Candidate Q&A: D.W. 'Coach' McDowell

What makes you the best person to lead the city?

My heart is to serve the people and act in their best concern while bringing more unity to the whole community.

What should be the city’s top priority now, and how can it be achieved?

Norfolk’s top priority should be to increase the revenue that comes into the city. Sufficient funds are needed in order for the city to operate in an effective manner. I feel that the best way to achieve this is by attracting new companies to come and establish offices in Norfolk. New companies will increase capital to our city. I would also encourage existing companies to expand their operations.

What do you think will be the city’s most pressing issue in 10 years, and how can the city prepare for it?

The most pressing issue for Norfolk in the next 10 years is to increase the population of the city. The population has declined in recent years, which means a decrease in revenue. When there are fewer people around less money is spent at the malls, stores, restaurants, hotels and small businesses. The city needs to attract new residents by offering amenities to the communities, both the neighborhood and business district.

What is the most pressing issue in the school division and how should the city solve it?

The most pressing problem in the school division is to provide a learning environment that encourages students to want to learn and be educated. The city needs to ensure that the buildings and structures are safe and comfortable for the children. Teachers and staff should be provided with the necessary tools to encourage a creative learning environment.

Should the city or state raise more money to pay for transportation projects? If yes, how?

Yes. As a city we should continue creating stronger relationships with our state and federal government allowing us to ask for larger shares of funds as we are a strategically large national defense and national security area and we all share the road ways.

Do you believe the city should continue to subsidize large downtown projects?

No, not particularly large projects but projects that will benefit downtown as well as our neighborhoods.