2008 Voter Guide: Suffolk Mayor

Dwight A. Nixon

Nixon, 50, is running for mayor in Suffolk

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

Years in city: 10

Education: Norfolk Theological Seminary and College, bachelor’s degree in biblical studies and masters in divinity

Occupation: Senior pastor of St. Mary’s Church of God in Christ

Family: Wife, Brenda; two sons, Owen and Quincy

Civic involvement: Nansemond Parkway Civic League, founder and CEO of Kiddie Kingdom Child Care Center; Salvation Army feeding program and Habitat for Humanity

Candidate questionnaire

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

I believe that I am the best candidate for mayor because I have served Suffolk citizens for 23 years as a pastor and two terms as a member of the Economic Development Authority. I can serve this great city in a more significant way as mayor. I believe there is a need for change in our city government to meet the challenges that we'll be facing in the future. I believe that I have the right vision, the right experience and the right leadership to ensure Suffolk's future.

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

The city's top priority should be economic development and expansion. We need to attract a broad spectrum of businesses that will result in creating diverse jobs, improving the quality of life for our citizens and strengthening our tax base.

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

I believe that the city's most pressing issue in 10 years will be having the infrastructure needed to support the projected population growth. I believe we must have an effective plan that ensures our infrastructure includes a comprehensive transportation network within the city and with our neighboring cities (and) the effective use of our land resources, water and sewage systems. A significant part our preparation should be using modeling and simulation technology to enhance the city's capability for planning our future needs and structure.

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

The city should continue to develop in a way that balances economic expansion with the needed infrastructure. The city should also continue to develop by improving the quality of life and public safety for the citizens of Suffolk and by ensuring that we have a superior educational system. To me, "controlled growth" is growth that is managed by the city so that we don't allow new businesses and communities to outpace our transportation network, our water and sewage lines or our schools.

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

As mayor, I would work with our sister cities in Hampton Roads in a cooperative way that emphasizes our common concerns. I would work through organizations such as the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission to help solve regional issues.

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

Yes, the city and state should raise more money to pay for transportation projects. The city should consider bonds. We should also seek public funds from state and federal legislatures and private funds from partnerships with businesses.

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

The Holland Road corridor needs to be widened to relieve the traffic congestion along that road. These improvements should be paid for through city, state and federal funds and with funds from the private sector.

<< City elections home

Toolbox

Save & Share

Find. Do.

Tag. Share.