THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 5, 1996 TAG: 9605060191
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 53 EDITION: FINAL
SERIES: DECISION 96
ELECTION GUIDE
LENGTH: Long : 520 lines
John A. Cosgrove
Age: 41
Years in city: 7
Education: B.A. ODU
Occupation: Supervisory electronics engineer
Official endorsements through April 14: Republican Party of Chesapeake, Gov. George Allen, Sen. Mark L. Earley, Sen. Fred Quayle, Rep. J. Randy Forbes, Chesapeake Professional Fire Fighters
As mayor, I will attend civic league meetings and other public gatherings such as town hall meetings in each section of the city in order to get real and up-to-date information on how the city is performing. We must make Chesapeake much more responsive to the everyday needs of our citizens, and we can't do that unless we know first-hand what are their primary concerns.
The mayor must be committed to representing the people who put him or her in office. I can't think of an instance where I would ignore the wishes of the majority of our citizens and hold my personal wishes above those of the people of Chesapeake.
First, I would require full manpower levels for the fire department and police department. Second, I would put restraints on the development that is overwhelming our city, both on lots that are currently zoned for residential development as well as rezoning applications that may come before me when I am on council as mayor.
First, I will work extremely hard to slow the rate of residential development in our city. Second, I will work closely with a permanent city manager and visit each and every city office and department so that I can intelligently discuss issues that may be brought up before the City Council.
I will work closely and frequently with our elected representatives in Richmond and Washington so that they are always aware that the mayor of Chesapeake is making the needs of the city known. In addition, I will require that the city manager look into and adopt ways to streamline the purchasing methods currently used by the city. We must be careful stewards of the dollars that are received from our citizens.
The city government in general and specifically the mayor must work daily to ensure the fair and equitable distribution of resources in our city. We must strive to provide adequate police and fire personnel as well as recreational facilities to each section of our city so that all of our citizens can enjoy an increased quality of life.
The crushing growth our city is suffering is responsible for the overcrowded schools, the massive traffic, the shortage of police and firefighters and the water shortages that some sections of our city experience every time there is a dry spell. Bill Ward has consistently voted against any type of growth control measure that have been introduced for consideration.
Chesapeake has fallen far behind our neighboring cities in the area of recreational facilities and it is a shameful situation. I will work with the Parks and Recreation Department to come up with ideas for recreational opportunities, and I will also work with our neighboring cities to learn from their experiences in providing recreation areas and activities for their citizens.
William E. Ward
Age: 62
Years in city: 33
Education: Bachelor's degree, two master's degrees and a doctor of philosophy degree
Occupation: Professor of history, Norfolk State University
Official endorsements through April 14: Chesapeake Education Association, Fraternal Order of Police, Greater Tidewater Central Labor Council of Virginia/AFL-CIO, Chesapeake Forward, Chesapeake Men for Progress
In 1994, I requested Dr. Timothy Kerr to chair a long-range task force on visioning. The committee established five focus groups. I hereby appeal to citizens to serve on one of the focus groups. Governments can provide leadership and impetus, but the people must be empowered, mobilized and willing to participate to bring about constructive change.
I would not compromise fundamental religious or moral convictions. However, in some instances when a community's position may conflict with mine, I would first try to reach some accord with the neighbors. Usually, compromise can be achieved through open and honest dialogue.
First, a compact on the part of the council to put aside partisan interests and agree to work for the Commonwealth. Secondly, an agreement by council to go on a retreat to work on goals for the next four years.
I believe in the spirit of the Athenian Oath: ``I will never bring disgrace to this city by an act of dishonesty or cowardice, nor desert our citizens or public employees in the ranks. I will fight for the ideals and sacred values of the city.'' By working with the citizens, we will transmit Chesapeake not only better but more beautiful than it was transmitted to us.
Enhance the city's Economic Development Department so that it can continue to recruit national and international business to Chesapeake. Bringing new business to the city means a larger tax base. We must also nurture our existing businesses to keep them in Chesapeake.
As I stated in the 1996 State of the City Address, the arts can be a civic glue to unite people. The city should take the lead and build a fine arts complex. This would serve as a neutral ground where all Chesapeakeans can come together in a collegial environment, to enjoy music, dance, paintings and sculpture.
In recent years, much of the residential activity has declined while the commercial activity has increased considerably. This is due in part to the council's reluctance to rezone large tracts of land and following the Comprehensive Land Use Policy.I intend to continue the orderly management of the city's growth.
The city needs to provide public swimming pools and golf courses. However, given the pressures on the Capital Budget and the reluctance of voters to approve recreational referenda, the only alternative at this time is to enter into some type of public-private venturing for golf courses. Council has addressed the citizens' demands for ball fields and other recreational activities. AT-LARGE CANDIDATES (Choose 3 of these 9)
Robert D. ``Bob'' Bowman
Age: 45
Years in city: 9
Education: High school graduate
Occupation: Owner of Bob Bowman Construction Corp., a land-clearing and grading company
Official endorsements through April 14: None.< I will talk one-on-one with as many people as possible. I will go to their meetings and civic leagues, and I will encourage them to become organized and help guide them to the proper organization that may be of help to them.
If there were issues where the majority of people disagreed with my personal beliefs, I would have to vote against my own beliefs and go along with the majority. I feel an example would be the Southeastern Expressway, which may be of more benefit to the city as a whole than Route 168 because the city needs the extra revenue base that more businesses coming into the city would provide.
First, I would stop our taxes from escalating beyond our means. Second, I would analyze the budget in depth to see how we could better utilize some of our existing funds.
First, I will do everything in my power to see that our tax dollars are spent on things that are meaningful and most beneficial to the citizens of Chesapeake. Second, I promise to work diligently to get good businesses to locate within our city. I shall send updates to the media and civic league leaders informing them of my progress.
We will have to compensate for the decline in state and federal money for essential local services by thorough budget analysis, proper planning, combining services when cost-efficient and working hard to attract more business to our area to help increase our tax base.
Our local government will have a role in building unity among its citizens when we can serve all our citizens. When the revenue base is expanded, when growth is meaningful and well managed and services are provided for at the highest level we can afford.
We are all anxious about the rate and nature of growth in Chesapeake.This is a great city to live in. It's safe, it has a neighborhood atmosphere and high quality schools. We now need to properly plan for the future by attracting more businesses into our city that will help to broaden our revenue base and relieve some of the tax burden from its residents.
Chesapeake is lacking on recreational opportunities. We could build golf courses and pools in different locations, selling bonds to fund them, paying for them the way we have tunnels and highways in the past throughout Tidewater. We also could utilize our schools and libraries for some things, because we already have a building that is not utilized except for so many hours of the day. By this we are taking full advantage of what we already have, helping to reduce costs.
Dalton S. Edge
Age: 48
Years in city: 23
Education: 15 hours short of a B.A. degree in economics, N.C. State University; Occupation: Farmer
Official endorsements through April 14: Republican Party of Chesapeake; Sen. Fred Quayle, Sen. Mark L. Earley, Del. J. Randy Forbes, Chesapeake Professional Fire Fighters
I will continue my community involvement.
Some issues are impossible to anticipate, but basic beliefs are not negotiable.
Assure each citizen they will be treated fairly and that I have the best interest of the city in mind.
I will provide honest, loyal representation, and I will not raise taxes.
Prioritized public services: (1) fiscal responsibility; (2) public education; (3) public safety.
I will seek to include all citizens in the deliberative process.
We must assure that we will provide basic services first and not continue the uncontrolled irresponsible growth of the past.
Recreational facilities are certainly important and will be provided when affordable. But first we must provide for city needs, such as schools, roads and water.
Edward L. Hall Jr.
Age: 53
Years in city: 10
Eduaction: B.A., mechanical engineering, Virginia Tech
Occupation: Quality assurance manager, Ingersoll-Dresser Pump Co.
Official endorsements through April 14: Chesapeake Education Association, Chesapeake Fraternal Order of Police, Greater Tidewater Central Labor Council of Virginia/AFL-CIO
I will seek out the recognized leaders in our communities and encourage their involvement and participation in community affairs. Additionally, I will encourage them to share their knowledge and abilities with the citizens of other communities to enhance the development of leadership in their communities.
While I believe that my concerns about safety, education, job opportunity, roads and recreation are shared by all our citizens, I will always consider their opinions when formulating my views. Specifically, I believe that our citizens' quality of life must be maintained and improved without tax increases and would change my opinion only if directed to do so by our citizens.
First, I would place into effect all required attributes to provide a city with a community life that promotes the safety of our citizens. Second, I would assure an educational system instilled with quality curriculums, quality faculties and quality facilities that will provide our youth and adults the ability to successfully compete for careers well into the next century.
I promise to provide a professional leadership style that will enhance the development of decisions and arrive at conclusions that are based on a consensus view of council members. Additionally, I promise to provide intelligent, objective and respectful response to our citizens' concerns to assure that the direction of our city is driven by the desires and needs of our citizens.
I will direct my efforts to (a) attracting new businesses and nurturing our existing industries and businesses to improve our economic tax base, (b) increasing regional cooperation and working with state and federal legislators to reduce unfunded mandates and (c) requiring our city manager to implement measured systems that provide improved efficiency and quality of services.
Our vision of what Chesapeake will be in the future must be developed by our citizens, businesses and other organizations to provide a unified approach. Council must implement the procedures and processes that assure our city management and employees the tools to bring the vision to reality.
The rate and nature of the growth of our city must be responded to with both respect and consideration for citizen concerns. I will actively pursue the inclusion of our citizens and businesses in processes that can provide consensus for the direction in which council should move to manage our growth. Additionally, I will support initiative referenda to provide guidance from our citizens.
The primary recreational activities that Chesapeake must provide are those that deal directly with the needs of our youth. I will seek the ways and means to increase the recreational opportunities within our communities. Additionally, I would support the development of major park areas and partnerships with businesses to improve recreational facilities.
Robert T. Nance Jr.
Age: 41
Years living in city: Chesapeake native
Education: Chesapeake Public Schools; graduate of the certified planners program, Virginia Tech
Occupation: Owner/operator of landscaping corporation
Official endorsements through April 14: Republican Party of Chesapeake; Gov. George Allen, Sen. Mark L. Earley, Sen. Fred Quayle, Del. J. Randy Forbes, Commonwealth's Attorney David Williams, City Treasurer Barbara O. Carraway, Chesapeake Professional Fire Fighters
I believe you lead by example. If you want citizens to be involved in solving problems, as an elected official you must be actively involved in solving problems as well. I will always be accessible to citizen comments and their input for solutions and concerns.
The jail expansion is one example. People probably would not have approved it in a referendum.
First, have our major roads fixed so that they are below capacity, such as Route 168 or Route 17. Second, provide plenty of good-tasting, safe drinking water and lots in reserve for dry spells.
I promise not to raise the tax rate on hard-working citizens. I promise to be the most accessible council member to citizens and taxpayers. It will be very easy to keep voters informed about my progress on these promises, for if they are broken, it would be front-page news in The Clipper.
Keep a close and watchful eye on our city budget and set priorities that will be mindful of the loss of state and federal funds.
The management of the city government should be open and honest with citizens, even when the news is bad, and elected officials should do likewise. It is only through honest communication that you can build a sense of unity and community among our diverse population.
The City Council needs more control over existing inventoried property, so it can better plan the capital and operating budgets. A better prepared council will keep up with the quality of life concerns of citizens.
I worked hard on the Fun Forest site at Chesapeake City Park, the skate board ramp and the Elizabeth River Boat Ramp. I'm also working on projects that involve two public 18-hole golf courses in Chesapeake. Northwest River Park is probably the most ignored treasure in our city.
Dwight M. Parker
Age: 46
Years living in city: Chesapeake native
Education: B.A. degree political science, Norfolk State; studies at the University of Virginia, LeHigh University, TCC and OCU.
Occupation: Teacher at Deep Creek High School
Official endorsements through April 14: Chesapeake Education Association, Fraternal Order of Police, Greater Tidewater Central Labor Council of Virginia/AFL-CIO
Continue to visit civic leagues, churches and other groups. Also consider results of town meetings held before making decisions.
Maybe yes. I am a strong supporter of recreation, but if the citizens did not consider it a priority, some soul-searching would have to take place.
First, to restore public trust in the City Council. Next to fully fund the budgets of the schools, police and fire departments.
That I will be a good listener and a responsible councilman, that I will attend as many civic league meetings as possible, and that I will continue to participate in a broad range of community affairs.
Become more pro-active in economic development and offer incentives to companies to move to Chesapeake.
I believe local government should lead the way in building a sense of community as well as a unity because we are responsible for our fellow man.
I would explain or have someone explain the entire financial picture to the citizens. I believe that once a person fully understands the situation they will be more inclined to support our efforts.
We should first determine what our citizens want, then look at what we now have and determine the cost of additional needs. Once all the information is in, we must decide as a community how to fund the additional wants of our citizens.
William H. ``Bill'' Pierce
Age: 61
Years in city: 17
Education: B.A., history, Troy State University; M.A., public administration, Auburn University
Occupation: Retired management analyst and long-range planner for Department of Defense.
Running on a ticket backed by the Republican Party of Chesapeake; also Official endorsements through April 14: Republican Party of Chesapeake, Chesapeake Professional Fire Fighters, Sens. Mark L. Earley and Fred Quayle, Dels. J. Randy Forbes and Robert Nelms, Commonwealth's Attorney David Williams, City Treasurer Barbara Carraway
I am retired and will devote full time to my council duties. I will be in my office during regular hours five days per week. I will attend local civic league meetings to stay abreast of community issues and solicit input from citizens. In addition, I will hold a ``town meeting'' bimonthly on a rotating basis in a different borough of the city to obtain citizens' ideas, input and solutions to problems.
This is a country where the majority rules. Unless the public's position appears to compromise ethical or legal standards, I will always subordinate my personal beliefs and desires to the will of the majority.
First, eliminate the city's debt service and apply the millions we pay in interest to resourcing our most critical requirements: education facilities and technology, manpower in the fire department, technology for police and firemen, real estate tax cap for senior citizens and pay raises for our city employees. Second, make routes 17 and 168 four lanes all the way to the state line.
(a) I will be a full-time councilman and will be accessible by telephone, fax, office or on-site visits and attendance at civic league meetings. (b) I will represent the needs of the people and not my personal preference nor those of special interest groups.
(a) Running our government like a profit-making business by pursuing management initiatives which achieve economy and efficiency of operation; (b) prioritizing and funding first ``minimum essential requirements.'' (e.g. education, police, fire, etc.) I have the experience required to make these tough calls.
A sense of unity can be achieved by increasing our citizens' participation and voice in their government through town meetings and new boards and commissions, by enhancing citizens' access to their elected representatives and by creating a sense of pride in their city by conducting the public business in a dignified, professional manner.
As a councilman, my votes will reflect a commitment to long-range planning for future growth by ``consistently'' enforcing established levels of service to avoid overwhelming our infrastructure and applying the policy outlined in the city's Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Master Road Plan. I will also seek to include private industry in solving our problems quickly.
I believe the city is on the right track in providing recreational opportunities for residents. We should continue these efforts and, as our tax base and revenues increase, we should plan for additional amenities such as public pools, golf courses, bike trails, arts and theater. I would also encourage citizen participation to develop recreational facilities similar to Fun Forest at our City Park. This project was funded entirely through volunteer labor and business contributions.
Elizabeth P. Thornton
Age: 57
Years in city: 12
Education: B.A., business marketing and management, University of West Florida; M.A., international studies, ODU.
Occupation: Program coordinator, graduate programs in international studies, ODU.
Official endorsements through April 14: Chesapeake Education Association, Greater Tidewater Central Labor Council of Virginia/AFL-CIO, Fraternal Order of Police, Chesapeake Lodge No. 9
Educating citizens about political matters has been my specialty. I will keep in contact with citizens through civic leagues and other organizations, encourage participation at City Council meetings, and write op-eds for publication in The Virginian-Pilot to inform citizens of issues concerning the city.
There is a balance between services and quality of life that the city provides and the tax burden. On these issues, one must compromise. For example, I am probably more concerned with environmental protectionthan much of the general public. On these and other similar issues, my responsibility is to persuade the citizens. If I cannot, then I must accept their decisions.
First, I would do away with partisan bickering and personal animosities to ensure that all council considerations were done for the good of the city. Second, if all City Council actions could be predicated on their effect 10 or 20 years hence, rather than immediate rewards, I would be delighted.
The first promise that I make is that I will work to bring cooperation and consensus to the City Council. I pledge never to embarrass or degrade others during my public discussions. The second promise is never to lose contact with the desires of the citizens of Chesapeake.
First, Hampton Roads acting as a single-voice political entity would have greater clout at the state and federal levels to obtain a larger share of state and federal dollars. Acting as a single region, our chances of attracting business and developing economically to bring in more revenue is enhanced.
Unity and participation of citizens are goals, which if achieved, provide good government. All citizens and factions must feel they are participating in government. This is achieved by constant efforts to inform and educate and listen.
An increase in the number of citizens residing in Chesapeake is probably our fate. All the areas surrounding Hampton Roads are increasing in population. What is desirable is to have a wonderful city 10 years or 20 years in the future.In overcoming immediate problems, we must plan for the final result. We must assure that we have a beautiful city with good jobs, homes, education and transportation for all.
Chesapeake must plan its development to achieve a city with an attractive quality of life. This requires not just the larger regional parks and organized recreation, but a general availability of out-of-doors recreation in every neighborhood and city block. Hiking trails, bike paths and small neighborhood parks should be common everywhere.
James E. Whitener
Age: 46
Years living in city: 8
Education: Bachelor's degree in chemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, 1971
Occupation: Special agent, U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service, specializing in fraud and white-collar crime
Official endorsements through April 14: Virginia Independent Party, Chesapeake Professional Fire Fighters, Chesapeake Retired Employees Association, Chesapeake Men for Progress, Del. Lionell Spruill Sr.
I will hold regular monthly town meetings, increase opportunities for public comment at council meetings, ask city staff to explain what an item on the council agenda is about prior to citizen comment, and request that the city staff regularly update Chesapeake's home page on the Internet.
Absolutely. I believe my job on council is to be a representative and not a dictator or tyrant. If the time comes when I feel personally on the other side of an issue, I will do all I can to provide the information which molded my view so that others might come to see the matter from my perspective. Failing that, I will vote the will of the people.
If I had a magic wand, I would put an end to partisan bickering on the City Council and rely more on citizen input and involvement with respect to decision-making.
It's not responsible to borrow more money if the price is a heavily mortgaged future that puts Chesapeake in a financial straitjacket. Right now, I think our municipal debt levels are getting too high, and I will work to help cut them. At the same time, I will not allow our schools to suffer for lack of funding, and I will find ways to fund obviously critical needs in the fire and police departments.
I would fight to have tax receipts which now go upstream to Richmond or Washington stay at home. In particular, I would fight for a greater share of revenues from business and license taxes and from recordation fees. I would urge the General Assembly to repeal the Dillon Rule, which requires legislative approval for every charter change, and I would urge the federal government to reduce the number of mandates without the funding necessary to make them work.
We need a vision. It may mean we need to fight and wrangle and agree and disagree before we get the job done, but first we need that. Then, we need leaders who share our vision of Chesapeake and are willing to focus their energies on something other than partisan differences. In short, we need leaders who will get in the boat and row in the same direction.
By controlling it with considerably more finesse and fairness than we see today and doing so in a way which eases anxiety by providing predictability in terms of the future. Together, with a comprehensive land-use map, we already have the tools in the form of land-use plans and ordinances. In essence, we have the ability, but not the resolve. I have that kind of resolve.
The problem is not what kind of recreational facilities we need, but our ability to fund them. If we can't fund them, then we need to find new incentives to encourage private contributions. One idea would be to give tax credits for land which might be donated for jogging or walking paths and bike trails. Another might be to put property and facilities we already own to better use.
Editor's note: Antoine Whitted is not an officially registered candidate, so his name will not appear on the ballot May 7. Voters wishing to support him should ask poll workers how cast a write-in ballot.
Antoine Whitted
Age: 26
Years in city: 20 years
Education: B.A., political science, Norfolk State
Occupation: Automobile sales associate
Work with community and civic leagues to set up programs within their communities that will directly manage problems in their communities.
Yes. Whatever the issue may be, if the public believes one way and I believe another, it is my main objective as an elected official to put the people's desires first.
Set up some lines of communication for my constituents. Familiarize myself with the policies and procedures of the council.
One, I will never jeopardize my integrity. And, second, I will always keep the citizens' needs and wants at my forefront.
I favor a feasibility study to determine the effects of a consumer use tax and its impact on their local populace.
Local government's role should be as minimal as possible, but on the level and efficient enough to enact the will of the people as needed.
Growth necessitates change. Change is a by-product of growth, and without growth and change the community will stagnate. Education and recreation have to mirror the growth. It needs to be controlled growth that suits the needs of the community.
The city should provide public pools and 18-hole golf courses. Developers should include with their plans 18-hole golf courses and recreational facilities. The facilities should vary according to neighborhood and at least be comparable to our surrounding cities. We must utilize nominal user fees and bonds to offset the expenses. ILLUSTRATION: [Photos of all the candidates]
KEYWORDS: ELECTION PROFILE CANDIDATES CHESAPEAKE CITY COUNCIL RACE
PUBLIC CONVERSATION by CNB