Norfolk City Mayor, Kenneth C. Alexander (r), Rotarian Chip Finch (l)
Rotations: Mayor Updates Us on the City
At our August 14 meeting, Rotarian Chip Finch introduced our speaker, Norfolk Mayor Kenneth C. Alexander, who was elected to office in May 2016.
Mayor Alexander, has served the city over 20 years on various boards and commissions. He also represented our region in the Virginia House of Delegates for 10 years.
As president of Metropolitan Funeral Service, he is also proud that his first full time job was with the City of Norfolk as a cemetery manager with the Parks and Recreation Department. He is a graduate of Lake Taylor High School, Old Dominion University and Norwich University.
Mayor Alexander stepped out from behind the podium, microphone in hand, for a conversational talk. He reminded us that he has spoken to our club on two prior occasions and indicated then that he took office with a hand full of priorities, which he then addressed.
(1) Flooding/Sea Level Rise: He noted the importance of addressing the critical and increasing problem of flooding in our streets and neighborhoods, particularly how it affects our biggest employer, the U.S. Navy, and future economic development. It is a difficult and expensive problem to solve, but the city recognizes the need to address it on a long term basis. One change is a new zoning ordinance with more stringent building requirements.
(2) Crime: The mayor pointed to recent statistics reflecting the city’s lowest violent crime rate in the last 32 years and attributed this success to community policing, which puts a visible police presence in neighborhoods. He believes in community policing as well as specialized para military style units to protect our facilities and government installations from terrorism. He talked about the city’s investments in youth through educational, recreational and vocational opportunities, which help combat crime. In the Q & A session that followed, Bob Ash commended Norfolk Police and Fire staff for their excellence in the music and dance video that received national attention and let citizens see s different side of law enforcement.
(3) Education: Mayor Alexander talked about Norfolk’s first fully elected school board, which took office in July and governs the school system that is funded by the city. He reflected that as an elected body, the board is accountable by the voters for test scores, accreditation, graduation rates and its effectiveness in producing students prepared for the future.
(4) Poverty: Mayor Alexander talked about meeting with residents of the city’s three largest public housing complexes, which are home to 4,500 people -- almost half of them children. He asked them to envision what they would like to see in the new communities and hosted federal Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson to reshape these communities.
(5) Transportation: Mayor Alexander rattled off the requirements for a thriving community, including arts and cultural attractions, higher education resources, quality medical facilities and a transportation network. In his view, Norfolk’s weak link is transportation. He believes we must build a regional transportation network of bus and light rail if we are to grow and thrive as a city and region.
(6) Regionalism: Virginia’s Dillon Rule that limits local authority plus parochial interests are obstacles to overcome if our region of 1.7 million people is to thrive. Mayor Alexander hopes the “changing of the guard” among the mayors of neighboring cities will usher in a greater spirit of regionalism.
(7) Economic Development: Mayor Alexander pointed to some of the “legacy” projects started under Mayor Paul Fraim that have recently come to fruition, including the Outlet Mall, the ADP offices, the opening of The Main, and reopening of Waterside, as significant accomplishments. He believes more work needs to be done to attract quality companies to our region. He noted the efforts of Grow Virginia and the increased state and local focus on bringing new companies to the region.
(8) Debt and Taxes: The mayor addressed the city’s debt, which has risen to $1.1 billion and requires over $80 million annually in debt service. He described the Council’s efforts to cut unnecessary expenses, but to maintain essential funding for public safety, education and the arts, a tax increase was inevitable. Thus, the City raised the real estate tax by 10 cents per hundred, effective July 1. He also suggested that this increase would enable the city to regain its AAA bond rating.
THE MEETING
We had many guests. They included: Scott Hensley, Gregory DeCinque, Bill Moore, Roger Schoonover, Jackie Arrowood, Socico Pearson, Eunice Whitehurst, Linda Hester, Melissa Reese, Andrew Schwartz, Mario Fields, Tom Ambler and John Harris.
Jim Baker’s visitation report, which was limited to Judge Joe Massey, who is at home, improving and hopes to make it to our next meeting.
Tami Aloisa reported that the Suds and Buds’ special 2019 partner will be Lee’s Friends, which assists patients in our area living with cancer.
Bryce Burton reported that “Growl Fest” at the Norfolk Zoo on September 15 needs volunteers. It is a major fund raiser for the Club and fun, family-oriented event.
MEMBER RECOGNITION AND HAPPY BUCKS
President Pam recognized new member John Cameron and described the purpose behind the “Red Badge” orientation program. She also recognized Jason Drane who had completed the requirements for a “Blue Badge”. Congratulations to both!
Among the people paying happy bucks for charity were the following:
• Jeff Wells: $102 for the following: 60th birthday, 39 years in Rotary, a new grandchild and his wife’s birthday.
• Roger Schoonover: To promote the Cape Henry Rotary Club’s Oyster Crush party on September 23 and Frank Wagner speaking on September 22. For more details see Capehenryrotary.org.
• Chuck Spence: Paid for his photo with Past District Governor Bill Pollard, taken at a fraternity reunion.
• Bill McGinnis: Offered up $55 for his 55th wedding anniversary.
• Laurie Harrison: For her third child’s college graduation.
• Sally Hartman: For the Hampton Roads Community Foundation exhibit at the Slover Library honoring Black Philanthropy Month.
• Bill Lehew: For being inducted into his high school’s “Hall of Fame” for football. Editor’s Note: Bill previously received a similar honor at his alma mater, Hampden-Sydney College.
Barbara Lipskis won the daily raffle, but failed to pull the Queen of Spades.