Cleon Jones is a candidate for Virginia Beach City Council – District 3. His name will appear on the ballot on November 5, 2024.
Jones is running against incumbent Michael Berlucchi, and Christina Miriam Felder for Virginia Beach City Council – District 3.
The first day of in-person early voting at your local registrar’s office for this election is Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. Click here to see who is on your ballot.
10 On Your Side reached out to all of the candidates running in this race, with a request for a bio and a list of questions to answer. If you do not see the candidate listed with a profile, we did not receive one.
Biography: Cleon Jones has proudly called Virginia Beach home since 1984. He attended Independence Junior High and Princess Anne High School, where he established a strong foundation in the community. Throughout his life, Cleon has shown a deep commitment to the district, owning homes within its district. For the past 23 years, he has lived in his current home, continuing to foster positive relationships with his neighbors.
He has dedicated 28 years to the community as a veteran firefighter, serving with pride at Plaza Fire Station 16, in the heart of District 3 for the last 12 years.
His wife of 22 years, is a dedicated educator, currently working for the Virginia Beach City School district and previously taught at Windsor Oaks Elementary School. Together, they have three children who grew up in the district, attending the same schools as their father, continuing a legacy of local education and community involvement.
The Jones family is part of the fiber of the community, supporting local stores and restaurants, believing in the importance of sustaining the district’s economy and small businesses. Through his work and personal life, Cleon has developed long-standing friendships and relationships within the community, which he cherishes and looks forward to continuing his commitment as a City Council member.
Why are you running for this office?
I am running for City Council to serve my community and to work hard on behalf of my
neighbors. It presents an opportunity to directly impact the issues and concerns that matter
most to my community. As a long-time resident of this city, a career firefighter for 28 years,
along with my wife, as an educator for 8 years, I have a deep love for our community, and a
strong commitment and desire to see it thrive.
What is the top challenge facing Virginia Beach, and how would you address it?
Ensure neighborhood infrastructure improvement, public transportation, affordable housing,
and public safety and properly funded school system. We can accomplish this through
collaborative planning with strategic partners and public input, using the resources available.
What is your view on preserving agricultural land while also addressing the affordable housing crisis?
Maintaining the green line is important but the document can be revisited in the future for
the needs of affordable housing and workforce development.
How do you view Virginia Beach’s continued growth strategy? What would you change?
Virginia Beach growth and development should be discussed collaboratively with the needs of
public education, public safety, infrastructure, and affordable housing along with demands of
the workforce.
What is your view on changing the operational model of the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center?
I agree with City Manager Duhaney that a comprehensive understanding of both the foundation and city’s assets will be needed. A city audit of the aquarium will be presented next month which could shed some light on future funding directions.
What is your view on taking money from individuals who will likely have business before the city?
Making decisions based on someone’s political contribution status harkens back to the spoils system and is a frightening prospect. Educated decisions based on the merits and facts should be the guiding force. The city attorney will be available to me as a council member for any questions regarding conflicts of interest.
How will you still value constituents with whom you disagree with?
Council members can disagree but should not be disagreeable. They have the duty to represent the residents of both their district and the City of Virginia Beach, regardless of who they voted for or if they even voted at all. Serving with integrity, and doing what is right is my guide.