attempt, treating people with dignity and respect, and having a vision for the future.''
Dalton S. Edge
Age: 48
Address: 3100 block of Sherwood Drive
Occupation: Farmer.
Political experience: Appointed to the council in April 1995 to fill the seat vacated by former Vice Mayor Arthur L. Dwyer; lost that seat to Dwight Parker in a November special election.
Why are you running? ``My adult life has been a continuing commitment to public service. As an officer of several community service organizations, it has been my desire to do what I can to benefit my fellow man.''
Vision: ``Chesapeake will continue to grow, although probably not at the present rapid rate. This expansion will place an increasing demand upon our ability to provide basic services.
``Our city is becoming a quite affluent community, we now have the highest median income in the region. Citizens with this affluence will demand public safety, quality educational opportunities, and readily available recreational facilities.
``Nationally, the trends toward an older more mature population will be evident here as well. These trends will place medical attention and senior facilities at the front of public awareness.
``We have a diverse city, with an enlarging urban sector, an equally expanding suburban area, and a rural sector that will gradually shrink while facing many pressures to develop properly. This diversity will require an increasingly sophisticated elected public sector. Individuals will be needed with strong business ability, a proper understanding of financial management, and compassion for the less fortunate.
``Cities throughout our country are becoming densely congested examples of urban blight. We must not allow that to happen here! Our infrastructure must keep pace with citizens needs without excessive taxation, such taxation tends to drive away the middle class.
``The 21st century will need individuals of integrity, imagination and the courage to make difficult decisions. The status quo will no longer be acceptable.
``I believe my experience as a successful small business person with a strong commitment to community service will enable me to provide the leadership our city needs.''
Edward L. Hall Jr.
Age: 53
Address: 400 block of Granada Drive
Occupation: Quality assurance manager at Ingersoll-Dresser Pump Co.
Political experience: None.
Why are you running? ``I am a candidate for City Council because I believe in our city and our citizens. I am concerned about the future of Chesapeake and the shape it will take in the next century. I believe our citizens deserve representatives who will listen to their needs with respect and understanding; leaders who will base decisions on the best interests of Chesapeake and not on partisan or personal agendas.''
Vision: ``Chesapeake should have sufficient career opportunities, recreational facilities and services available to its citizens to provide a quality of life surpassed by no other city in the region. Our council should enhance and support the involvement of citizens in the decision-making process - both at the community and business levels. Young people should have quality educational opportunities, giving them the ability to compete in tomorrow's marketplace. Chesapeake should work to improve regional cooperation as well as the city's ability to obtain state and federal funding for education, roads and safety. Our citizens and businesses should be able to move freely throughout our road system to access jobs, homes and leisure activities.
``A vision of the city's future must be one that we all share. Citizens, business leaders, city government and civic organizations must participate to provide the groundwork for a vision that is representative of all of Chesapeake. To effectively plan for the future, our council must have the support of the people.
``I support a review of the city's Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Master Road Plan to provide guidelines for the planning of the city's future development. I will provide intelligent, objective and respectful responses to citizens' concerns. I will provide a professional management style to facilitate and enhance consensus-driven decisions via our citizens.
``During my 10 years in Chesapeake, I have actively participated in the affairs of our city. I have represented my community and other civic leagues throughout Chesapeake. I have also participated in the economic development and governmental affairs committees of the Chesapeake Chamber of Commerce and both the Chesapeake Growth Management Commission and Road Bond Referendum committee. They have allowed me to understand the concerns of our citizens. I have learned to consider the direction of my constituency in formulating plans and I pledge to continue to do so.''
Robert T. Nance Jr.
Age: 41
Address: 500 block of New Zealand Reach
Occupation: Owner of Nance Clearing & Grading Co., a landscaping firm.
Political experience: Vice mayor of Chesapeake since last spring; has served on the council since 1992.
Why are you running? ``My goal as a council member has always been to spend and manage taxpayers' money wisely and efficiently. As a council member I have looked for cost savings measures such as the analysis of the Health Care Coverage for city employees that gave taxpayers a savings of $2 million in just one year. The hiring of an `in house' environmental engineer saving thousands of tax dollars that previously had been paid to high-priced consultants. Our hiring of a Developmental Coordinator to broaden the tax base. Just in the past year, Chesapeake's Retail Sales reached $1.5 billion. These efforts were at my request, and they saved taxpayers millions of dollars. I am running to continue these policies of sound financial management of the City of Chesapeake.''
Vision: ``Short term, to see no portable classrooms in our public schools. To see our roads improved to where they would be below capacity and to keep property taxes down and city government managed efficiently. Long term, to see our city become a leader in education and safety as a place where one would want to raise a family and enjoy a quality life.
``I would achieve this in much the same way that I have achieved these goals in my time on the council. As the owner of a business, I have found we can apply the same cost savings and efficiencies to government that we use in private industry to keep taxes low and government from wasting tax money in all city government departments, so that tax dollars can be used to carry out improvements instead of being wasted. Taxpayers have to trust that council members are doing everything they can to be responsible caretakers of their tax dollars.''
Dwight M. Parker
Age: 46
Address: 200 block of Haverford Drive
Occupation: Social studies teacher at Deep Creek High School.
Political experience: Elected to the council in a special ballot in November 1995.
Why are you running? ``I have always been concerned about the welfare of others and I know I can make a positive contribution to the city as a councilman. I bring a different dimension to the council - I am a teacher with a degree in political science, I am level-headed, and I am a peacemaker.''
Vision: ``I would like for Chesapeake to become a bedroom community, one in which all the needs of the citizens are met. I want the same tranquil atmosphere that is pictured on `Murder, She Wrote' for Chesapeake. This may sound idealistic, but why can't this be my vision for Chesapeake?
``Ten years from now I would like Chesapeake to be a place where families can raise their children without the fear of being victimized by crime; a place where education is a high priority; a place with a quality water system and planned growth.
``Once I am elected, I will work with the other members of the council and the city staff to bring about a Chesapeake that the people want. But we, the members of the council, must listen to the people first.''
William H. Pierce
Age: 61
Address: 1700 block of Creef Lane
Occupation: Retired management analyst for the U.S. Army, Marine Corps and Air Force.
Political experience: Ran unsuccessfully for the council in November's special election.
Why are you running? ``Chesapeake has been good to me. I want the citizens of our community to benefit from my experience. It's pay-back time. I am an expert in determining manpower requirements. I will be a full-time councilman, which will enable me to analyze complex issues in-depth and improve citizen's access to their elected officials. As a staunch advocate of education and the driving force behind the referendum for an elected School Board, I want to be on the first council to work with the elected board.''
Vision: ``My vision for our city will position Chesapeake to enter the 21st century. This vision centers on a balanced planned growth policy that ensures that adequate public facilities are phased in with new construction to maintain our citizens' quality of life. We need to preclude saturation of our facilities and to avoid deficit financing of our infrastructure. I will achieve this while holding the line on taxes.
``In the next 10 years, I want our city to be a national model for other cities. Chesapeake can become a world-class tourist and transportation hub by subordinating parochial interests for the more important goal of regional cooperation. We must emulate larger metropolitan cities to stimulate economic development, implement a mass transit system, provide adequate water for new industry and entice a major league franchise by building a nationally renowned sports complex.
``I would be pro-active in building business and industry. For example, privatization can be used in building toll roads to speed up new highway construction, with tolls removed after the road is paid for. I would also intensify lobbying at the state and national level for increased funding for education, economic development incentives, housing, social programs and roads.
``The last 10 years of my career were spent as a civilian management analyst with the U.S. Army at Fort Monroe, where I led teams of functional analysts in conducting major organizational realignments. I was also a member of the U.S. Army Task Force that provided alternatives and costing data to the President's Commission on Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC).
``The focus of my professional experience has been on being a team player and consensus builder. I can provide the leadership and maturity necessary to resolve parochial interests, achieve consensus and conduct public business in a more efficient and expeditious manner.''
Elizabeth P. Thornton
Age: 57
Address: 700 block of Wood Duck Lane
Occupation: Program coordinator for the international relations doctoral program at Old Dominion University.
Political experience: None.
Why are you running? ``For the past several years I have been asked to run for public office. This year I said yes because I want to maintain the quality of life that is enjoyed in this city. In fact, I want to improve it. My husband, a retired Navy physician, and I have lived in Hampton Roads for 16 years and in Chesapeake for 12 years. Chesapeake is our home.''
Vision: ``Chesapeake will continue to be a progressive, safe community where all citizens enjoy a good quality of life. The city's schools will be the best in the country with modern technology to prepare the students for the 21st century, and the teachers will be the best paid in the state. Chesapeake will have environmentally sound development of marine industries and recreation along the waterfront. In cooperation with its sister cities, Chesapeake will have strong economic development programs and attract non-polluting companies. Good-paying jobs will be created, keeping taxes low while producing revenues to provide citizens with necessary services. Our city will be attractive because innovative policies were adopted while following the comprehensive land use plan. Farmers that wish to remain in agriculture will be helped through land use policies. The region will be laced with open space, bike paths, tree lanes, and pedestrian walkways. Affordable housing, larger homes and commercial development will be balanced. Historic buildings and sites will be preserved. Wild forested areas and wetlands surrounding our rivers will be protected from encroachment and accessible for enjoyment. Through regional cooperation, rights of way will be set aside to prepare the area for integrated public transit and excellent roads. City water will be salt-free, and we will have an integrated regional water system. Chesapeake will be nationally recognized as a city that was well-planned because its city council, staff, businesses, industries and citizens have a vision and worked together to obtain that vision.
``For many years, I have worked with nonpartisan organizations to research and study information, work together to reach a consensus and then act on decisions made. I consider my abilities to consensus build and team build an important skill for City Council.''
James E. Whitener
Age: 47
Address: 1500 block of Birch Leaf Road
Occupation: Special agent with the U.S. Naval Investigative Service.
Political experience: Unsuccessfully ran for the council in 1994.
Why are you running? ``I feel compelled to run for Chesapeake City Council because of the actions and partisanship of past City Councils. It is imperative that Chesapeake embrace regional cooperation, and I want to ensure that Chesapeake has a leadership role in that partnership.''
Vision: ``Chesapeake is a city in transition. The unbridled growth in the last decade has changed our citizenry. We now tend to be better educated, more affluent and less tolerant of the old way of doing things. We want to manage our growth, not stop it. We want to ensure that as residential growth occurs, we have an adequate educational system to educate our children, the roads and mass transit capabilities to facilitate (not hinder) our movements, sufficient quality water to drink and supply our industrial needs and a quality of life equal to or better than we have now.
``We need to attract more nonretail business. We have sufficient retail to shop, but we are not attracting businesses which pay salaries adequate enough to allow our children to buy homes here and live here. We need to maximize the natural resources we have, such as the waterfront in South Norfolk, to attract the types of businesses we want and need.
``Our infrastructure has been neglected. Police, fire and schools have not kept pace with our residential growth. We must, in the next few years, manage residential growth to allow ourselves to catch our breath and catch up. We must make the hard decisions, and join in regional efforts to reach our goals. We must realize, and explain to the citizenry, we didn't get in the predicament overnight, and we will not extricate ourselves overnight.
``I will not accept the salary when elected, and I will hold regular town meetings to hear the citizens' concerns and their proposed solutions. I hope these town meetings will include citizens and other elected officials from our neighboring cities. I promise to listen.
``I have been elected to a school board in New Jersey, which was also undergoing a similar residential growth explosion. We made hard decisions there, and I can help make those hard decisions now.''
Antoine Whitted
Age: 26
Address: 2800 block of Breeze Avenue
Occupation: Salesman at Kline Toyota in Chesapeake.
Political experience: None.
Why are you running? ``I feel that I can provide some fresh, innovative ideas to the council. Also the simple thought of someone who can provide greater diversity to the council.''
Vision: ``My vision for the city is to move forward at whatever pace is necessary to benefit the people of the city. By going into neighborhoods that are not as fortunate as ours, guiding others toward a better quality of life, `Then that's what I'll do.' I want the city to look like a city that is filled with many opportunities for any and everyone. If elected, create more employment at every opportunity, set up programs which would provide assistance in making things better for those who are less fortunate. Also not being afraid to help someone instead of proposing it and not doing so. There are always many ideas and stands being taken, but not many are followed through in the neighborhoods that need assistance the most. It seems they are the furthest on the priority list. So I'm the candidate who will go in and put my hands on the problem along with the citizens and provide assistance physically and not just talk about it until it is time for another election or re-election. Past experiences include: Trip to the Netherlands to assist in `Operation Desert Farewell,' guest speaker at an Operation D.A.R.E. Assembly in the community of Camelot, a member of the NAACP and every day growing up in a less fortunate environment.'' SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES
Deborah G. Dupree
Age: 40
Address: 1100 block of Taft Road, Hickory area
Occupation: Virginia Beach school teacher.
Political experience: None.
Why are you running? ``I want the best total education for our children and that involves School Board decisions based from a classroom perspective.''
Vision: ``My vision is a wagon wheel, with teachers and administrators working together in the middle. The spokes are the students and the community and parents are the outer edge, working together.
``I'm a teacher and I have an awesome classroom. I have so many parents involved, all of us preparing that one child, to be all that they can be. If everybody works together, no one will fall through the cracks.
``The key to successful education is participation from every part of that wheel, from the teacher and administrator out to the students and encompassing that, the community and parents. It's all one entity.
``My vision is for all to work together for: safe school; enhance self-worth; creating an academic environment where all students will want to learn and be challenged to excel.
``As a classroom teacher with first-hand experience, I bring to the board knowledge and wisdom of how we can motivate a system to the point that children can be overachievers not underachievers.'' Editor's note: Illustration by DEBORAH G. DUPRESS
Patrick ``P.J.'' Fenwick
Age: 37
Address: 600 block of Sparrow Road, Seminole
Occupation: Assistant to the area manager of Jarman Shoes store in Military Circle mall in Norfolk.
Political experience: None.
Why are you running? ``My oldest daughter is in private school. After having another baby, I realized I couldn't afford to send all of my children to private schools. I want what's best for my daughters, and I will have to switch my children to public schools, but until some changes are made, it wouldn't be the best decision.''
Vision: ``I envision a school system that can compete academically with the best of the private schools in our area; this may become necessary because some form of federal tuition tax credit or vouchers are probably coming in the next five years. I see a school system that puts enough emphasis on the K thru third levels to pick up its `at-risk students' and keeps them from becoming tomorrow's drop-outs. Lastly, I see a school system that puts enough emphasis on composition skills that it's students can test out at superior levels.
``I believe that the way we get to this point is to continue testing new concepts and programs, both for our at-risk students as well as our general student population, and implementing the ones that work. Raising standards, as we will have to do, is only effective if you first create an environment that allows for a more rigorous curriculum.
``To this end, I would spend a great deal of my time and effort towards increasing parental participation, improving order in the classrooms, and finding and meeting the needs of our at risk students.
``To this task, I bring a retailers eye for identifying needs, an open mind, and a love of people.''
Allen H. Goode Jr.
Age: 67
Address: 900 Costa Ave.
Occupation: Retired Army colonel.
Political experience: Served on the School Board from 1992-94.
Why are you running? ``I think I have the experience to serve on the board. I know I have the experience. I served on the School Board for three years and I was on the Virginia State School Board. I served as chairman of the legislation and constitution committee of that board.'' (Goode is referring to the Virginia School Boards Association, not the state Board of Education, which is appointed by the governor.)
Vision: ``I see Chesapeake as a growing school system and one which in the short term will continue to grow. By the year 2005, we expect our enrollment to be nearly 48,000! We must meet this growth with new facilities; but we also need to meet the advanced academic requirements our students will require in the 21st century.
``I would like to see our school system be flexible to modify our curriculum to meet the changing needs of our society. I am thinking particularly about the impact technology is having in our economy. We must ensure that students have the learning tools to compete in a global economy.
``As a board member, I would work with the School Board and administration to develop a comprehensive plan to address these issues. In 1985, I served on a special school system task force that developed a plan for school facility needs. I think a similar approach could be followed to address our academic needs, especially those associated with technology and technology instruction.
``I believe my previous experience on the School Board is a strong asset. I served on the board for three years and I learned how to monitor the School Board budget and financial statements. I learned to develop a long-term school construction/building plan. I also learned the importance of keeping the focus of our efforts on the teaching and learning process.
``Additionally, I served 30 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a major. That experience prepared me to assume leadership responsibilities. Finally, my experience as an independent business man gave me insight into those important principals we all must understand - there is always a cost associated with anything we do. We need to be able to assess that cost when we make decisions that affect our citizens.''
Thomas L. Mercer Sr.
Age: 40
Address: 2600 Smithson Drive, Hickory area
Occupation: Pastor of Hickory United Methodist Church.
Political experience: None.
Why are you running? ``I care deeply about the future of the youth of our city. I believe in the value of each young person and the potential of education to improve their lives.''
Vision: ``By the year 2006 there will be approximately 47,000 students in Chesapeake Public Schools. This will require more schools which will be designed for maximum safety and incorporate the latest in technology. Every student will have access to a computer terminal or whatever is being used by this time.
``Our students will consistently score above the national average on test scores. The past ten years of emphasis on the basics of education will be paying dividends. Students will be able to write a paragraph on a computer terminal, as well as a piece of paper. They will be able to use a calculator and will be able to solve the problems in their minds. They will experience the Arts by direct involvement and will be able to read critically at age appropriate levels.
``Our schools will be preparing students to compete in the world marketplace and to go to college. We will reach out to those with special needs to live as a productive part of our community. Apprenticeship programs, in cooperation with local, national, and multinational corporations, will be giving students real life experiences in making career decisions.
``Much of this will have taken place because our school personnel will feel appreciated as well compensated professionals. Not only over the last ten years have salaries increased, but benefits have been enhanced. Teachers will be encouraged to seek post-graduate degrees by the periodic increase in stipends for these degrees. Morale among school personnel will be at an all-time high.
``Schools will be centers of community activity. Security and insurance concerns will have been addressed and school buildings and land will be used for continuing education, community functions, and sporting events. Individuals in the community will therefore have a sense of ownership and pride in their schools.
``I bring an undergraduate degree in education with teacher certification. As a pastor, I bring an ability to work with people in times of joy and crisis that will be invaluable as we face the challenges of the years ahead.''
Harry A. Murphy
Age: 38
Address: 400 block of Briarwood Court, Briarwood
Occupation: Owner of A. Murphy Fence Co.
Political experience: Ran unsuccessfully for the School Board in December.
Why are you running? ``I have received so much support from people who said, `I hope you run again.' I think I ran a good campaign the first time, and I had good support with family, neighbors, but not the large support you need to get the word out over the city. I think I have that.''
Vision: ``In the next 10 years, I see the Chesapeake Public School System as the center for education excellence in Hampton Roads. I see all children housed in permanent facilities. I see teachers with the resources they need to complement their one-on-one instruction. I see computers, televisions, and other technologies integrated in the classroom and being used as tools. I see children enjoying their education experience in Chesapeake knowing they are safe and being prepared for the world.
``I see teachers, parents, students and administrators working together, utilizing each other's life experiences to teach our children values and respect for each other. I see our secondary education students, upon graduation, ready to start college or prepared to enter the work force. I see a constant re-emphasis of the basic skills our children will need to survive in our society. Lastly, I see businesses and home buyers scrambling to locate in Chesapeake because we will offer the best educational system in the area.
``If elected, I will ensure our school system is ready for the 21st century. I will ensure our tax dollars are spent efficiently and effectively. I will strive to make the schools the centers of the communities by promoting parental and citizen involvement in all aspects of the educational process. Our curriculum will exceed the Standards of Learning. The safety of students and staff will always be paramount.
``As a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, an active-duty surface warfare officer and currently a commander in the United Naval Reserves, I am no stranger to leadership roles. I have my master of science degree from Old Dominion University in educational administration. As a Chesapeake businessman, I understand the importance of education in the overall economic health of our city. As a father of three children my heart will be in every decision made as a board member.''
James G. Thomson
Age: 43
Address: 5100 block of Lake Shore Drive, Willow Lakes
Occupation: Book seller at Waldenbooks store at Military Circle mall in Norfolk.
Political experience: None.
Why are you running? ``Whether we have children in the system or not, we will have neighbors, friends who are in the system. And as neighbors and friends, their fates are important to us.''
Vision: ``I see a system which: has grown to accommodate the 12,000 projected in the next 10 years; has improved safety both in school and on buses; the School Board maintains fiscal integrity and public confidence; others find important roles as well, as the Chamber of Commerce does in its sponsorship of the ``Character Counts'' program, and law enforcement officers in the D.A.R.E. program.
``I see schools in which: high academic standards do not leave children behind with programs like ``Reading Recovery''; families can freely communicate with educators and work together; instill self-esteem by inspiring achievement; parents can feel welcome and respected; has graduates who can read, write and compute with the best and are familiar with our history and the world.''
Thomson would: ``continue building wisely - not just enough classrooms, but ones that incorporate necessary 21st Century technology; design passive security into our buildings, support expansion of current systems into more buses and the Middle Schools, and encourage citizen and student participation in programs like DARE and ``Character Counts''; support raising standards and finding ways to improve performance of those who find the higher standards too challenging. Encourage the efforts of our PTAs to improve home-school communication. Resist efforts to establish a budget committee and personally review each and every monthly budget report.
``I am a retired chief petty officer, but beyond that I have a broader experience in more roles than any of my fellow candidates. My first paying job was as a school janitor, and I routinely drove a 56-passenger bus through shipyard traffic during my last tour of duty in the Navy. I have also: been a parent in three school systems (Waukegan, Ill., Norfolk and Chesapeake); teaching experiences in four systems in my B.S. in secondary education from Old Dominion University (Norfolk Catholic, Churchland Junior High, Virginia Beach Plaza Junior High and Chesapeake Deep Creek High School) and as a graduate teaching assistant (Virginia Commonwealth University); served two three-year tours as a Navy technical instructor.''
James J. Wheaton
Age: 35
Address: 400 Meridian Drive, Foxgate Quarter
Occupation: Attorney.
Political experience: School Board member since 1991.
Why are you running? ``I'm the father of three children, two of whom are beginning their school years. I have an obligation to them and today's students to make certain every child leaves Chesapeake's schools well-educated and prepared to meet the next century's challenges.''
Vision: ``I want our school system to fulfill every child's need for a first-rate education.
``We must focus on a child's first years in school, for that is when we need to be certain that the children we promote have mastered the ability to read and write, to add and subtract, to think for themselves.
``We need to continue to expand the alternatives for those in high schools, especially in the area of tech prep programs, so that the education we provide doesn't limit their options.
``Realistically, not every graduate will have the ability or financial wherewithal to go to college. For those who can, I want them on an equal footing with others. However, I also want those who don't go to college to enter the workplace with skills to help them compete.
``First, I don't want overcrowded classrooms and portables. Instead, I want a better student-teacher ratio so that children will get more attention. Second, I want every child to have routine access to the technology we marvel at today. Every classroom should be wired to use computers and take advantage of concepts like distance learning. Third, I want test scores well above current averages. Finally, I want parents, teachers and children to be confident that our schools and buses are safe. Our classrooms should be free of disruption and violence.
``We can continue to reduce overcrowding with careful planning and more foresight. We can find ways to save money through a review of the way we do business. We will need to do more with less, and the funds we save can be used to lower classroom ratios and improve technology. We can help improve test scores by getting back to the basics, increasing parental involvement and making use of technology as a supplement to a strong curriculum.
``My experience as a School Board member for more than five years, the business perspective I bring and my role as the father of three young children will allow me to provide the leadership needed.''
Patricia P. Willis
Age: 38
Address: 1000 Windswept Circle, Kemp Crossing
Occupation: Homemaker.
Political experience: None.
Why are you running? ``I believe I have the education, the ability and the experience to serve the children, parents and school system of Chesapeake. I want to be in a position to listen, learn and help policies and programs to better the quality of life for the schools.''
Vision: ``My vision for the Chesapeake Public Schools would include achievement of the seven goals the superintendent of schools has proposed - ensuring school safety and rigorous educational standards, evaluating effectiveness and efficiency, strengthening staff training, integrating technology, broadening community involvement, and providing adequate school facilities.
``Within 10 years - and a challenging building program - I would like our schools to be beyond the crowded conditions we have today. After installing security measures, the safety of students and teachers will be as certain as possible. Standardized tests will show that students are mastering the Standards of Learning and excelling above the state and national levels. The schools will have the most recent advances in technology to facilitate teaching by well-trained and well-paid teachers. The community will be more involved in the schools through more `school to work' partnership programs for students not pursuing a college education. More communication will be facilitated and required between the schools and parents. Regular evaluation of funds spent and programs will take place to assure the schools are being run with efficiency.
``I would be a valuable member of the team working to achieve our vision for the schools. As a homemaker, I have the time and ability to work hard and intelligently.
``My skills and expertise that would help me include my education degree and public school teaching experience. My reasoning and research abilities, and oral skills gained from law school and as a trial attorney would be great assets. As an active PTA school and classroom volunteer, and mother of three children in the public schools, I would be an effective advocate for children.''
Michael J. Woods
Age: 39
Address: 1600 block of Dock Landing Road, Riverbend
Occupation: Attorney.
Political experience: None.
Why are you running? ``I grew up in Chesapeake. It's been good to me and my family. I wanted to give something back.''
Vision: ``My vision for the future of the Chesapeake School system consists of four goals, safety of our children, a curriculum that teaches the fundamental building blocks which includes future technology, better communications and adequate funding to meet the needs of our School System.
``Schools are a microcosm of our community. Everything that is in our community is in our schools. Therefore, we have guns, drugs and criminals in our schools. Students cannot learn in an environment of fear and intimidation and teachers cannot teach with disruptions and threats. Thus we need stricter enforcement of city ordinances and state laws, increased security around our school sites with the use of monitoring devices, encourage the positive role of police officers in the schools, removal of disruptive and dangerous students and the construction of schools that are user friendly thus eliminating portable classrooms.
``It is important that our children have the requisite skills to attend college or be prepared to enter the job market. Students need to be taught the fundamental building blocks of learning, reading, mathematics, English grammar and computer skills that will be necessary to compete in the global marketplace. We need yearly evaluations of school curriculums to see what is working and improvement of test scores on sixth grade literacy passport tests and advanced placement tests. We need to continue to reduce the number of over-age students. We need to encourage students not going to college to enroll in the Tech Prep Program and provide S.A.T. classes for high school students going to college.
``Communication is the key to any successful organization. I would suggest that School Board meetings be moved around to different boroughs so more people can participate and that Town Hall meetings be conducted periodically to discuss school issues. Establishment of a Parent Task Force in each school to discuss the issues that face their neighborhood schools.
``My previous 14 years as a police officer makes me acutely aware of the problems our School System and City face as we enter the 21st century.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photos
All candidates except Allen H. Goode Jr.
Drawing by John Lawing
KEYWORDS: CANDIDATE CHESAPEAKE MAYOR RACE\ CHESAPEAKE SCHOOL BOARD
RACE
CHESAPEAKE CITY COUNCIL RACE
by CNB