PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Incumbent Shannon Glover, Vice Mayor Lisa Lucas-Burke, and Harold Carothers III are all on the ballot for Portsmouth mayor. It's one of several races taking place when Virginia's 2024 general election happens on November 5.
Shannon Glover
Glover touts the city's progress over the past four years, including the opening of Rivers Casino Portsmouth and plans for an Innovation District. He wants to focus on housing, especially for seniors, along with public safety and support for small businesses.
But his top priority if re-elected is expanding workforce training and development.
“We will be the number one city on the East Coast for workforce development and training, particularly in the maritime, off-shore wind industry, distribution and manufacturing," Glover said.
He also mentions housing, especially for senior citizens, along with a focus on public safety and support for small businesses. Glover also takes credit for creating a task force to look into efforts to reduce crime in the community.
Elected in 2020, Glover is finishing his first term as mayor.
In that time the city has seen major turnover at key leadership positions, including multiple city managers. At times, tensions have boiled over among council members.
“What I will say to that is when you look at my record in terms of leading in the efforts that we need in moving our city forward, I have been consistent,” he said. “The things I’ve looked for in working with my colleagues, we don’t all have to agree but when it’s about moving our city forward we need to all set aside our petty differences and work collaboratively together.”
Lisa Lucas-Burke
Vice Mayor Lisa Lucas-Burke said she initially planned to run for a third term on the city council, but community members encouraged her to run for mayor.
In her talks with Portsmouth residents, Burke said crime prevention is a top concern. If elected, Lucas-Burke said she wants to allocate resources to help violence interrupters, to recruit and retain police officers, and to work with other regional mayors to find solutions.
She also wants to beautify the city.
Months ago, city leaders agreed to take over the Hampton Roads Regional Jail, which opens new opportunities to transform waterfront property where the Portsmouth City Jail now sits vacant.
“So this is an opportunity for us to clear out all of that property that’s been sitting dilapidated and unusable for years," she said. "And to finally build out something unique to Portsmouth, something that is beautiful, something that will attract citizens with housing, entertainment, shops, and eateries."
Lucas-Burke, the daughter of Virginia State Senator Louise Lucas, said her relationship with state leaders can help benefit the city.
If elected, she said the city council would work more collaboratively and restore civility to council chambers. Lucas-Burke said that “turmoil, division, and lack of unity” among elected officials has also caused division among citizens.
“We’ve already seen what the other guy has brought to the table. Let’s try something different, something we haven’t tried before," she said.
Other important issues Lucas-Burke wants to address include more accessible healthcare options, affordable housing and fully funding schools.
Harold Carothers III
Political newcomer Harold Carothers III said the state of politics in his hometown pushed him to run for mayor.
“Looking around the city and my love for the city, seeing the reputation of the city completely be destroyed by the current management, I figured I had to step up,” he said.
Carothers, who proudly attended I.C. Norcom High School, said he launched a “Love Thy Neighbor” campaign to support Portsmouth citizens with everyday needs. He said he wants to bring leaders and community leaders together to bring unity to Portsmouth.
“It’s showing people that are looking at the city that obviously the people who are running the city, they don’t know what’s going on,” he said. “That hurts investors. That hurts people who want to invest in the community. That hurts people who want to move into the community.”