THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, April 25, 1996 TAG: 9604230246
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Long : 427 lines
MASON COOKE ANDREWS
Superward 6 candidate
Age: Born in 1919.
Address: 1000 block of North Shore Road.
Occupation: physician.
VISION: ``Let's assume the best; what ought to be can be.
``The quality of life in every neighborhood is better - differently in different neighborhoods - but better in all. Better is defined as average family income increased greater than the consumer price index; the proportion of the population who are high school graduates by age 17 has increased to 93 percent; increased quality of public school education has occurred and the number of graduates going on to post-high school training has increased to 75 percent; preparation for self-sustaining employment with upward mobility increased by 100 percent in enterprise community areas of Norfolk; home ownership has increased by 10 percent; neighborhood blight has been essentially eliminated by code enforcement and conservation programs; 2,800 new housing units have been built and occupied in East Ocean View Village, Stonebridge Manor, Marshall Manor, Downtown and in-fill replacing deteriorated structures; expanded recreation and mentoring programs have been devised together and operated by different combinations of civic leagues, parent-teacher associations, City Department of Parks and Recreation and public schools; 9,000 students at the Norfolk campus of Tidewater Community College; the number of babies born into homes that confer upon them the developmental advantages that result from having a father present in the home has increased by 20 percent; more young families are involved in the spiritual and social programs of churches and synagogues; crime (violent and non-violent) reduced by 60 percent as a result of all of these previously mentioned factors and expanded citizen-police cooperation.
``Job opportunities in all economic levels have increased substantially by continued recruitment of new businesses and expansion of existing ones. This has been accelerated because the economic development functions of the five Southside cities and the Peninsula are merged into a single agency, making Hampton Roads nationally and globally competitive for the first time. The port of Hampton Roads now handles more general cargo than New York. This growth is the result of central location, advanced technology, sound aggressive management, state investment and an enlightened and efficient work force. The port facilities (Norfolk, Portsmouth and Newport News) are now connected by the third highway crossing from Norfolk International Terminals to the tip of the Peninsula.
``Incidentally, the third crossing (probably bridges and two tunnels) carries a light rail connecting Virginia Beach, Norfolk (downtown and Naval Base), Newport News and Hampton. It will soon be extended to Portsmouth, Chesapeake and Williamsburg. All of this, and the thriving MacArthur Center, is rapidly expanding the convention and tourist industry. Downtown office occupancy is 90 percent, including 300,000 square feet of new construction.
``The Norfolk citizens have found that working together through civic leagues, professional and trade organizations and government has produced so much benefit for all that their energies are now focused upon producing a better product. This has resulted in more pride, more satisfaction and happier families and neighborhoods.''
FRED G. BASHARA
Superward 6 candidate
Age: 58.
Address: 6000 block of Eastwood Terrace.
Occupation: financial adviser/insurance sales.
VISION: ``In 44 months, we will live in the 21st century. My wish is for Norfolk to be a better city than it is now. Norfolk has the potential to be the very best place on the East Coast in which to live. I have lived in Norfolk my entire life.
``To change takes courage. To admit mistakes takes even more courage. My opponents, in one way or the other, are tied to many of the failed policies of the past. The focus of Norfolk must change if it is to be a modern urban village rather then a disconnected network of groups of people living among congested roads and industrial pollution.
``I see Norfolk as a jewel where quality peaceful neighborhoods face our rivers and beaches, not a city where failed industry, public housing or small rental units still isolate the taxpaying homeowners from the waterfront in many areas. Norfolk has deep water on three sides. This should provide the perfect setting for residential neighborhoods and business areas connected throughout by a modern transit system such as a monorail or an automated people mover.
``I want Norfolk to become a city of homeowners. In 1990, only 44 percent of Norfolk residents lived in a home that they owned. Ownership creates community. It is not that renting is bad. It is that our city is out of balance. I want Norfolk to be rezoned to reduce multifamily rental property that is owned mostly by disinterested out-of-towners. I want Norfolk to go into the 21st century unfettered by permanent public housing or by older neighborhoods undermined by rent subsidies. An uncommitted population leads to crime, problems in the schools and usually to overdensification of some neighborhoods. We must change if we are to realize a high quality of life. Norfolk must have an increase in home ownership. As a city councilman, I will insist on policy that leads to private (not government) development of new, moderately priced homes. People want to buy in Norfolk, and I want to help.
``As a city councilman, I will demand that state fees from the Virginia Ports Authority equal our property tax rate and that the port stops raining coal dust on Norfolk neighborhoods.
``I will institute city policy to forbid the passage of tractor-trailer trucks through our neighborhoods. I will insist that the Navy aid Norfolk in reducing the traffic congestion of our streets created by federal employees who live outside of Norfolk.
``If we are to change and progress into the next century, then Norfolk citizens must retake control of the city government. I support the election of our mayor and our School Board. I want public referendums where expenditures increase public debt.
``Norfolk can and must be the urban center of our region with an energy that leads the region into the next century. Norfolk has the history, the jobs, the people and the location. Its professional civil service, public safety officers and educators are the best in the region.
``Norfolk and its surrounding communities can prosper with Norfolk in the forefront. Norfolk as a residential center as well as a commercial center will mitigate suburban sprawl and traffic congestion.''
CHARLES D. GRANT
Superward 6 candidate
Age: 75.
Address: 300 block of Westmont Ave.
Occupation: retired Norfolk police chief.
VISION: ``My vision for Norfolk 10 years from now is of a city that is prosperous and thriving because we have been able to help our existing corporate citizens to develop, while also attracting good-paying jobs by marketing our city to clean and successful industries.
``However, to make Norfolk a successful city requires much more than just attracting jobs. We have to make our city attractive to prospective new residents. I foresee the leaders of our city government making a thorough evaluation of our middle income neighborhoods. This evaluation should be done by a group of Norfolk's citizens that truly represent this portion of our population, and should also include real estate professionals, teachers and school administrators and representatives of our city's departments that provide services to this crucial element of our city. I believe that the answer to our problems is not to ``tear down and rebuild'' entire neighborhoods, but to enhance our existing neighborhoods, attracting new residents who will improve their individual properties. Critical to the success of this effort will be to develop a solid and honest relationship with all of the elements of our city's population.
``I also foresee a city that is finally beginning to enjoy the benefits of the `big ticket' projects that previous city administrations have begun. To accomplish this, the first thing that needs to be done is a true and accurate accounting of the financial, development and marketing information that was used to make these decisions. Projects that are not working need to be examined by people with fresh ideas, so that financially realistic improvements can be made that will ensure that these projects begin developing the tax revenues that have been promised. Our city staff that is responsible for these projects needs to realize that more than just a privileged few have the right to participate in the planning and review of these projects. All of Norfolk's citizens should have this right, whether it is through increased participation in the process or through the right of referendum.
``I foresee a Norfolk that puts its citizens first, and by doing so we begin to build a prosperous, vibrant, growing city. I foresee a Norfolk that does not rely on `tourist attractions' to grow, but relies on the strengths and abilities of its own citizens for its success.''
E. TOLES SUMMERS
Superward 6 candidate
Age: 35.
Address: 500 block of Butterworth Street.
Occupation: surety agent/property and casualty insurance broker.
VISION: ``Since Mason Andrews was elected to City Council 22 years ago, Norfolk has lost population, seen a decrease in student test scores and the quality of our schools, raised taxes to the highest level in Hampton Roads, increased concerns about public safety and experienced an overall decline in our standard of living. That is not a record I would want to run on, but that is Mason Andrews' legacy. We clearly need a new city councilman.
``Within 10 years I would like to see Norfolk use our port to the fullest potential by becoming a manufacturing hub for American exports to countries around the world. I believe that almost all of our economic development efforts should be focused on bringing better-paying manufacturing jobs to our city rather than low-paying retail jobs.
``Within 10 years I would like to see Norfolk cut its dropout rate in half and score in the top third of the state in test scores. My Blue Ribbon Commission on Norfolk Schools will provide a frank assessment of why Norfolk schools consistently rank at the bottom in these two categories and provide recommendations to improve.
``Within 10 years I would like to see our crime rate dramatically reduced. By putting more officers in the neighborhoods, rather than at desks downtown, we can cut the crime rate for burglary and robbery - crimes known as crimes of opportunity.
``Within 10 years I would like to see our quality of life greatly improved. We have to do a better job of removing urban blight from our neighborhoods - particularly Ocean View. We have to repair every major thoroughfare and install curbs and gutters on our streets, and I want truck traffic off of Hampton Boulevard as much as possible. Also, we have to restock the shelves and make new computer technology available to everyone at our libraries.
``Our current councilman has his head in the sand like an ostrich if he believes Norfolk is better today than just 10 years ago. We rank at the bottom in almost every major category yet we are the highest taxed people in Hampton Roads. The idea Norfolk would be even worse off without his ``leadership'' is patently ridiculous.
``Within 10 years I want people to think of Norfolk as a wonderful and safe place to live, full of opportunity for the future. This can only happen if we have a realistic city councilman who tackles the problems in the neighborhoods and fixes what is wrong with our schools.
``Making these goals a reality in 10 years will only happen if we change city leadership today. I hope I can win your support.''
DAUN SESSOMS HESTER
Superward 7 candidate
Age: 40.
Address: 3700 block of Wedgefield Ave.
Occupation: assistant principal, Rosemont Middle School.
VISION: ``Norfolk is a vital part of America's history. The Revolutionary War defines the pioneering spirit of American character as many of its battles were fought here in Hampton Roads. The beginnings of this country are the roots of Norfolk's past and it defines the city's reputation as a tenacious and principled fighter. Here in Norfolk we have the opportunity to apply our history to the present and to use it in preparation for the future. Ten years from now, 2006, Norfolk will be one of the shining jewels in the Hampton Roads region.
``As a port, Norfolk embraces the world and understands the need to be inclusive. Situated in the heart of Hampton Roads, Norfolk encourages regionalism, which is another word for unity for our area. To make America strong 13 colonies had to unify. Visitors who can enjoy Colonial Williamsburg, the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and MacArthur mall all in one vacation are attracted to the region. On the other side, when any city in the area receives adverse publicity the entire region suffers. Norfolk understands the need to be inclusive, and this attitude will serve the city well. You cannot invite the world or even your closest neighbors in if your home is not in order.
``To have our home in order by the year 2006 Norfolk needs every neighborhood to be safe. This can be achieved with quality housing, a strong school system and a healthy economy. However, to achieve those goals there must be an alliance between government and Norfolk residents. As a member of the City Council, I will help the vision of Norfolk as a crime-free, attractive, vibrant city become a reality by working with fellow council members to build a consensus in order to conduct business in an efficient, effective, open and civil manner. As an elected official, I will listen to and remain connected to the citizens of Norfolk by holding quarterly town meetings where any citizen can ask questions about what the City Council is doing and why. Town meetings will also provide information to all citizens. Concerns cannot be addressed if they are not known. Workable, fair solutions cannot be found with only one perspective. I will be both a voice and an advocate for the citizens of Norfolk.
``This opportunity to be a voice and advocate on the issues that affect the quality of life in Norfolk is why I am running for a City Council seat. I am a good person for the job because I care what happens to this city and to its citizens. I care about the future of America, and beyond 2006, where will America be in 2076? The spirit of the Revolutionary War does define this city and this country. America was founded on the idea of fairness and the belief in individual equality. As a result a small, fledgling country in a little over 200 years is the world's leader. Norfolk has the same potential.
``I am fighting for the votes of the disenfranchised, the homeless, the unemployed, children - people without a vote or who do not feel that their votes count, and I need those of you who have a vote to use it to better our city. Your vote counts only if you use it. Kennedy's victory over Nixon in 1960 averaged one vote per county across the country. The vote of one person in Norfolk helped John Kennedy win the presidency. That same one vote can put Daun Hester on the Norfolk City Council.''
ALGIE T. HOWELL Jr.
Superward 7 candidate
Age: 58.
Address: 800 block of Benwood Road.
Occupation: business owner.
VISION: ``Any vision for the future of Norfolk has to address the economic basis of the inner city. I am talking about the absence of jobs for people with limited skills. The building of the MacArthur Center will only provide jobs for a few people. It is true that new business will increase the tax base but still will not employ many people of low skills. Obviously, one cannot talk about any improvements in the city without talking about the economy. I think Norfolk's overall future depends on the revival of the inner city. For example, by attracting more small business this will provide more jobs. Thus the city needs to think in terms of providing tax incentives for small businesses with the idea of increasing the number of jobs, as well as a tax base as the state does for big corporations.
``One cannot, it would seem to me, separate the moral climate of society from the economic conditions in which people are forced to live. If the city is infested with high unemployment and dilapidated housing, it is difficult to teach socially accepted high moral values. The drug problem in Norfolk is related in some degree to a lack of employment opportunity.
``Another part of my vision for Norfolk is improving the education system, which would include increasing the number of minority faculty, higher pay and addressing the problem of high dropout rates in the system. I really don't think you can do very much about the education system until you improve the quality of life in the inner city. Again, this means jobs and employment.''
DANIEL EDWIN MONTAGUE
Superward 7 candidate
Age: 56.
Address: 4600 block of Krick St.
Occupation: construction boilermaker.
VISION: ``My total vision would not be of Norfolk alone, but the whole region tied together by the best mass transit system known to mankind. We should be the hub of the Mid-Atlantic region with the biggest and best port in the world. Our school systems would be second to none.
``I would use my position on the City Council to enlighten and inform the public as to what needs to be done and how to achieve it.
``I have always been a builder and have been willing to go the extra mile to get the job done.''
H. MARKS RICHARD
Superward 7 candidate
Age: 61.
Address: 3700 block of Brennan Ave.
Occupation: mathematics professor.
VISION: ``Norfolk by choice is the catch-phrase of this campaign. Put simply it means that I have chosen, as have most of the people of this great city, to live here. This is home because I love it. I have raised a family here, taught at Norfolk State University for 24 years. I am active in civic and community organizations. And it is because of these factors that I want to improve Norfolk. Make it better. When you have invested in something, you do not simply throw it away if there is a problem that needs to be fixed. Our cities are the investments that we are altogether too eager to throw away. Instead of finding solutions we would rather move. Instead of taking the time to help rebuild, reinvest, re-empower a community that has fallen to crime and drugs, the city would rather raze it and pretend that children never played there, parents never dreamed there, that lives never existed there. This campaign is not about running, rather it is about staying. Staying and making a difference.
``There are several points upon which I have centered my campaign. First and foremost is education. The only way we can help prepare our children as well as our citizens for existing jobs and future employment is to support higher education and education in general. I also believe that we should utilize the various multi-cultural centers in Norfolk for tutoring, seminars on resumes and interviewing, job training and educational pursuits.
``Next on the list is crime. And my proposal is simple in its approach: fight against crime in all forms. Increase the number of policemen on the force as well as the salaries they are paid. Provide counseling for troubled teens and positive forms of recreation for our youth so that they are not on the street corners getting into trouble. If we help educate and empower our youth today we won't have to build prisons to house them tomorrow.
``I am in favor of reducing taxes. In particular, I support a reduction in the rate for personal property taxes.
``Taxes leads me to the city budget. Norfolk has a budget in excess of $465 million. I will analyze the total current budget for the best possible reallocation of funds. I will propose eliminating all unnecessary spending, thereby enabling all essential services to receive a much-needed increase. I believe that a portion of the money that is saved can be used to reduce certain taxes.
``Because my actions, such as analysis of the city budget, will directly affect you I pledge to support honesty and integrity in city government.
``Government was designed to be `by the people and for the people.' As voters it is up to you to make government work for you by choosing the candidate you feel will serve you best. That candidate must be accountable to all of the citizens that comprise Superward 7.
``The most important point of this campaign is that we need to work together as a community ... on all issues of importance facing the residents of Norfolk.
``Citizens. People. We are what this race is all about. I am asking for your endorsement because I understand that fact. By your endorsement we are saying that we choose to live, work, play and raise families in Norfolk. Let's work together to make it better. And let's let everyone else know that we are here; that we plan to stay here.''
WILLIAM E. SWINDELL JR.
Superward 7 candidate
Age: 47.
Address: 6200 block of Alexander Street.
Occupation: Employed by STOP; former Navy officer.
VISION: ``My vision for the future of Norfolk is one of a thriving hub that is responsive to the needs of its citizens and employees, a city that promotes economic growth through prudent land use, and a conduit for the stability of the region.
``The formula currently used to disburse funds to neighborhoods may be sufficient for Larchmont or Ghent, but more funds are needed to stave off impending blight in Sherwood and Lindenwood. The redevelopment and revitalization of Southside must be put on a fast track before bulldozers are camped on the Elizabeth River. The $6.5 million presently allocated to neighborhoods needs to be greater.
``Our public safety components must be fully supported with the necessary funding for manpower and training to enable them to do the important job that is expected of them. Successful programs such as PACE should be expanded and grant programs such as COPS AHEAD, which has added some 38 new officers to the line, should be encouraged. Our problems will not get any easier nor will the need for competent firefighters, police officers and paramedics decrease. As our city grows and prospers, more resources must be found to enhance our public safety components.
``As we compete with other regions of the country and state to attract businesses to our city and local area, we must insist that our primary, secondary and institutions of higher learning are preparing our children to meet the challenges of the 21st century. It is obvious that money alone is not the answer. The projected school budget will fall between $188-210 million. That $22 million is significant. The city is doing its share. We must expect more for our money. We must insist that our schools prepare our students for employment in a shrinking job market by challenging them to be the best and by expanding its involvement in the communities where the students who need the most help live.
``In 10 years, Norfolk will be in a `stand down' mode without a light rail system. Roads must be unclogged for commerce if we are to attract employment opportunities. Residents and visitors must be able to move from point A to point B in a timely fashion if we are to prosper. The time is right to move in this direction.
``Just as I fought to provide equal opportunities for all of our citizens with the Norfolk Tides and Nauticus, I will fight for my vision for Norfolk. Two years prior to the creation of the `Tides Arising' program, I shared the basics of it with Council and the Tides. Is is that very insight that is needed on the Norfolk City Council. My independence, willingness to ask the tough questions, reluctance to accept easy solutions and ability to stand on my own are assets that will serve our city, the residents of Superward 7 and all the citizens of Norfolk well. `Unbridled, unbought, unbossed' is my creed.''
HORACE THOMAS ``TOMMY'' WHITE
Superward 7 candidate
Age: 45.
Address: 5900 block of McGinnis Circle.
Occupation: executive aide to the Virginia Beach sheriff/commanding officer of professional standards.
VISION: ``We cannot make Norfolk a safer and better place to live and to raise a family if we do not change our city's leadership. By electing me to represent you on City Council in Superward 7, you will ensure that our city is not going to maintain the failed status quo.
``I have offered the people of Norfolk a campaign based on issues that demand attention and solutions. From education and public safety to economic development and an increased standard of living, I have offered solutions.
``My vision for Norfolk includes a school system where kids who are graduating know how to read and write, and are prepared for college, the military or some other program to learn a trade or skill.
``My vision for Norfolk includes tackling poverty by bringing manufacturing jobs, rather than low-paying retail jobs, to the city to give the poor who want to work an opportunity to make an honest living and realize the American dream.
``My vision for Norfolk includes redevelopment of the neighborhoods. We have to invest in better roads and attract better businesses. These projects take money, but if we did not spend $6 million to move a downtown fire station, we could dedicate that money to revitalize our neighborhoods.
``My vision for a better Norfolk includes a Norfolk that is just as competitive for new citizens and businesses as any other city in the region. If we do not change leadership on City Council, none of these things are going to happen and we will all continue to lose, City Council will continue to raise taxes and we will see fewer opportunities for our children.
``I hope my vision is your vision as well. Working together we can accomplish our goal - to see Norfolk redevelop its neighborhoods and school system to become the world class city we know it can be. Only you, by exercising your right to vote for me on Tuesday, May 7, can make a better Norfolk become a reality. I hope I can count on your support.''
KEYWORDS: NORFOLK CITY COUNCIL RACE CANDIDATE by CNB