Candidate Q&A: Martha Ann Creecy

What makes you the best person to lead the city?

I’m a good listener, have been and am currently in leadership roles and I don’t mind hard work. I would empower citizens to be part of the process of government, have stewardship of their neighborhoods and have pride of ownership of our city . We are the “stakeholders” of the city . It is essential to involve as many citizens as possible when making decisions about our future.

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

Fiscal responsibility/accountability. It’s pretty simple, just like we taxpayers, the city shouldn’t spend more than they earn. If we must borrow, we must be sure that we can make payments for however long we have agreed to AND be cognizant of that payment when we consider borrowing .

What do you think will be the city’s most pressing issue in 10 years, and how can the city prepare for it? 3. We have a rapidly aging populace. Our vitality depends on getting our educational system in order so families with children will find Portsmouth an attractive community in which to settle. Diversity of age, culture and perspective are essential to keeping a city vibrant. I f the city does not start taking care of it’s own house, we will be dealing with the same problems that plague us today and previously. Those issues are infrastructure, police pay and demolition by neglect .

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

Absolutely. If we don’t, we will be limited in terms of future transportation and growth. Portsmouth is at the heart of Hampton Roads and could be a hub for expansion of light rail to western Tidewater.

What would you do to improve conditions in Portsmouth’s neighborhoods?

Portsmouth has at least 229 abandoned properties (translating to a conservatively estimated minimum of $3.5 million in lost property value, realistic estimates triple that figure). Abandoned property owners pay significantly less in property tax than neighbors, and vacant properties often double crime rates of neighborhoods. Equitable, consistent enforcement of codes go a long way to rectifying this situation .

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

YES. This is a statewide issue and statewide responsibility. Just as our region has helped other parts of the state financially with transportation , they need to help us now. The funding mechanism must include all road users, residents and visitors . For this reason, and others, raising the tax on gasoline, which is significantly below that in neighboring states, seems a good starting point.