HOPEWELL – In the race for the city’s Ward 4 council seat, longtime residents Ronnie Ellis and Halimah Shepherd-Crawford are running to succeed incumbent Jasmine Gore, who is not seeking re-election after three terms.
As part of our ongoing campaign coverage, The Progress-Index submitted five questions to each candidate in contested races via email and asked for their written responses. The answers are listed below and are in alphabetical order based on the candidates’ last names. The responses were edited for spelling and grammar only.
Why do you feel you are the best choice for the office you seek?
Ronnie Ellis: I have a genuine interest in the city of Hopewell. I grew up here and graduated from Hopewell public schools. My grandchildren attend the same schools. I have a life career with the Hopewell Fire Department where I serve as Battalion Chief. I am the owner of Fish Tails Bait & Tackle which is a small business in Hopewell. My understanding and experience in the business world will aid me in guiding the cities’ finances while on Council. As many of your readers have read, Hopewell needs some leaders who understand finances. I will always serve this city – in public service and in private business. I know firsthand how awesome Hopewell can be and I know that with responsible leadership, we can be awesome again.
Halimah Shepherd-Crawford: l am a proven leader with a strong commitment to serving our community and a diverse background in education and experience. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and have completed extensive studies in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing. Currently, I am pursuing a certification in the Substance Abuse Assistant program at Brightpoint Community College, reflecting my dedication to addressing critical health issues. As a Licensed Certified Nurse Aide and a veteran who has completed numerous military training courses, I have developed a unique skill set that emphasizes teamwork, strategic thinking, and the ability to make tough decisions for the benefit of the group. My military experience has instilled in me the importance of collaboration and leadership in achieving common goals. If elected as the next city council member, I will leverage my background to make informed decisions that prioritize the well-being of our community. I am committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued, and I will work tirelessly to ensure that our city continues to thrive. Thank you for considering my candidacy.
What do you see as the top main issues to be addressed by the next council?
Ellis: We must make sure that recommendations made by RBG are implemented and followed as standard procedure going forward. This will require a strong working relationship with the city manager, and diligent oversight on the part of council. Crime is also high on our list of issues. I support the HPD and the programs they currently have in place to address criminal behavior.
Shepherd-Crawford: Currently, I believe the primary issues that must be addressed by the next City Council include the city’s finances and accounting practices, which significantly impact our citizens, municipal operations, and economic development. Attracting new businesses and providing support to existing business owners will be crucial in generating the revenue needed to lower taxes for our residents. Additionally, there must be a continued emphasis on improving public safety. We need to implement strategies that deter violent crime, ensuring our community feels secure, while also equipping city staff with the tools necessary to effectively respond to community concerns. Lastly, I believe that addressing the challenges within our education system, particularly in our public schools, is essential. The current lack of funding and teachers must be a focal point to ensure our children receive the quality education they deserve. Together, we can tackle these challenges and create a brighter future for our community.
What is your take on how the Robert Bobb Group has worked with the city, and vice versa, to get Hopewell's money-management system rebooted? Had you been on council, would you have opted for RBG or assistance offered by the Youngkin administration and why?
Ellis: I would have taken a serious look at the Governor’s offer to help Hopewell with our financial failures. His offer was generous, and I believe we should have given it a chance before investing over $2 million to correct a financial deficiency! With that said, I feel that we should be adhering to the advice and direction set out by the RBG.
Shepherd-Crawford: Based on my research, the Robert Bobb Group has a proven track record of enhancing local government finances. The City Council has agreed to include updates from the Robert Bobb Group in our monthly agenda, recognizing their valuable insights.As a regular attendee of City Council meetings, I have closely followed their presentations detailing the city’s efforts to address financial challenges. Their reports consistently highlight areas of concern, identify needs for improvement, and celebrate successes as we work towards better financial management.From my perspective, the proposals put forth by the Robert Bobb Group seem to be moving us in the right direction. At a recent meeting, they reported that they are on track to complete the annual finance audits by the end of the year for external review. Furthermore, the City Council appears supportive of their work, having approved all requests from the Robert Bobb Group for additional funding and resources.
I support efforts to help the city of Hopewell resolve the financial challenges that have persisted since 2015. Although I have not had access to Closed Session Meeting details, staff analyses of the Governor’s proposal, or in-depth discussions among City Council members, I respect their expertise and will defer to their decisions on how to proceed. Once elected, I would advocate for ensuring that our distressed community is represented by qualified individuals who are committed to serving our constituents effectively. It is vital that we have dedicated leaders who understand the unique challenges we face and who can drive positive change in our city.
What needs to be done about the uptick of violent crime in Hopewell this year?
Ellis: A fully staffed police force would certainly have better band width to deal with the uptick of violent crime. Having the tools to identify shooters and people who are likely to be shot gives law enforcement an advantage. Such programs are on the radar, and others are currently in place. I will work tirelessly to help levelized HPD pay with surrounding communities and to ensure that they have the tools necessary to keep Hopewell safe.
Shepherd-Crawford: Supporting the police chief in implementing new strategies to enhance policing and deter violent crime is crucial in addressing the recent uptick in criminal activity within our city. During a recent City Council meeting, the Police Department shared its new strategic plan, which outlines essential steps for improving public safety. It is vital that we ensure adequate funding for the Police Department to sustain these efforts. This includes prioritizing the recruitment of experienced officers and rebuilding strong relationships within the community. By fostering trust and collaboration, we can work together to create a safer environment for all residents.
Do you support the current city manager, Dr. Concetta Manker? Would you vote for or against any effort by the upcoming council to remove her from office and why?
Ellis: I will reserve judgement until I have worked with the City Manager and my fellow Councilors to see how all of us work together. I think it only fair to work with someone before commenting on their job performance. For me to comment now without first hand knowledge would be irresponsible.
Shepherd-Crawford: Yes. As a newly elected City Councilor, I will not support any efforts to remove the City Manager from her position without just cause and proper justification. If concerns arise, I believe it is essential to conduct a thorough review of her annual evaluations and employment contract. This approach will ensure that my actions align with the City Council’s Code of Conduct, adhere to the City Council Rules, and comply with the City of Hopewell’s Human Resource procedures. I am committed to maintaining a transparent and fair process, as it is vital to uphold accountability and trust within our city government.
This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Hopewell Elections: Meet the Ward 4 candidates vying to succeed incumbent Jasmine Gore
Local News
