Biography: Phillip is a lifelong resident of the City of Norfolk. Phillip received his formal education from Norfolk Public Schools and is a proud graduate of Norview High School. Phillip earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Finance, Teacher Certification in Early Childhood Education, and his Master of Arts degree in Urban Education and School Leadership, all from Norfolk State University.

Mr. Hawkins has worked in business and industries of food service, restaurant, hospitality, banking, and now education all in the City of Norfolk. Phillip has been a licensed schoolteacher with Norfolk Public Schools for 27 years and is currently the Assistant Principal at the P. B. Young Sr. Elementary School in Norfolk.

Mr. Hawkins has had a distinguished level of experiences in civic engagement and has served on the local and state advisory committees and boards as an active civic and community leader as: President and current board member of the Ingleside Civic League, the First Vice President of

the Norfolk Federation of Civic Leagues, appointed as a member of the Norfolk Environmental Commission, a member of the Neighbors Building Neighborhoods Steering Committee, a member of the NPS School Facilities Advisory Committee, and immediate past local union President of the Education Association of Norfolk – The EAN/VEA/NEA, Lifetime Member and Leader of the Norfolk State University Alumni Association-NSUAA, member of the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association of Norfolk (CPAAAN) and citywide Neighborhood Block Watch Program, member of the Norfolk Public Schools Educational Planning and School Facilities Steering Committee, member of the Virginia School Readiness Committee-VDOE, member of the Centura College Paraprofessional Advisory Program Committee, and a member of Norfolk’s Neighbors Building Neighborhoods NBN Steering Committee, and curently appointed to serve in a city wide role and partnership with the Norfolk Planning Commission on the City’s NFK2050 Strategic Planning Advisory Committee to help develop the City’s 25-year Strategic plan.

Phillip is a member of the Olive Grove Baptist Church in Norfolk, VA where his pastor is the Rev. Carlton B. Ashby. Jr. Phillip is currently unmarried, and a father-figure and mentor to many children. He is the godparent of one, has seven adult siblings, his mother is Barbara W. Hawkins, and he has numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and lifelong friends.

Why are you running for this office?

I believe that as a leader I must start at the local level of government to protect and provide a high level of leadership and support to continue to chart a course to move Norfolk forward for success, sustainable prosperity, equity, access, and opportunity for all citizens in the City of Norfolk. The time is now, and I am the leader with the experience that Superward 7 and Norfolk needs for today and the future.”

What is the top challenge facing Norfolk, and how would you address it?

The top challenge facing the City of Norfolk is public safety. I feel that in order for all who live, work, learn, play, and come to Norfolk for business, entertainment, and tourism to thrive, they must first feel safe! My number one priority is to work with all community members and be committed to supporting Norfolk’s law enforcement officers and partners to continue to recruit and retain the best to serve our communities! I will support partnerships with non- profit organizations and utilizing the latest crime prevention technology and passing local ordinances to help reduce and eliminate crime, especially preventing domestic gun violence.

What is your view addressing the affordable housing crisis?

Build more mixed use affordable quality housing in commercial corridors throughout the city. More tax incentives need to be offered tk developers to build housing mix that is commensurate to the average income levels in Norfolk and the Hampton Roads region.

What is your view on transparency and how do you feel the city can improve, if at all?

When elected officials and leaders are transparent with integrity in serving all of the people equitably and fairly, then citizens and stakeholders will begin to trust the decisions that are made are in their best interests.

Do you believe the city focuses too much of its efforts downtown at the expense of other areas in the city?

Yes. Norfolk Neighborhoods do not receive a fair share of the local budget. Our budget should focus more on our schools, improving all neighborhoods, and greater funding for all schools, especially those in Superward 7.

What is your view on taking money from individuals who will likely have business before the city?

Council and members and any other elected officials or government employees should never accept personal money or gifts in order to be given preference to do business with the City of Norfolk or any at any level of government or corporate entity. All conflicts of interests should be shared with the public before any votes or decisions are made. The businesses and council members must provide clear transparency and the citizens by majority who live in the city should have the greatest voices in determining what happens in their city and neighborhoods.

Norfolk has long been accused of having a shadow government, in which decisions are made by influential business leaders who support certain elected officials. Is this a fair criticism?

Yes. This is true. It is a fair criticism.