Newport News City Council, South District, Seat B: Candidates spotlight
John Eley
Age: 38
Occupation: Owner, event planning company
Previous office held: Newport News School Board
Education: attended Thomas Nelson Community College, no graduation date listed
What experience do you have that makes you qualified to serve on the City council?
My experience on the Newport News School Board working as part of a team translating into collective adoption of a shared vision is a unique experience. Having been instrumental in developing goals and granulized milestones to positive outcomes for the community. All the while working with my colleagues and city council. Enacting policies that ultimately lead to stakeholder satisfaction. The aforementioned capacity to ensure proper execution from ideation to implementation enforces my eligibility to such office.
If elected, what would be your top priority and how would you get it done?
As a longtime Newport News business owner, I engage with both citizens and business owners. I understand their concerns and needs animated by the pride they have within our city. As a member of City Council, I will be an advocate for the people of the city and an active bridge between the citizens and city government alike. If elected to office listed below are my top priorities: lower taxes, economic development, fully funded schools, public safety, career and technical education programs.
I would also build a more livable city with better transportation, better sidewalks and a focus on clean air as well as more opportunities in recreational activities.
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Yugonda Sample-Jones
Age: 43
Occupation: Entrepreneur, Owner of Empower All, LLC
Previous office held: Newport News NAACP, vice chair; Newport News Neighborhood Watch Coalition, president; Newport News Choice Neighborhood Initiative, Citizens Advisory Committee, co-chair
Education: None listed
What experience do you have that makes you qualified to serve on the City Council?
My husband and I have lived and raised our 4 children in Newport News for over 15 years. Along with becoming a small business owner in (Newport News), I have continuously worked boots on the ground to educate and advocate for our South district’s most vulnerable often unheard populations — our elders, children, single mothers, and homeless population. I have studied and prepared myself for this opportunity to serve as Councilwoman, by learning what each city department does and connecting neighbors to local government. I have served and learned through multiple city projects, like the Choice Neighborhood Initiative Planning and Implementation Grants for the Marshall-Ridley Transformation Project.
If elected, what would be your top priority and how would you get it done?
One of my priorities is to represent and balance our local government with the voice of the people who are affected by ordinances and policies. To build an inclusive, vibrant city that will attract families and new innovative business, while honoring our past and preserving our environment. I believe a city’s resilience is measured through the success of those who reside within its lines.
Our children deserve a quality public school system, I support fully funding our schools for teachers, students and communities in schools. A safe, healthy environment is imperative when attracting new families and businesses to Newport News. Fair, affordable housing is a basic, moral right that brings character and stability to our neighborhoods. I will continue to host a version of the “Your Voice Matters” monthly town hall meetings to encourage open dialogue and community engagement on major city projects and matters of the city.