Candidate Q&A: Elizabeth M. Psimas

What makes you the best candidate for City Council?

I have kept my campaign promises – funding schools, safer streets, millions in private investment in economic development, a new Churchland Branch Library, lower real-estate tax rate. As a 20 year small business owner, and a lifetime resident – I am committed to making Portsmouth THE city of choice for the next generation.

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

100 percent accredited schools, followed by safer neighborhoods. This will attract more business and residential investment . With over $20 million new dollars in the last four years, Portsmouth’s schools have gone from 20 percent to 80 percent accreditation. Today, more badges are on our streets – neighborhood impact officers working side by side with sheriff’s deputies.

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

To attain our vision of “World Class Maritime Center” we must prepare for traffic, housing and safety issues that expansion of the port brings. Forward thinking on projects like light rail, interline rail and attracting the supporting maritime business industries will be key. We must take advantage of the world wide attention that APM Terminals brings to Portsmouth.

Should Portsmouth lobby for a light rail crossing through the Midtown Tunnel? Why?

Portsmouth should and IS lobbying for light rail through the new Midtown Tunnel. This is just the beginning of a larger regional conversation about traffic planning and economic growth to the western edges of Hampton Roads.

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

Transportation funding is a state responsibility. Portsmouth already pledged $55 million of Urban Allocation to keep tolls off the Pinners Point Connector from the Midtown Tunnel through Churchland (with over $26 million already repaid) – we’ve already done more than our share. I’ve worked to put more than $20 million into our schools. Our teachers earn some of the highest regional pay. Over 80 percent of our schools are accredited and we are building/renovating three schools.

What would you do to improve conditions in Portsmouth’s neighbor- hoods?

Two neighborhood problems are drainage and crime. Portsmouth faces over $500 million in drainage/sewer improvements. A financing plan must be implemented to start tackling our century old water lines – we know where the problems are . Competitive salaries and strong leadership will lead to improved morale – which will attract and retain the best public safety officers.