Alveta Green appointed to Norfolk council

Former School Board member Alveta Green was appointed Thursday afternoon to the Superward 7 seat on Norfolk council. The seat became vacant due to the required relinquishment by Daun Hester, who challenged Paul Fraim for mayor. The rule dates back to a challenge made by former Ward 3 councilman Herbert Collins, who ran against Hester for the Superward 7 seat. Hester, who applied for the appointment, was not one of those who was interviewed. In addition to Green, the council interviewed Brenda Andrews and Jimmie Wilson.

New Journal & Guide owner and publisher Brenda Andrews was the first interviewee and the one most extensively interviewed by council in its public session. She expressed concern that Norfolk has been the subject of a number of articles printed in The Virginian-Pilot, saying that it is “almost as if there is a vendetta against the city.” She cited improving the public image of the city as one of the more pressing issues facing council, while acknowledging she did not know how to do so.  Andrews, who ran for the seat in 1992, said she would not pursue the seat in November’s special election.

Questions were raised about potential conflicts of interest that Andrews, should she be appointed, would need to resolve. One question related to how she would handle the closed council sessions. Andrews said such things would not be a part of her public service at the New Journal & Guide, adding that she considers it a matter of character, integrity and her word. The second question related to the paper’s coverage of the upcoming special election and of a council member endorsing someone. Andrews said that she would not write the endorsement editorial herself, but that someone at the paper would, if they felt it should happen. She reiterated that the purpose of the New Journal & Guide is to advocate on behalf of the African American community.

This line of questioning led to me believe – correctly, as it turns out – that council would not be appointing Andrews.

Alveta Green was the second interviewee. A Norfolk native, she mentioned that she has been involved in politics for about 50 years. Green gave probably the best answer of the three when questioned about the most significant challenges facing the city. She said it is how to continue the great services the city currently provides without getting more revenue. She also has no intention of running in the upcoming special election. Her priorities during this short-term appointment will be to continue what has already been started. In addition to having served on the School Board, Green was a teacher for 34 years. Saying that “the school system is still sound,” she suggested council should meet with the new superintendent.

The interview of Jimmie Wilson, the last of the day, was the shortest. Wilson, a former Norfolk State University administrator, has lived in Norfolk for about 40 years. He came out strongly, saying that council needs to communicate with the citizens, that the citizens believe their needs are not being addressed and that council is not responsive. Wilson saw this as the most significant challenge facing council, saying that it is “not open enough to let people know what’s going on.” If appointed, Wilson said he would listen to the citizens and try to meet their needs. When asked about his intention to run in November, Wilson said that he is looking into doing so.

All three of those interviewed were questioned about the issue of transparency, one of the biggest issues in the previous election. Interestingly enough, neither Andrews nor Green saw transparency as an issue. I’m guessing that neither of them was aware that it wasn’t until 2:40pm on Wednesday that council officially notified the public that Thursday’s interviews were taking place – a little more than 24 hours notice. This is just the most recent example of the lack of transparency coming from those who represent us. There was no notice at all of the council meeting held after the swearing in ceremony. Declaring that this was an “open meeting” after the fact doesn’t make it so. As I was in attendance at the swearing in (for which there also was no notice), it seems it would have been easy to let us know that a meeting was going to occur.

Transparency is, indeed, an issue, and I hope Councilwoman Green will recognize this and join with other members of council in trying to make council and its actions more open.

Congratulations to Councilwoman Green. My thanks to Mrs. Andrew and Mr. Wilson for being willing to serve.