The Virginian Pilot has reported the death of former Norfolk councilman and Vice Mayor Herbert Collins. Collins was the lead plantiff in the suit brought against the city that resulted in the implementation of the ward system. He was elected to council in 1994 and became vice mayor, a ceremonial position, in 1996.
Collins made a critical mistake in 2000, when he decided to challenge Daun Hester for her superward seat. The mistake cost him his own seat two years later. It also resulted in a change to the city charter, which now requires a candidate to give up his seat in order to run for another.
Collins had been in poor health for a while and had a stroke three years ago. Funeral arrangements are incomplete.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
Herbie will be missed. We all owe him a deep debt of gratitude.