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2008 Voter Guide: Suffolk Mayor

Roger A. Leonard

Leonard, 53, is running for mayor in Suffolk

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

Years in city: Six years as a resident; 17 years operating and owning Suffolk businesses

Education: Troy University, master's degree in public administration/management; St Leo College, bachelor's in criminology/psychology; extensive technical engineering qualifications as a Navy submariner

Family: Wife, Dorothy A. Leonard; two daughters in Chesapeake and two grandchildren

Civic involvement: Member of the Chesapeake Airport Authority, 1994-98; member of the Chesapeake Juvenile Conference Committee, 1995-99; past president, Southeastern Pilots Association; member Liberty Springs Christian Church and member of finance committee

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

A strong business management background and education

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

Slowing city spending and lowering property taxes; focusing on "core governmental services" -- public safety, education and utilities -- not speculative spending on hotels, land and arts centers.

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

The Southeastern Public Service Authority (SPSA) landfill closure. Due to high-debt loads defining "wants" rather than "needs," we must demand sound policies to close this expensive environmental situation.

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

We need a strategic plan that wisely enhances commercial development that adds to our tax-base and job inventory. Controlled growth can strip property owners of their rights. We must encourage growth where appropriate, yet give property owners options to use their property.

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

Regional efforts must benefit Suffolk, first. We have found ourselves pushed into bad deals like the Hampton Roads Transportation Authority and SPSA. I will always choose Suffolk first.

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

Transportation is a statewide issue and must be solved primarily by the state, yet defined by local needs. This is a group effort. I favor a balanced approach that ensures all users contribute their share. The commonwealth must share the profits of the ports for local roads. I also favor a 5 percent to 10 percent special tax assessment on all commercial property.

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

Holland Road must be improved to six lanes prior to further development. CenterPoint and similar projects will overstress this failing corridor. To fund improvements, I favor a "special taxing district." Community development authorities divert general property taxes to the benefit of developers over the people. A "special taxing district" protects the general property tax going to the city, while special taxes pay for local area improvements demanded by developers.


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