Pilot endorsements for Norfolk superwards

The Virginian Pilot editorial board posted their opinion of who should be elected in the two Norfolk superwards come May 6. As expected, the board endorsed Barclay Winn for re-election for Superward 6.

For Superward 7, the Pilot refused to endorse incumbent Daun Hester. While blaming their decision on a series of missteps, the real reason behind it can be gleaned from this:

She lost the confidence of her colleagues on City Council, and her position as vice-mayor, after trying to scuttle the long-delayed plan for the direct election of mayor, something citizens had demanded for years.

And they even got that wrong. Hester supported an elected mayor. What she and others, including myself, preferred was the 4-2-1 plan over the 5-2-1 plan that was adopted. The blue ribbon commission appointed by council on the elected mayor issue urged council to adopt a plan with an odd number of members. There are many reasons for disliking the 5-2-1 plan. But folks around here have long memories and they aren’t going to let it go that Hester supported a plan different from some of her colleagues.

One thing this editorial board opinion doesn’t carry with it is votes. Not a single member of the Virginia Pilot editorial board lives in Norfolk. I have urged the Pilot editorial board to add ordinary citizens to their ranks. I believe our experiences, as citizens of the city we call home, is different from those whose opinions are shaped by the rubbing of elbows with the elite citizens who have their own agenda.

It’s bad enough when the PTB line up against a candidate. It’s even worse when the Pilot carries their water.