THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 5, 1996 TAG: 9605060188
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENT PAGE: 02 EDITION: FINAL
SERIES: Decision '96
Election Guide
LENGTH: Long : 561 lines
[QUESTIONS]
What community of volunteer activities have you performed?
Your vision: how you would achieve it; qualities you possess to get it done:
Issues on which you would vote against personal beliefs if the public disagreed?
If you could accomplish 2 things on the first day in office, what would they be?
What two promises will you make? How will you keep citizens informed?
In which areas would you act in the region's best interests, as opposed to the city's?
How will you maintain services despite declines in state and federal money?
How can the City Council help dispel Portsmouth's negative image?
[ANSWERS]
CANDIDATES FOR MAYOR
FRANK HARTE
Age: 75
Portsmouth resident: 70 years
Education: Saint Joseph Academy, Portsmouth, 1937; VPI 1946-50, industrial engineering. Graduate studies: industrial management; John Hopkins University and the Western Electric School of Graduate Studies, 1956-1962
Occupation: Industrial engineering; manager, businessman
Politics: Independent candidate; no endorsements as of April 14
Experience: ``45 years in the marketplace of our country at all levels.''
Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, Education Committee and Industrial Development Committee; city's Citizens Advisory Committee; PTA Council. In the past three years I have sent our city manager ideas and information to enhance our city's tourism business from all over our country and Canada.
I want our city to be relatively crime/drug-free, the conflict between the citizens and our governing body stopped, . . . our schools to be the best, and to be a safe and pleasant place to live. Using my 45 years of industrial experience in the engineering and management, I hope to apply those principles that have proven to be successful by industry to the operation of Portsmouth.
My personal beliefs cannot get in the way of what is best for my city. . . the citizens involved resolve this problem and present council with a single solution . . . acceptable to the majority of involved citizens. No compromising: Greed, graft, and deals that benefit special-interest groups.
Solve our crime/drug problem, and provide adequate jail space so that our judges could remove criminals from our streets.
Efforts to solve our crime/drug problems. Efforts to resolve our citizen/governing body conflicts. I would hope with the Currents help, or pay if necessary, to create a Mayor's Corner and report every other Sunday to our citizens on our city's progress in many areas.
Resolve our racial conflicts. Establish a small-vehicle, rapid transit system. Provide a true vocational education system for our non-college-bound students.
Develop areas of income for the city, such as tourism. Trim unnecessary ``fat'' from our city and school budgets. With the development of a small-vehicle, rapid transit system, parents pay for the transportation of students as we once did.
Portsmouth's negative image is not the problem, it is the internal problems that are causing the negative image. . . . School officials have abdicated their authority to enforce discipline. . . . Our ``revolving door'' court system also compounds this problem: violent criminals are released back to our streets under multiple bonds. And our absentee and slum-lord problems.
JAMES W. HOLLEY III
Age: 69
Portsmouth resident: 69 years
Education: W.Va. State College, B.S., '49; Howard University, College of Dentistry, D.D.S., '55
Occupation: Dental surgeon
Politics: Independent; as of April 14, endorsed by Retired Police Officers and Firefighters Association, Church and Community in Action, American Legion Post 190.
Experience: City Council 1968-86, vice mayor 1978-80, mayor 1984-87. (Voters recalled Holley from office in December 1987 in connection with a hate-mail scandal, although he was not charged.)
Community service to indigent persons involving dental care.
Citizens should embrace a ``TOTAL CITY CONCEPT,'' leading to actions which will spark a new awakening of civic pride encouraging productivity among the disenchanted among us and striving toward higher levels of excellence among those already productive. Without doubt, such united citizen action would, among other benefits, spur economic development now so greatly needed.
I sincerely believe that a person serving the public, in fact, works for the public and must never disagree with the public. Now, there will be individuals and groups where . . . actions taken may not directly satisfy that segment. Should that occur, the true servant of the people must build coalitions and support to carry out the best possible plan for the people. No compromising: Duty, honor and service.
Give the city back to the people. That's what it is all about. Citizens have been ignored, trampled upon and the subject of rudeness. Build confidence within the community, especially within the business community.
Deliver government back to the people and hold periodic meetings within each community to include as many people as possible within the process.
As former chairman of TRT, I was instrumental in forging regional cooperation in transportation. I would be a leader in encouraging other municipalities in other aspects of mutual cooperation, in areas of public safety, water, fine arts and entertainment.
Portsmouth's history is a valuable and untapped resource. I will package and market our history. It will create a new industry and build jobs and excitement.
Portsmouth does not have a negative image. That is just a perception, which is easy to overcome by the citizens becoming a family once again as we were during my past administration. This can be accomplished with a committed strategy and working hard together.
GLORIA O. WEBB
Age: 64
Portsmouth resident: 37 years
Education: University of Nebraska, B.S.; graduate hours, Old Dominion University
Occupation: Mayor; volunteer; homemaker
Politics: Democrat; as of April 14, endorsed by Portsmouth Education Association, Tidewater Builders Association, Hampton Roads Realtors Association
Experience: School Board, 1972-80; School Board chairman, 1978-80; City Council, 1980-88; mayor, 1988-present
- List includes: founder of HER Shelter for Abused Women; member of National Women's Political Caucus, National League of Cities, U.S. Conference of Mayors, TRT, Urban Partnership, Hampton Roads Partnership, Forward Hampton Roads, Trinity Episcopal Church. In the past three months, I have participated in numerous reading programs in elementary schools.
I envision Portsmouth as a small city with a diverse citizenry working in harmony to make our community a safer place to live, with unique quality neighborhoods, an excellent public school system and an expanding economic base. I can work toward achieving these goals because of my vast past experience. Knowing how to set projects in motion, who to contact to get the job done is invaluable.
I can think of only one vote that went against my personal belief: to allow a church to build in an enterprise zone. . . . I learned a lesson that night: ``To thine own self be true.'' It is not popular to put principle before politics, but it is the way I live my life. Some votes have cost me friendships.
No compromise: On issues of fairness, issues of honesty, on my own conscience and principles.
1. Lower crime rate; 2. Recruit two major industries to bring revenue/jobs to our city.
1. To continue an open, efficient, honest government; 2. To initiate more programs for our youngsters.
I would inform citizens of our progress through newsletters, city government TV channel and meetings with civic leagues.
I was involved in creating the Urban Partnership - 18 core cities throughout Virginia joined to study . . . inner cities with no potential for expansion. . . . Hampton Roads partnership has also been organized. The cities are also involved in funding to hire a consultant to (assess) a sports arena for an NBA or NHL expansion team.
We must work harder and smarter with fewer employees; consolidate services between agencies such as School Board, RHA and the city to prevent overlap of services and save costs. Use of available grant monies . . . to fund special projects (example: ISTEA funds for High Street Inlet). Privatization of services. . . .
. . . If we can prove to our citizens that we are all responsible for the success and progress of our city, that negative remarks hurt us. . . . I have initiated bus tours for prospective military transferees so they can see our city firsthand. . . . The city manager and I . . . (attend) regional meetings, . . . (and) other cities are very aware of what is happening in Portsmouth.
AT-LARGE CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES (Choose 3 of these 7)
JAMES THOMAS BENN III
Age: 56
Portsmouth resident: 55 years
Education: Woodrow Wilson High School, Portsmouth, '57; Virginia Tech, '61, B.S. mechanical engineering
Occupation: Director of Quality Assurance, Norfolk Naval Shipyard
Politics: as of April 14, endorsed by Portsmouth Education Association-PAC, Retired Police Officers' and Firefighters' Association of Portsmouth.
Experience: Portsmouth School Board since 1990, chairman since 1992.
List includes: Tidewater Scholarship Foundation; Rotary Club of Portsmouth; trustee, deacon of Court Street Baptist Church
Last three months (partial list): Facilitator, American Red Cross Strategic Plan; facilitator, Portsmouth Schools Foundation Strategic Plan; facilitator, Portsmouth Police Crime Summit; guest reader at numerous elementary schools
For citizens to work ever more closely in confidence, teamwork and dedication. . . . I foresee continuing improvement in our schools and neighborhoods, in public safety and in our economy. Vision 2005 will be the vehicle of inclusiveness. . . . My job and my experience as School Board chairman have provided the knowledge and skills; . . . (And) my love for Portsmouth gives me the desire, dedication and energy to work toward solutions. . . .
Yes, for example: I believe that riverboat gaming would have a detrimental effect on this city. However, if through a referendum, the citizens chose to have gaming, I would be duty bound to the citizens to place Portsmouth in the best possible position to implement it in the most beneficial manner. No compromising: My personal integrity and my loyalty to God, to this nation and my family.
That the image of the council would cause our citizens to have pride and confidence in the council's collective judgment and its ability to represent them and spend their tax dollars wisely. . . . For our citizens to brag about the council's collective demeanor and its ability to make measurable progress toward goals and objectives. That our citizens believe that they have access to all aspects of their local government.
I promise to perform the job to the best of my ability, and, as I have demonstrated as a school board member for six years, to be accessible and responsive to the citizens' concerns. I promise to be as open, honest and as articulate as I can be in my dealings with everyone.
Any area would be fair game to entice and convince the other cities in the region that regional cooperation would serve us all better. We would not give away the store but would make sizable concessions to get some action started. For instance, our water supply is a very valuable card that should be carefully played to the city's and the region's advantage.
Achieve all of the internal service and performance efficiencies that are possible. Increase efficiency and service through the application of technology. Continue partnerships with the community, such as the neighborhood policing effort and Vision 2005. Look for areas for public/private partnerships to reduce costs.
Keep on doing what we're doing with respect to Vision 2005, neighborhood policing and as many projects as we can handle that create real input, buy-in and involvement from the citizens. We will then start to believe that this is a wonderful place. And when we believe it, others will also. . . . Our willingness to make concessions that lead to regional cooperation will enhance our image and the region's.
BERNARD D. GRIFFIN SR.
Age: 58
Portsmouth resident: 58 years
Education: B.S., Hampton University
Occupation: Retired teacher, Chesapeake Public Schools
Politics: Democrat; as of April 14, endorsed by Portsmouth Education Association-PAC, Retired Police Officers and Firefighters Association of Portsmouth.
Experience: former vice chairman, Democratic Executive Committee; have worked on behalf of many local and state officials; former member, Coalition for Quality Education; former chairman, Portsmouth School Board
Former president, Progressive Civic League; former vice president, Central Civic Forum; church volunteer, Meals for Senior Citizens
I visualize a positive image, more economic development, additional industry, less crime, a sound educational system and respect of ethnic heritage and senior citizens. . . . I would utilize data, resources, citizen input and overall participation. . . . I will labor on behalf of all the citizens, promote the history of the city, utilize our senior citizen resource in solving problems.
I am a representative of the voters, and I would vote as the voters dictated. Example: organizations on tax-exempt status. No compromising: on incompetent personnel and lack of full funding for the school system.
I would secure an agreement to build a first-rate hotel and enact measurements to reduce violent crimes.
I would promise to work to the best of my ability as a council person and be willing to be a team player in getting objectives accomplished. I would attend civic and social functions and give citizens periodical updates.
I would support a sports complex and industry that would benefit the region as a whole.
I would evaluate present programs the city has to see if there is a waste of money or resources. The money would be used to compensate for declines.
By seeing that crime is reduced by emphasizing our positive aspects (water, history, museums - success of the Children's Museum of Virginia). Help citizens realize they should not buy into the negative image or promote it, and they should be ambassadors to spread the positives about our historic city.
JAMES C. HAWKS
Age: 49
Portsmouth resident: 49 years
Education: Churchland High School, '65; University of Virginia, B.A., '70; University of Richmond, Juris Doctor, '73
Occupation: Attorney
Politics: Independent, no formal endorsements as of April 14
Experience: City Council, two terms (incumbent); Hampton Roads Regional Jail Commission; Hampton Roads Air Quality Committee; chairman, Downtown Initiative of Vision 2005
Co-chairman, Cock Island Race Committee. Attended the last three monthly meetings of the Hampton Roads Jail Authority. As chairman of the Downtown Initiative of the Vision 2005 plan, I conducted one planning conference in the past three months and have attended several executive type meetings. I also attended the Portsmouth Crime Summit.
Portsmouth will find a new pride and self-assurance and become an important member of Hampton Roads by developing its enormous potential for tourism. We must eradicate blight, make our city truly safe, develop a first-class hotel and renew civic pride. In my service on council, I have learned the power and importance of involving citizens in the development process.
Yes, I was opposed to casinos in Virginia, but knowing the citizens of Portsmouth had endorsed gambling in the form of horse racing by 71 percent, I felt compelled to be prepared with the riverboat development agreement in case the state should adopt gaming and the citizens of Portsmouth decided through a local referendum that we should have it in Portsmouth.
To restore to the citizens of Portsmouth a sense of pride in their city and to guarantee their safety wherever they go.
Knowing that I cannot please everyone all the time, I promise to be open-minded, to listen and to treat people fairly. I believe that a councilman owes a duty to the citizens to explain his vote in controversial matters, and I promise to continue to speak my mind and vote my conscience.
Our water system is the city's major asset in economic competition and should never be considered as a solution to regional water needs. . . . . . . We can, however, join regional efforts to attract a national sports franchise, expand transportation . . . and find a formula for revenue sharing to allow us to compete for industry with other regions and not among ourselves.
. . . It requires a new approach to old problems. Automated trash collection is a good example: Instead of having a truck and three men come around twice a week, we now have a truck with one man once a week. . . . The cost of salaries and benefits to city workers will be drastically reduced in the coming years through computerization, automation and private contracting.
We must greatly improve education, environment and safety. . . . We have to tear down blighted areas as we have done with Twin Lakes and planto do with Fairwood Homes. . . . We must continue funding for community policing and other innovative approaches to drastically reduce crime so we can prove, statistically, to ourselves and to the region that Portsmouth is just as safe as any other city.
MILTON A. HOOVER
Age: 54
Portsmouth resident: 54 years.
Education: high school
Occupation: Supervisor, city Parks and Recreation Department
Politics: Independent
Experience: 30 years of community service
Most activities have been involved with my city duties.
To increase businesses and growth; to promote the assets of Portsmouth with its history and opportunities.
Personal beliefs can be set aside for the betterment of my community and city.
To get a close relationship with other councilmen and the mayor, and to involve our senior citizens in our government.
Insuring safety of our citizens, including our senior citizens; work to cut down the crime rate in Portsmouth.
This would take more time to study.
To be more economical and look for cost-cutting ideas.
By exposing the better qualities of Portsmouth and having more input from citizens and civic leagues.
LEE E. KING
Age: 63
Portsmouth resident: 37 years.
Education: Booker T. Washington High School, Norfolk; attended Norfolk State University
Occupation: Retired general manager, Naval Aviation Depot
Politics: Democrat; no endorsements as of April 14
Experience: Former City Council member, vice mayor two years; Redevelopment and Housing Authority board
List includes: Portsmouth General Hospital Foundation; past president, United Civic League; member, Shriners Arabia No. 12, Church and Community in Action, NAACP, American Legion Post 190. Last three months: Continuous service on boards, commissions, community organizations, particularly as chair of Police Community Relations Board, driver for Cavalier Manor Patrol
I envision a thriving city with a stable economic base, a quality educational system . . . and a public safety system with statistics reflecting a safe city. Previous experience as vice mayor, councilman, services on city boards and commissions, as well as community involvement enables me to be knowledgeable of the skills and commitment needed to achieve these goals.
Nothing comes to mind. I'm open-minded.
1. Become acquainted with other council members and city officials to establish a working relationship; 2. Become cognizant of key issues on the city's agenda and impact on long-range plans for Portsmouth.
To serve the total community to the best of my ability by keeping them abreast of economic development plans impacting revenue and taxes as well as public safety measures and implemented strategies to insure a safe place to live. Information will be disseminated through my attendance at civic leagues and through the news media.
Effective and efficient usage of our land areas (property) and attracting businesses in our city to increase our revenue base.
Exercising caution in allocating limited resources, spacing and prioritizing projects for funding, and lobbying legislators for Portsmouth's fair share.
Providing news releases through media promotional efforts on the positives throughout the city and region. Focus on the changes on the waterfront, family activities (museums, etc.), opportunities for economic growth with businesses, improved public school projects and programs and small community atmosphere for young couples and senior citizens.
CAMERON C. PITTS
Age: 59
Portsmouth resident: 47 years.
Education: Woodrow Wilson High School, Portsmouth; attended Virginia Tech Extension, W&M, DeVry Technical Institute.
Occupation: President, ABEC Inc. (electronics consultant); ``full-time councilman and proud of it.''
Politics: as of April 14, endorsed by Portsmouth Education Association-PAC; Retired Police Officers and Firefighters Association ; Tidewater Builders Association
Experience: Portsmouth city councilman, four years; representative to Virginia Assembly for Mayor's Ad Hoc Coal Committee
Partial list: Past president, Hunter's Point Civic League, 12 years; member, Virginia Municipal League Transportation Policy Steering Committee; board member, Hampton Roads Planning Council; chairman, Midtown 2005 Planning Committee; served in U.S. Marine Corps; active deacon, Port Norfolk Baptist Church; 32nd Degree Mason
We will become a great, unique, multicultural community. . . . Neighborhoods will be bedroom clusters where quietude and tranquillity prevail. . . . We will be the tourist destination of choice. . . . Public education of excellence and our central location will make us a place of choice for working, living and playing. . . .
Yes! I personally believe that a carousel is the proper icon for the ``hands on'' learning playground at the Children's Museum of Virginia; however, if the majority of people feel that would not be proper, I will support their wishes. No compromising: my public service oath of office as a councilman, including to uphold the welfare, morals and safety of our citizens.
Legislate an Ethics Commission to monitor the compliance of the Conflict of Interest Act, the Human Rights Act and the Freedom of Information Act. Pass a resolution to terminate the riverboat gambling contract with the Corano family and local investors, and, by resolution, request that our legislators oppose riverboat gambling in the General Assembly.
To bring retail stores back to Portsmouth, and as the Midtown 2005 chairman, I will periodically report on that redevelopment at MidCity. To encourage citizens to achieve ``civic democracy,'' to empower and enable people to be part of the governing process. Through better efficiency of communication, we will formulate and take ownership of our solutions.
Transportation, definitely! To accomplish greatness and desirability as regions like Washington, London and Paris, we must be interconnected by rapid rail, public transportation and water taxis to our downtowns, neighborhoods, regional airports and beaches.
Payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for the $2.9 billion worth of U.S. government tax-exempt property - 2.9 percent. Impact funds are now paid at $1,077,995 annually and must be used for education. . . . If we could win percentage equity as another federally impacted city, such as Washington, Portsmouth would receive an extra $30 million per year.
Enable our residents to research all of our history, assets, location and cultures and identify the greatness of Portsmouth so that we can take ownership of that image and proudly communicate it to others.
RAFIQ ZAIDI
Age: 52
Portsmouth resident: 52 years
Education: Attended John A. Logan Junior College, Carbondale, Ill., DePaul University.
Occupation: Hospital service aide, Naval Medical Center
Politics: Independent; as of April 14 endorsed by Black Concerned Citizens, Latoya Maxine Key Memorial Committee
Background: Spent several years in federal prison on a felony conviction stemming from a 1968 bank robbery. In 1983, his civil political rights were restored by then-Gov. Charles S. Robb.
List includes: Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Award, 1976, Chicago; youth programs coordinator, Chicago, 1985; Nation of Islam Prison Ministry, Virginia Dept. of Corrections, 1984-92. Last three months: Fellowship with Chesapeake fire personnel after recent firefighter deaths; local voter registration; raised funds for memorial service for 3-year-old killed in Norfolk shooting.
I want freedom for all the citizens of Portsmouth, equal justice and equality of opportunity. . . . To achieve the above, we must be firm doers of God's will. . . . The real deal on my agenda is to restore morality and decency to city government (through) composition of spiritual awareness, dialogue and fiscal responsibility that I will represent on council. . . .
I will not vote for the building of more jails. I will not compromise the legitimate aspirations of the citizens of Portsmouth. I will not compromise morality for greed or power. I believe that the lust for greed and power, to be recognized, can become so great that it gets out of control.
I would request an immediate conference with the heads of the Portsmouth's education system and the authorities responsible for the Portsmouth Police Department. My major concerns would be for such dialogue centering on education. Since education is the torch light of civilization, when an educational system is in decline, the civilization that it represents also is in decline.
I will promise sound financial management, adequate funding for all schools, fire and police protection, neighborhood improvements and economic development. I will strive to eradicate the social problems that breed crime and disruptions. . . . I will commit myself to give a ``State of the Local Government Address from a Councilman'' every month.
No response.
Pursue additional federal impact funds from the land and buildings held by the federal government in Portsmouth. Portsmouth is only paid $1,007,995 annually, which is used for education. Additional funds from the land and buildings use would help maintain essential local services and lift some of the burden off taxpayers.
We must establish fiscal responsibility, role relations, and implement strategies to combat fleeing businesses, the social, spiritual, political, educational, economic, crime and health dilemma affecting our citizenry. We must build and maintain a network of sincere and dedicated organizations, businesses and individuals . . . to establish a firm and unified community. ILLUSTRATION: Photos of all candidates
KEYWORDS: PUBLIC JOURNALISM ELECTION PORTSMOUTH
PORTSMOUTH CITY COUNCIL RACE CANDIDATES
PORTSMOUTH MAYOR'S RACE PROFILES PLATFORMS by CNB