I have just received word that Michael Muhammad has withdrawn from the race for Norfolk Council, Ward 4. In withdrawing, Muhammad strongly endorses the incumbent, Paul Riddick.
This morning after meeting with campaign staff, supporters, friends, and family, I have made a well-thought out decision. Though it was a difficult decision, I think it to be in the best interest of the people of Ward4 and the whole of the City of Norfolk to end my campaign efforts at this time and put my full support behind the re-election efforts of Councilman Paul R. Riddick. After having met with Councilman Riddick for an hour and a half on Friday, February 26th, 2010, the councilman was well able to address many of my concerns. He also shared with me what I believe to be a comprehensive and executable vision for Ward 4 over the next four years. I also have had the opportunity to meet with the other challenger in the race, Mr. George “Billy” Cook and I did not find him to have a vision nor a plan for the people of Ward 4 or the City of Norfolk and I think it best that he focus on the mounting issues of the Norfolk School Board and not attempt to take on another task before completing or at least making measurable progress in his current position as a Norfolk School Board member. I have also taken into consideration the tremendous economic strain on our nation, our state, and our city and for these reasons I believe that it is better at this time to return Mr. Riddick as the Ward 4 councilman.
Though I may not totally agree with the positions on many issues in our city with our current council, stability is in my opinion very necessary to survive this current crisis. I will continue to fight for the issues that I strongly believe in such as:
- Ending youth and gang violence through education, mentorship and job creation
- Creating jobs for ex-felons who desire to become productive citizens
- Ending cross town busing on a high school level
- Making safe and healthy communities throughout the city
- Establishing an elected School Board and
- Eradicating the City Manager form of government by moving us to a strong mayor form of government
My withdrawal from this campaign is in no way a sign of capitulation nor weakness on my part, it is however a picture of a more mature statesmen (who thinks for the whole not the few) in the making. Please know with assurance that you will hear from me again in the very near future.
I remain committed to the service and uplift of the poor and voiceless,
Michael Muhammad
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
I disagree with Mr. Muhammed’s assessment of Mr. Cook. I recently had the opportuntity to meet, listen to, and talk at length with Mr. Cook. He was informed about the issues facing our city and issues specific to Ward 4. He was intelligent and thoughtful in his ideas and goals for his community and the City. He would be a welcome relief from the divisiveness we have seen in Mr. Riddick’s tenure on Council. The citizens of Ward 4 should have a councilman who will not only look to what is needed in their ward, but will also have the foresight and intelligence to see what is good for the entire city. While I do not live in Ward 4, I believe Mr. Cook, contrary to Mr. Muhammed’s assessment, would be a good steward for the citizens in Ward 4. I wish Mr. Cook all the best in his quest for Mr. Riddick’s council seat. To Mr. Muhammed, your endorsement of Mr. Riddick is an endorsement for the status quo, not the leadership change Norfolk desparately needs.
And the voters of norfolk take a giant sign of relief. !!
I have heard and spoken with Mr. Cook, and he seemed more in touch with the people in ward 4 then Mr. Riddick, I will be voting for him, Mr. Riddick came to my civic league meeting and the people rolled there eyes and said it must be election time, when he was asked about the last time he visited our civic league he stated a year ago until the president informed him it was 3 years ago, we have the chance to change our council let’s vote Paul out!
I am so happy Muhammed is not running, we have enough clowns on city council, and I have spoken to many people about this guy and he goes to the highest bidder, we have that already and we don’t need you!
To “Finally he is gone!” and “Well thank you Jesus” – pick one handle and stick with it.
Sounds like they did!
As a resident of Ward 4 I am really ready for a change from current representation. Currently Council brings in the developers without consulting the community first; not to mention we never see or hear from current representation. Current respresentation sits on the board of norfolk city jail and hasn’t implemented not one anti-violence program that has worked in over a decade.
I plan on doing everything possible to assist Mr. Cook in winning this election. If you want to help let me know!
A surporter