SUFFOLK, Va. — Incumbent Mayor Mike Duman faces challengers David Bosselman and Clint Jenkins in the city of Suffolk’s upcoming mayoral race.
One of the area's biggest issues is managing the city’s growth; with a rising population, there are concerns about the community’s ability to handle it.
“The reality is a lot of people do want to live here," said Duman. "They do want to do business here. So that’s a good thing. The challenge is how to do we manage it. How do we manage that additional growth."
Some see it as a problem, but not Duman. The businessman is running for his second term, after serving on the city council since 2010.
“It’s providing a very stable and significant tax base for our citizens, which is what’s allowed us to reduce our tax rates and provide tax relief the last three out of four years."
Duman said the city needs to keep leverage relationships including at the state level, but it takes “rooftops” to attract new grants and opportunities.
He said citizens also want to address quality-of-life issues, like more parks, improved schools, and paying safety personnel, and “all of that takes money.”
“We need to continue to address our infrastructure and our roads," said Duman. "We’ve been able to attain some fairly significant funds for some infrastructure projects, and I’d like to continue to be able to promote that. I just think there’s too much that is unfinished and too much work that still needs to be done.”
Farmer David Bosselman said he believes Suffolk needs a new direction.
“I think we have been heading down this road of constant growth and it’s causing overdevelopment and a strain on our community and our infrastructure,” said Bosselman.
According to Bosselman, the issue is causing traffic problems, overcrowded schools, and a shortage of resources for public safety.
“You have to have some development and growth, you do. But it has not been in the forefront to manage it as such."
Bosselman, a fourth-generation farmer, calls himself a “farmer at heart.” He does not agree with the city’s long-term vision.
He said many people come to Suffolk to enjoy the space and less congestion and suggests the city find ways to manage growth.
“We need to plan for this stuff in advance and we need to see what our infrastructure can handle, and this is where we need to focus our attention on what we can handle,” said Bosselman.
Clinton Jenkins, a former state delegate, said he’s running to make Suffolk more affordable for all.
He said issues vary depending on where people live in the city, but as a whole, infrastructure is a top issue.
“Dealing with infrastructure, dealing with traffic, making sure that the infrastructure keeps up with the growth in the city,” said Jenkins.
He said city leaders must keep working with the state to get funding for infrastructure, and when it comes to growth, the city should tailor to the needs of the citizens, such as more affordable housing.
“What does Suffolk need to be competitive in the region and what do the citizens who live in Suffolk, what are their needs,” he said.
According to Jenkins, his time as a state delegate makes him better qualified to work with state leaders to address some of the issues facing Suffolk.
The last day for early in-person voting is November 2. Polls will reopen on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5.