Newcomers hope to see a ‘transformed’ Portsmouth city government

PORTSMOUTH, Va. – People in Portsmouth want to know their city is in good hands. That’s why many were closely watching the races for mayor and Portsmouth City Council.

News 3 spoke with Portsmouth residents Wednesday who said they are optimistic about the city’s leadership following Tuesday’s election.

“I know it can be hard sometimes, a lot of people have requests, there’s a lot of different things going on, things that need to be managed. So I just hope they do their best, do their very best, help everyone in the city , listening to everyone’s opinion,” said Kyeir DeBose of Portsmouth.

View previous coverage: Incumbent Portsmouth Mayor Shannon Glover is expected to win re-election bid

Incumbent Portsmouth Mayor Shannon Glover is expected to win the re-election bid

Many people want to see the city united as Portsmouth has been criticized in recent years for unruly council meetings, high turnover of city managers and has been under pressure to find solutions to crime.

Market Street and General Store owner Tony Goodwin, who helped with Bill Dodson Jr.’s campaign, said he has seen the impact of past disagreements.

“If you have leaders doing that back and forth bickering, it’s going to spill over into the city,” Goodwin said.

He is hopeful that a new mix of leaders will move the city forward, especially for those who work downtown.

View previous coverage: Portsmouth voters have three options in the race for mayor

Voters in Portsmouth have three options in the race for mayor

“As a business owner, we want to see Portsmouth thrive with new economic development,” Goodwin said.

Shannon Glover claimed victory as mayor Tuesday night, giving a boost to current Vice Mayor Lisa Lucas Burke. This will be his second term.

He spoke to News 3 at his watch party and said he has learned some lessons in his first four years. This semester, he said he wants to be more involved with his colleagues and hopes everyone in the city becomes more involved as well.

“I know a few things better than I did when I got here and I think if we can all work together and set the vision and course for our city and do that on a united estate, there’s nothing we won’t be able to accomplish” , he said. Glover.

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Lucas Burke has given up her council seat to run for mayor, so she will step down from the board in December.

Newcomers Kathryn “Kitty” Bryant, Yolanda Edmonds Thomas and William “Bill” Dodson Jr. ahead of incumbents De’Andre Barnes and Mark Whitaker for seats on the council.

After the viewing parties concluded, News 3 spoke with the newcomers about their focus. Common themes included finding solutions to crime and establishing a long-term vision for the city. Bryant, Edmonds Thomas and Dodson said collaboration is the key to making it all work.

“The whole purpose of our campaign is to deliver collaborative leadership to the people of Portsmouth. That’s what they deserve. That’s what they’ve told us they want to happen in the city and we’re ready to get started on building relationships, setting new precedents, creating new expectations that will move us forward,” said Bryant.

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“I know that the voters and people of Portsmouth believe in the same priorities as I do, including public education, public safety, economic growth, improved city services and infrastructure, and the ability to work with others to get things done. My focus is on working as a council to put the people and communities of Portsmouth first. They are the priority and I am confident in my ability to work with others as a team for the people,” said Edmonds Thomas.

“We made a lot of friends among ourselves during the campaign, which is different from previous campaigns here. I expect a total transformation in the City Council. Total transformation,” Dodson said.

The candidates said they are excited about the results but are still waiting for provisional votes to be counted.

They each thanked the voters and their competitors.