The Virginian-Pilot
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PORTSMOUTH
Jennifer Lee and Matthew James list similar priorities when they discuss the needs of the 80th House of Delegates district.
Job training and creation. Investments in education and public safety. The importance of public-private partnerships.
The two political newcomers are vying to replace former longtime Del. Kenneth Melvin in a district that includes much of Portsmouth and sections of Norfolk and Chesapeake.
Lee, the Republican nominee, said she is running because she will provide the district with leadership and a new perspective.
"Right now, the door's open, and a new leader has come forward with new ideas to take this district forward."
James, 54, who beat two competitors in the June 9
Democratic primary, has emphasized his more than 20 years working in economic development around the region and with state leaders.
The Norfolk native and Portsmouth resident is president and CEO of the Peninsula Council for Workforce Development in Newport News. He's also worked in economic development in Chesapeake and Portsmouth.
"What I've been able to do throughout my professional career and on boards and commissions is bring people together to work for solutions," James said.
James pointed to his endorsements, which include the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, the Virginia Education Association, the Virginia Farm Bureau and the Virginia AFL-CIO, as an example of his unifying efforts.
"That's a wide range of support from people who really understand how we can make things happen in Richmond that will benefit the people in the 80th district," James said.
Meanwhile, Hawaii native Lee, 55, emphasized her experience in health care and information technology. She has also served as president of Portsmouth's Park View Civic League and works on the Craney Island and Sister Cities commissions in Portsmouth. The Virginia Police Benevolent Association has endorsed Lee.
During the campaign, Lee has questioned why James' campaign has corrected his finance filings five times.
"If he can't file accurate information on the few thousand dollars in his campaign account, how can he effectively manage billions of tax dollars in Richmond?" Lee said in a Sept. 17 news release.
James said he and his staff charged some legitimate campaign expenses to a credit card but initially did not count them as loans to the campaign. He described the incorrect filings as an "honest mistake" by his campaign treasurer.
The campaign is reviewing its financial documents and expects to make a report today after his treasurer returns from traveling.
He added, however, that over the course of his career, he has overseen budgets in the $4 million range.
Jen McCaffery, (757) 446-2627, jen.mccaffery@pilotonline.com
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Endorsements
James pointed to his endorsements, which include the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, the Virginia Education Association, the Virginia Farm Bureau and the Virginia AFL-CIO, as an example of his unifying efforts.
Do the research, these organizations ONLY endorse Democrats. It definately not the unification of people and their efforts. Again, BUSH LEAGUE reporting
Are you sure?
The HRCC has already announced its endorsement of Bob McDonnell for Governer.
Ntelos Boundaries
Dear Citizens of Portsmouth, I love our city. I've lived in Portsmouth for only 4 years and have found it to be a sleeping giant. Speaking of giants, if you live near NTelos and have been burdened by loud concerts, please call me at 739-6193. On Wednesday night, the music was over the top loud and it continued until 12:15 AM. I want Portsmouth to make money. We need Portsmouth to be fiscally healthy, but we also need businesses like NTelos to want its citizens to be fiscally healthy. I work for a living and I need my sleep. I can't play extrement loud music in my back yard and disturb others. NTelos, please be respectful of your surroundings. Even the city ordinance requires the decibels to be lowered after 10 PM.
i aggree with mark
I have also attended City Council meetings religiously for the past three years and I don't ever remember seeing Mr. James at one. I cannot ever remember not seeing Ms. Lee. As far as notable supporters goes, having Louise Lucas in your corner does not impress me at all. In fact that tells me all I need to know about Mr. James.
WE WANT MATTHEW FOR DELEGATE
Matthew James is a man of strong faith, integrity and leadership ability. He has served this community well for over 25 years, serving on every major board and commission, serving our community and children by being the longest serving PTA President and officer at I.C. Norcom High School. Mr. James was a former Director of Economic Development for the city so -no you wouldn't see him speaking at city council meetings because he was a department head there to serve you the citizens. I wish Ms. Lee well, but Mr. James is by far the superior candidate. He is not an opportunist. He was approached and asked to serve the people. Because a person serves one term as a civic league president does not make him/her a great public servant. In certain areas or civic league meetings she is too embarrassed to say she is a Republican.
Just look at the endorsements for Mr. James. The facts don't lie. Most of the posters are working on her campaign...sad, sad... May the best person win! Go Mr. James - you've got my vote and 70% of the voters.
Mr. James's Record
As a supporter of public education, I appreciate those serving on PTAs. Most folks filling leadership roles in those organizations do a lot of "heavy lifting" without receiving much public recognition. That entry on Mr. James's resume definitely impresses me.
I have difficulty, however, with the assertion that Mr. James has been absent from public policy discussions about some of the biggest issues facing our city and region over the last decade because he was a department head. That was true once, but he has not been Economic Development Director in Portsmouth during most of the years I have lived here. As an advocate for education, he could have at least come forward during budget public hearings to urge city council to provide more financial support to our schools. At the risk of being repetitious, I never heard him playing that kind of advocacy role. He could have done it behind the scenes, I suppose. If you have access to letters or emails that he sent to council in support of competitive pay for our teachers, they would have weight in this discussion.
agreed--matthew james for the 80th
James has an extensive record of service and civic involvement, along with the professional experience to serve the citizens of the 80th district.
Please cast your vote for Matthew James.
Mr. James's Record of Service and Civic Involvement
I would like to hear the details of that "record of service and civic engagement" that you reference in your comment. I suspect that a lot of citizens in the district would also appreciate those specifics.
Mr James has my vote.
I STILL LIVE IN THE 80TH DISTRICT, and I feel that Mr James is a better candidate to represent myself and those people who live with me and my surrounding neighborhoods. He is a longtime part of our community, and his career and private life is one that should be considered when looking at his outstanding character. I went to high school with his oldest daughter, and I know him personally. I hope all of those supporting Mrs Lee are doing so because of her stance on the issues and her character, and not simply because they are against who Mr James is.
Jennifer Lee, Candidate for 80th District Delegate
I have worked with, and for, Ms. Lee: with her during my recent campaign for Norfolk Commonwealth's Attorney, and for her in her current campaign for the House of Delegates. She has impressed me as a competent, caring and committed leader. Jennifer Lee possesses the talent and skills to elevate her district; to raise the standard and profile of the 80th District to the highest level. Essentially, Jennifer Lee rocks! -John "Cog" Coggeshall.