Ebony N. Wright is a candidate for Suffolk City Council – Sleepy Hole Borough. Her name will appear on the ballot on November 5, 2024.
Wright is running against incumbent Roger Fawcett for Suffolk City Council – Sleepy Hole Borough.
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: Ebony is a California native. She joined the United States Navy at the age of 17, served on active duty for 4 years and received an honorable discharge. Upon completion of her service, she entered the legal field in the private sector. She began her career as a civil servant in 2009 and has held various positions at the United States Departments of Justice and Defense. She will celebrate 20 years of federal service this November.
Mrs. Wright is the founder and president of the S. Delois Mayes Scholarship Foundation, a nonprofit organization that awards scholarships to students in Suffolk, Virginia. Since 2014, the Foundation has awarded over $116K in scholarships to students in Suffolk. Ebony is very active in her community and supports numerous non-profit, faith-based and volunteer organizations. She is a graduate of Saint Leo University where she earned a B.A. in Criminology and a MBA.
Why are you running for this office?
I am running for city council because I am passionate about the welfare of the residents of Suffolk and want to influence the city’s direction. As a longtime resident, I want to create a long-term plan to improve our communities, promote sustainable economic development and to work on core infrastructure needs.
What is the top challenge facing Suffolk, and how would you address it?
The top challenge facing Suffolk is rapid development outpacing our infrastructure. Suffolk is the largest city, land wise in this state. There is enough land to balance the need for more housing while preserving the environment. This can be accomplished through smart growth. I would balance the need for more housing with development and conservation strategies that will preserve our health and natural environment through mix land uses and preserving open space, farmland and critical environmental areas.
What is your view on preserving agricultural land while also addressing the affordable housing crisis?
As mentioned above, Suffolk is the largest city, land wise in this state. There is enough land to balance the need for more housing while preserving agricultural land.
How do you view Suffolk’s growth strategy? What would you change?
There’s a lot to be desired with Suffolk’s growth strategy. The right level of growth for Suffolk should include well-developed infrastructure that balances smart economic growth with environmental protection to improve the quality of life for residents.
I will work to advocate for the right level of development through strategic planning, taking into account social, economic, and environmental factors. It’s important to me that residents are part of the development and decision-making process.
What is your view on taking money from individuals who will likely have business before the city?
Taking money from individuals who will likely have business before the city is unethical and would present a conflict of interests. The only influence I want governing my vote and decisions are the citizens of Suffolk.
How will you still value constituents with whom you disagree with?
I will engage constructively in respectful dialogue to build bridges with constituents with differing viewpoints. Every constituent deserves respect, empathy and to be heard.