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Over the last two weeks, we hosted candidate forums for all contested elections at the mayoral, city council, and school board levels. Each forum was held at the Hilton Garden Hotel, and we want to extend a huge thank you to them for accommodating these events. The support from the staff was incredible. Also, to those who attended in person or watched the Facebook livestream — thank you. If you have not had a chance to watch these forums, they are still available on our Facebook page or website. 

To the candidates, thank you for setting aside time to attend and for your well-thought-out responses to questions you did not see ahead of time. It is a testament to your preparation and commitment to serving this great city.

Unfortunately, city council candidate LeOtis Williams and school board candidate Valerie Fields chose not to attend and provided no reason for their absence. However, it should be noted that we provided ample opportunity for each candidate to respond to the invitation.

The goal was to offer Suffolk voters a chance to hear from the candidates on major issues facing the city, giving them the information needed to make informed decisions for November. Although some topics could not be covered due to time constraints, we addressed most of them based on feedback. Discussions ranged from balanced growth and preserving Suffolk’s agricultural character to traffic congestion and the 2045 Comprehensive Plan. Each mayoral and city council candidate shared their strategies for addressing these issues if elected.

The school board forum addressed challenges in Suffolk’s education system. Candidates expressed concerns about overcrowded schools, the need for new facilities, improving teacher pay, expanding vocational programs, and preparing students for both college and the workforce. There was also a shared commitment to enhancing mental health resources in schools.

A key topic in the mayoral and city council forums was the rapid growth of Suffolk. As one of Virginia’s fastest-growing cities, Suffolk is at a crossroads. Candidates discussed the need for balanced growth, acknowledging economic opportunities while emphasizing the preservation of Suffolk’s rural character and quality of life. Traffic congestion, infrastructure, and zoning were focal points, with some advocating for proactive planning to prevent overdevelopment and others focusing on leveraging expansion for economic growth and job creation.

The forums highlighted a critical issue: engaging a broader portion of the community. Many Suffolk residents may not feel adequately heard or connected to the political process.

With just nine days until the first in-person early voting period, we encourage you to engage with the candidates, watch or rewatch the forums, and make informed decisions before heading to the polls.