Candidate Q&A: Paige Cherry

What makes you the best candidate for City Council?

I am an effective team leader, a collaborative team member, and a successful team builder with 15 years of experience in public service on boards and in community organizations. While serving as immediate past chair of the Planning Commission, land usage proposals were reviewed by the commission and recommendations submitted to City Council. As an Army officer commanding troops in Desert Storm, I earned the Bronze Star for leadership in liberation of Kuwait.

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

Financial stability. This will enable Portsmouth to properly compensate public employees, fully fund schools and reinvest in neighborhoods. Balancing the budget can be accomplished by spending less than we make. Budgeting for fixed costs such as personnel and essential equipment, and prioritizing all other projects according to merit and consistency with the values of the citizens , would be foremost .

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

Economic development continues to be the most pressing. With government use of large portions of the city, bringing in taxpaying businesses must be a priority. Building strong partnerships with Tidewater Community College, Norfolk State University, Old Dominion University and other workforce development entities, Portsmouth can attract and sustain business development.

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

Portsmouth should support a light rail crossing through the Midtown Tunnel. It will reduce traffic congestion, diminish dependence on expensive gasoline and aid in reduction of pollution. Light rail is a convenient alternative for visitors exploring our historic city. It will assist in linking our city to surrounding communities.

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

Yes. I would support a 1-cent gasoline tax to pay for transportation projects. The tax would allow the costs for use of highways to be spread among all who use our roads. Non-residents frequently using our roads should aid in constructing and sustaining a better highway system.

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

Every neighborhood should benefit from Portsmouth’s gains. Investing in neighborhoods with strategies directly linked to the city’s long range plans for land use, transportation and community facilities is essential. We should tackle the most pressing issues in each neighborhood rather than trying to fix everything in one neighborhood while others rapidly deteriorate.