Eric Wray Jr. is a candidate for Chesapeake City Council. His name will appear on the ballot on November 5, 2024.
Wray is running against eight challengers for Chesapeake City Council.
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: Eric Vaughn Wray II is a native of Portsmouth and is married to Dr. Crystal J, Baker –
Wray and together they reside in Chesapeake, Virginia.
Owner/Funeral Director – E. Vaughn Wray Funeral Establishment
U. S. Navy Veteran
Governor Glenn Youngkin Appointee Board Member – Virginia State Regulatory Board of Funeral Directors & Embalmers
Board Member – Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad Foundation
Board Member – Virginia Funeral Directors Association
Past President -Tidewater Funeral Directors Association
Past President – Norfolk Funeral Directors & Embalmers Association
Member – National Funeral Directors Association
Member – Virginia Funeral Directors & Morticians Association
Member – American Legion Post 280 Great Bridge
Member – Chesapeake Rotary Club
Member – Deep Creek Ruritan Club
Life Member – Disabled American Veterans
Former Executive Secretary of Board of Directors – Portsmouth YMCA
Why are you running for this office?
I am committed to a common-sense approach on the Chesapeake City Council, emphasizing job growth, economic development, public safety, and a more efficient, smaller government. I also aim to enhance public awareness, better the general welfare, and ensure a prosperous future for our city.
What is the top challenge facing Chesapeake, and how would you address it?
INFRASTRUCTURE I am dedicated to high-quality infrastructure for our residents of Chesapeake. Yet, rather than questioning the quantity of infrastructure required, the policy dialogue should start with, “What are our objectives?” The advantage of this approach is that it redirects the focus from assets to outcomes. It’s only after a thorough debate and consensus on the economic, social, and environmental objectives for future investments that formulating an infrastructure plan becomes a meaningful endeavor.
What is your view on preserving agricultural land while also addressing the affordable housing crisis?
I am committed to preserving agriculture period. The way to addressing housing affordability; look at property assessments and to make sure we have the highest paying jobs in our city. Just like the South Korean undersea cable manufacturer plans $680 million plant in Chesapeake; these kinds of projects can ensure success for our properties. It will attract the best and brightest to our city.
How do you view promoting environmentally sustainable policies like recycling when compared to costs?
We will let the citizens decide through referendum.
What is your view on taking money from individuals who will likely have business before the city?
I am running a campaign for council; everyone can donate. After election day, we will raise money for the next cycle at the appropriate time. Contributors do not purchase my vote, those individuals make an investment into the logistical components to my campaign.
How will you still value constituents with whom you disagree with?
I value all citizens. In my day job; I have to have the heart of service, leadership and the people. My service is to every city of Chesapeake and not to only those who agree or voted for me.
Should the City of Chesapeake explore a ward/district system versus continuing to elect members At-Large?
Currently that issue must be changed by charter.