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2008 Voter Guide: Suffolk Mayor

Andrew B. Damiani

Damiani, 87, is running for mayor in Suffolk

Opponents: Michael J. Debranski, Linda T. Johnson, Roger A. Leonard, Dwight A. Nixon, Thomas A. Powell Jr., Deborah Wahlstrom (write-in)

Years in city: 50

Education: Thomas Jefferson High School, Richmond; Julliard School of Music, two years

Occupation: Owner, Damiani Properties and Washington Square Properties

Family: Widower

Civic involvement: Former mayor of Suffolk and city councilman; Kiwanis Club of Suffolk; American Legion Post 57; Chamber of Commerce; Downtown Suffolk Association; Salvation Army Advisory Board

Candidate questionnaire
Question 1: What makes you the best candidate for mayor?

Citizens have a choice Nov. 4 -- experience or inexperience. I have 21 years of experience on City Council -- four years as mayor -- and 20 years in appointed regional leadership. Without experienced leadership on council, Suffolk would suffer greatly by poor decisions -- or worse by indecision.

Question 2: What should be the city's top priority now? How can it be achieved?

First, financial accountability. Second, engage the best financial advisors and seek opinions as needed. Third, develop long-range infrastructure needs (utilities-roads-schools) for older neighborhoods and economic development.

Question 3: What will be the city's most pressing issue in 10 years, and how can the city prepare for it?

Growth will always be a top issue. Growth impacts every element in every city department. Our growth policy plan must be updated yearly, using outside professional advice as needed.

Question 4: How should the city continue to develop? What does ''controlled growth'' mean to you?

We should "manage and direct" our growth -- it's our policy, not control. The amount of growth would depend of the city's ability to fund and provide services and facilities.

Question 5: If you were mayor, what would be your approach to regional efforts in Hampton Roads?

Continue to aggressively seek, as I have in the past, regional answers to needed local services, i.e. solid waste disposal, transportation, transit, health, social and cultural needs. I would, as mayor, be a regional team player and leader.

Question 6: Should the city and state raise more money to pay for transportation projects? If yes, how?

Transportation or roads can be better solved regionally -- cities can't do it alone. Various funding mechanisms have been presented to our regional body, all requiring some type of user fees/taxes. How about making railroads and ports pony-up to help pay for railroad overpasses or underpasses and other road needs?

Question 7: What, if any, improvements should be made to the Holland Road corridor? How should these be paid for?

Major road improvements should not be paid for by Suffolk alone. Holland Road has been impacted by cargo from the ports, rail traffic, and from the developers (CenterPoint). Studies are underway now by VDOT, Planning District Commission and CenterPoint Properties to determine cost and feasibility.


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