Guest post by Councilman Tommy Smigiel, whose edited letter appeared in the Virginian-Pilot today. Here is the unedited version.
I’d like to set the record straight and step out on a positive note after reading Kevin Murphy’s letter to the editor “Downtown is No. 1 in growth” (Virginian-Pilot, July 9). In his remarks Kevin Murphy suggested that I do not care about all of Norfolk and have ignored the contributions of downtown. With all due respect to the writer, he is misinformed regarding my position. Not once have I ever said I was against downtown. During my recent campaign for office, I did question the amount of money spent on some very high dollar projects, such as the Light Rail and Towne Point Park, but my greater concern was for the priorities of past leadership when they committed finite tax dollars for luxury items and let our schools and streets decline and decay. I am not against downtown development, but I am for bringing balance to how our funds are allocated in the city.
During my campaign, I repeatedly acknowledged the economic importance of downtown, but I also explained that it was time we shared our focus with other parts of the city that have been neglected.
The government intervention to revitalize downtown Norfolk has succeeded. Decades ago a local businessman told Dr. Mason Andrews no one would ever build another office building in downtown Norfolk and Dr. Andrews respectfully disagreed and persevered. Tax dollars and government incentives have done the job of stimulating private investment. With vibrant and energetic citizens, such as Mr. Murphy, I’m certain the downtown communities will continue to thrive and grow.
But there is much work to be done in our city. In parts of Ward 5 residents still do not have curbs or sidewalks. And there are too many detrimental residential and commercial units, sustained by slumlords who cash rent checks quickly, but take their time maintaining the properties. Drive down Little Creek Road and see some of the abandoned store fronts and the needed investment in the Ward’s Corner area. Why should our kids be challenged to learn in school buildings that collectively need over $800 million to rebuild or renovate? Our teachers, first responders and other city employees haven’t had reasonable raises in years. And recent cuts in hours and dollars for our libraries, parks and recreations centers reflect the true impact that skewed priorities have had on the citizens who have funded Norfolk’s vibrant urban center.
Young families will continue to come to Norfolk if we can upgrade our aging housing stock, invest in our schools and grow the availability of our recreational activities. I recognize the importance of an urban center, but it cannot be the only catalyst for bringing families to Norfolk. If we do not start investing in our neighborhoods, we will lose families to the surrounding cities which is a step backward, and a detriment to the entire city.
We are beyond campaign rhetoric. Hard work lies before us, and I am committed to the undertaking. I invite all our citizens to join together and to work together to make our city a healthy, dynamic environment where we can all work, live and thrive.
Councilman Tommy Smigiel represents Ward 5 in Norfolk
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
Councilman Smigiel was quoted as saying, “Downtown projects don’t bring families to Norfolk.” I stand by my assertion that his statement is inaccurate. Over the last decade, Downtown Norfolk has experienced the city’s greatest growth in residential population.
I agree with Councilman Smigiel that other areas of the city need attention and never claimed otherwise.
I believe that Tommy and Kevin are saying the same thing, but rightly letting their prejudices color their words.
They need, in my humble opinion, to have a conversation, other than through letter writing, so they can see each others perspectives, ask each for clarification, and, ultimately, understand the commonground and minimize the differences.
Since I know both, I’ll host and buy the first beer.