Portsmouth City Council: Candidates spotlight
Paul J. Battle
Age: 74
Occupation: Retired/Entrepreneur
Previous office held: Portsmouth City Council
Education: Norfolk State University, bachelor of science in interdisciplinary studies, 2004
What experience do you have that makes you qualified to serve on the Portsmouth City Council?
As a member of Portsmouth City Council I voted on these important agenda items which qualify my experience and expertise to continue as Councilman: Increased employee salaries, rejected non-beneficial city contracts, acquisition of wind solar energy, negotiated Rivers Casino contract, increased water system by $30M, fully funded education, purchased 5G network, added recreational facilities in the Capital Improvement Program, secured funding for newly implemented After School Program, increased employee funding for VA International Gateway, increased funding for free school meals, acquired Shot Spotter for Police Department to enable officers to know immediately where shootings are occurring, provide accountability for COVID-19 funding, also provided COVID-19 funding to Portsmouth retired citizens, protected city retirees pension funds, increased the number of EMS and Police Officers and the modernization of fire department equipment. I previously wrote the Hope Six Grant.
If elected, what would be your top priority and how would you get it done?
Increase economic development and make it work for all citizens; prioritize reduction of taxes for citizens; increase wages for all city employees and deputies; continue to reduce crime; continue to create programs for youth; and build a new city jail.
Our city’s economic development shows very positive signs. It’s not enough to just have expansion of business, but it has to work to reduce the taxation on our citizens. Achieving that goal and understanding that we must develop our citizenry will go a long way in ensuring that we achieve our goals. I will continue to work with all council members as we work together as a team to further the progress we have made in handling all city business issues.
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William E. “Bill” Moody Jr.
Age: 73
Occupation: Sales representative, WB Waste Solutions.
Previous office held: Portsmouth City Council member since 1998, including two terms as vice mayor
Education: Graduate of Western Branch High School, Chesapeake; U.S. Air Force Loadmaster School, graduate; The Alpha College of Real Estate, graduate.
What experience do you have that makes you qualified to serve on the Portsmouth City Council?
I spent 38 years building sales teams, as well as being responsible for leading those teams to meet and exceed multimillion-dollar sales and profit goals. I learned early on in my sales management career the importance of communication and teamwork in developing trust and camaraderie among team members. I sincerely believe that experience was an excellent training ground for my service on the city council. I have served on the Portsmouth City Council since 1998. During my tenure, I also served two two-year, non-consecutive terms as vice mayor. Consequently, my service has given me a vast amount of institutional knowledge of how our municipal government functions and the challenges facing our city. I know to successfully meet those challenges. A city council must develop a vision and communicate to their citizenry how achieving that vision will make their communities better places to live.
If elected, what would be your top priority and how would you get it done?
Public safety is my top priority. In my opinion, the number one priority of our municipal government should be the safety of our residents. Unfortunately, in too many of our communities, our residents do not feel safe. These are some of the measures that I feel the city council should address: halt the loss of experienced police officers, firefighters and paramedics by approving a competitive compensation plan and a plan for eliminating pay compression; return to community policing by assigning neighborhood impact officers to communities experiencing high crime; utilize shot-detecting technology including video cameras in areas experiencing high crime; task the city manager to ramp up an aggressive public safety recruitment campaign; improve the lighting throughout our cities, especially in business areas; and impress upon our school board the need to utilize metal detectors upon entry to schools five days per week, not sporadically. A couple of years ago, a parent entered one of our elementary schools with a loaded gun.
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Christopher Woodard Jr.
Age: 37
Occupation: Portsmouth Public Schools educator
Previous office held: Portsmouth City Council
Education: I.C. Norcom High School, graduate; Norfolk State University, bachelor of arts in mass communication/journalism, 2008
What experience do you have that makes you qualified to serve on the Portsmouth City Council?
My experience that helps me to serve on Portsmouth City Council is from serving on city council since January 4, 2021. As a member of council, I have been able to fully fund education for the first time in history with my vote. This allowed the students in the Portsmouth Public Schools system to be fully equipped with the necessary materials to make them successful and making sure that all teachers and staff were given raises. School divisions that are properly funded are less likely to have students that drop out, and more likely to have students that graduate, go to college or get a trade. As a member of council, I fought and voted to move minimum wage up, and to give our city employees raises. Moreover, I voted to provide a 3% step pay plan for city employees. I fought for and voted to pass an ordinance that provides relief from personal property taxes, due to the national market increase. Lastly, I helped pass $10.9 million in infrastructure needs, $13.3 million in sewer and water improvements and $9 million new investments in public safety and public health.
If elected, what would be your top priority and how would you get it done?
My top priority is to continue the progress that I’ve made during my short tenure on council. Our school system has never been fully funded before my arrival on council, and now it has. Also, I would love to continue to build and invest into public safety. I believe we need to continue to provide public safety with the resources, and equipment necessary to make them successful for the citizens of Portsmouth. Lastly, I will continue to improve tourism and hospitality in the city of Portsmouth by encouraging innovative ideas that will enhance traffic, increase revenue to our historical district and entertainment district.
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Vernon Lamont Tillage, Jr.
Age: 28
Occupation: Community Affairs Coordinator, Virginia Natural Gas
Previous office held: Portsmouth School Board
Education: Old Dominion University, bachelor of science in political science, 2016
What experience do you have that makes you qualified to serve on the Portsmouth City Council?
Before serving on the Portsmouth School Board, I was a legislative assistant and outreach representative in the Virginia General Assembly and the U.S. Senate. I have an extensive background in drafting and researching legislation and budgets. I also have experience working in the private sector, developing and implementing strategies for supply chain development and community engagement. Thanks to my professional work experience, I have the skills to build and maintain positive working relationships with Portsmouth citizens and key stakeholders across the Hampton Roads region and the Commonwealth. With my knowledge of the local, state and federal government and my connections in the private sector, I can help bridge many gaps in the city to leverage Portsmouth to be the best it can be.
If elected, what would be your top priority, and how would you get it done?
My top priorities are improving public safety, infrastructure, education and economic development. As a member of the Portsmouth City Council, I will work with our state and federal officials to receive funding and resources to help alleviate the cost associated with high-cost initiatives. Portsmouth is home to the Port of Virginia, Portsmouth Naval Hospital and Norfolk Naval Shipyard. We are an official U.S. Coast Guard City; the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States Government is vested in the city of Portsmouth and our infrastructure system. I will bring my experience working with legislation, budgets and relationship building to the city council. I will support initiatives to recruit and retain public safety personnel and build efficient partnerships with community organizations to combat crime. I will also support initiatives encouraging existing and new businesses to invest in our city by creating initiatives and updating zoning regulations throughout the city.
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Mark A. Hugel
Age: 67
Occupation: Information Technology
Previous office held: None
Education: U. S. Naval Academy, bachelor of science in systems engineering, 1977; Massachusetts Institute of Technology, master of science in naval architecture and marine engineering, 1992; Massachusetts Institute of Technology, master of science in mechanical engineering, 1992
What experience do you have that makes you qualified to serve on Portsmouth City Council?
I have been in leadership roles for over 45 years – 32 years in the U.S. Navy, culminating in a promotion to two-star Rear Admiral, and 13 more in industry where I am a senior vice president at CACI International, Inc.
I served three tours of duty at Norfolk Naval Shipyard and, as Shipyard Commander, I was recognized by the Franklin Covey Institute for my principle-centered leadership. Luana and I have owned a home in Portsmouth since 1986 and chose to return when I retired from the Navy. I have represented Portsmouth on the Tidewater Community College Board of Directors and currently serve on The UP Center board, the Starbase Victory board the Mayor’s Military Affairs Committee and the PPS Career & Technical Education Advisory Committee. My commitment to Portsmouth is to act responsibly to the needs of our community, collaborate with members of our community and leverage our diversity to the betterment of Portsmouth.
If elected, what would be your top priority and how would you get it done?
Public Safety is my top priority. ALL Portsmouth citizens should be safe. Any actions taken to solve the other issues that confront us will fail to be effective if our citizens are not safe in our city.
First, we need to address public safety team compensation to recruit, hire AND retain our public safety team and fill the vacant, funded positions.
Second, we need to support members of our community who have a plan to engage our kids in healthy activities; they should receive the resources needed to help our kids.
Third, we need to listen to our neighbors - they know what’s going on. We can implement their ideas that will make a difference.
Fourth, we need our churches to engage with struggling families.
Finally, we need to help those who are struggling to make ends meet to get trained and hired into jobs that lead to careers.
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LaKesha K. Onyx Hicks
Age: 46
Occupation: Director at Infosys
Previous office held: None
Education: I.C. Norcom High School; University of Villanova, human resources management/project management, no graduation date listed; Cornell University, studied process design engineering, no graduation date listed
What experience do you have that makes you qualified to serve on Portsmouth City Council?
As a leader in corporate America, grassroots organizations and national organizations like the NAACP, I possess the unique ability to understand the needs of business and people. I’m a boots-on-the-ground advocate and a leader that specializes in organizational effectiveness. I will be able to use my abilities to rise above partisan politics and use my willingness to act in the best interest of the people. As a vice president of the Portsmouth chapter of the NAACP I was able to work on use-of-force improvement tactics while championing the need to support law enforcement. I’ve recently been able to work regionally to expand the Critically Missing Persons legislation. I bring to the seat of city council respect for the office, respect for the role and function of the public and city staff. Above all else, I inherently understand the limit to the authority that the people of Portsmouth will place in me.
If elected, what would be your top priority and how would you get it done? If elected, what would be your top priority and how would you get it done?
I have several; however, my first priority would be to give the power of the government back to the people under the watchful eye of the city manager, who was hired to manage the day to day operations of the city. This will allow them to focus on the retention of our first responders, properly funding public education and solidify our infrastructure. How I plan to do this by always listening to those who have hired me to do the job: the citizens of Portsmouth.
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Nathan J. Clark
Age: 53
Occupation: First Sergeant, Virginia Marine Police
Previous office held: Portsmouth City Council, 2017-2020
Education: Tidewater Community College, associate of applied science in administration of justice, no graduation date listed
What experience do you have that makes you qualified to serve on Portsmouth City Council?
I was born and raised in the city of Portsmouth. I graduated from I.C. Norcom High School and began serving Portsmouth in 1988. I served as a deputy, police officer and firefighter. I retired from Portsmouth with 20 years of service. I am currently a First Sergeant with the Virginia Marine Police. I also served as a Combat Medic with the Virginia Army National Guard. In addition I previously served on Portsmouth City Council. With my training and experience I feel that I can assist to right the ship we know as Portsmouth.
If elected, what would be your top priority and how would you get it done?
My top priority is the safety of our citizens. Our safety is dependent on a top notch public safety system. This system includes our dispatchers, police officers, firefighters and EMS personnel. Additionally, the response of these highly trained individuals is dependent on quality vehicles stocked with modern equipment. I will accomplish this by appropriating the proper funding to correct the salaries for all of these employees and to increase starting salaries. This will aid in the retention of our experienced employees and recruitment to fill our numerous vacant positions. Also funding the purchase of emergency vehicles and the equipment necessary to perform their duties.
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Lakeesha Atkinson
Age: 39
Occupation: Insurance Consultant, Sutherland Global in Chesapeake
Previous office held: Current vice chair of Portsmouth School Board
Education: Norfolk State University, bachelor of arts in sociology and criminal justice, 2006
What experience do you have that makes you qualified to serve on Portsmouth City Council?
I’m currently on my second term as a Portsmouth School Board member. This position has afforded me the opportunity to gain experience in serving on a government board and has heightened my board skills. I also serve on the boards of Starbase Victory, Access College, WHRO, The Man Foundation and Stop The Violence 757. I’m an active community leader and an advocate for the betterment of the city of Portsmouth. My spare time is spent hosting community events that educate, engage and address the needs of our community.
If elected, what would be your top priority and how would you get it done?
My top priority if elected is to address public safety. My plan to do that is to have a roundtable discussion with police and fire to hear their concerns and then host community forums throughout Portsmouth to address citizen concerns. Create a comprehensive plan with Council to fully staff our public safety departments, retention concerns, adding additional fleet and purchasing new and innovative technology. We also need to work with community groups and nonprofits and support and fund viable programs that assist in youth gun violence prevention.
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Ronald E. Diggs
Age: 69
Occupation: Retired
Previous office held: None
Education: Norfolk State University, bachelor of science in building construction technology, 1976
What experience do you have that makes you qualified to serve on Portsmouth City Council?
My work and management experience with Ford Motor Company for 28 years has prepared me to serve on the Portsmouth City Council. We managed over 1,000 people per shift. We were like our own little city. We had full-time security, doctors and food service. We worked closely with the city of Norfolk and our surrounding communities. We engaged with our community by participating in charity events, food drives and blood drives. I attended and graduated from the Hampton Roads Leadership Class. I also served on the board of N.A.E. Federal Credit Union.
Being new to politics gives me an advantage. I come to the city with a fresh approach to solving our tough concerns. I hope to respectfully collaborate with the other council members, city officials and citizens. Additionally, I have no hidden agendas. My retired status will allow me to focus 100% on serving my city.
If elected, what would be your top priority and how would you get it done?
If elected, my top priority will be to improve the management of community functions, increase partnerships with our existing big businesses and provide better education/training opportunities for our youth so that they will become productive and successful citizens.
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Sharon Denise Anderson
Age: 63
Occupation: Retired educator of 22 years, special education
Previous office held: Ebony Heights Civic League President, current; Hampton Roads Community Advisory Committee, current
Education: Norfolk State University, attended, no graduation date listed; Strayer University, currently working on a bachelor of science in criminal justice in administration
What experience do you have that makes you qualified to serve on Portsmouth City Council?
My experience is a community advocate for years.
If elected, what would be your top priority and how would you get it done?
When elected, I will work as a unified force for the greater good for our city at-large. Bringing trust from citizens to council. Working collaboratively with colleagues on council for what’s in the absolute best interest of our city and taxpayers. Always using my one vote to move our economic growth and infrastructure to greater stability to create a thriving economy within our city.
These are my principles that I will stand on: Integrity, confident, transparent, unifying, coalescent and forward thinking, advocates change for a better Portsmouth.
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Donna Lee Biggs-Sayegh
Age: 81
Occupation: Mediator, The Dove of Peace Ministry
Previous office held: None
Education: International Institute for Restorative Practices, master’s degree in restorative practices and youth counseling, 2011; Old Dominion University, bachelor of science in nursing, 1989; Louise Obici Hospital School of Nursing, diploma, 1976
What experience do you have that makes you qualified to serve on Portsmouth City Council?
I have been involved in the local government meetings since July 2011. I have researched the organizational structure of the city to see how the communication flows. I have given feedback to government officials over the last 11 years. I know the Virginia Constitution and Bill of Rights. I know how government needs to run because we the people are the government.
If elected, what would be your top priority and how would you get it done?
The top priority is to maintain and restore the infrastructure. #1 is to restore the Civic Center and put the police department back in it. One set of the police department is in the Sports Museum and the other set is in the 700 Porte Centre Parkway paying rent. Restore the Civic Center, put the police department back home and fix the Museum for the African-American Historical Society to have a home for tourism. Lastly, rehab 801 Water St. and put a Boating/Marine Academy for youth and adults to learn about the sea and boating skills for maintaining the river bullworks, etc. We have all these Marina repair/construction businesses that are able to obtain funding from the General Assembly to get the job done.
