Yolanda Thomas is a candidate for Portsmouth City Council. Her name will appear on the ballot on November 5, 2024.
Thomas is running against ten challengers for Portsmouth City Council. They are vying for three open seats.
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.
Candidate Name: Yolanda “Edmonds” Thomas
Age: 42
Candidate Website: https://www.yolandaethomas.com/
Biography: As a Portsmouth native, I’ve been happily married to my best friend, Maceo Thomas, for 15 years, am a mother to two boys, and the proud daughter of Carl and Beverly Edmonds, who taught me the importance of giving back and, above all, taking care of home. I believe in our city’s potential through investing in education, protecting our citizens, and building for our future. A 1999 salutatorian graduate of I.C. Norcom High School, I earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Virginia in 2003 and became a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) in 2009. My career has included roles in Northern Virginia and Pennsylvania as a Risk Management Consultant for various private firms and government agencies, including the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security. In 2010, I returned to Portsmouth to raise my family and worked as a project manager in Implementation for a Fortune 500 tech company, then as vice president of operational/enterprise risk management at a regional bank. Currently, I’m a Senior Project Manager in Cybersecurity risk for a global telecommunications firm.
In my civic life, I’ve volunteered across Portsmouth, notably on the City Planning Commission for a term, contributing to the 2018 City Comprehensive Plan, Build One Portsmouth. Elected to the Portsmouth Public School Board in 2020, I’m fulfilling my term and campaign promises, such as introducing Dual Language Immersion in elementary schools and expanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) with the new Portsmouth Advanced Career Education Center (PACE), offering courses in trades like masonry and auto tech.
Why are you running for this office?
I’m campaigning for a City Council seat to bring the same dedication and determination I’ve shown on the school board to the city of Portsmouth. My vision is to create a city with clean neighborhoods, safe citizens and visitors, exceptional education for children and families, and thriving businesses. I commit to upholding high standards in fulfilling promises, and to remain accountable and transparent to our citizens. Portsmouth is where my heart is; it’s my home and heritage. I firmly believe it’s time for a City Council that collaborates effectively to propel our city forward. My priorities include reducing crime, revitalizing overlooked neighborhoods and their facilities, enhancing public education, supporting our first responders and city employees, developing the waterfront, and elevating Portsmouth’s overall reputation.
What is the top challenge facing Portsmouth, and how would you address it?
Crime is a significant issue in Portsmouth, often linked to the city’s high poverty rate. To address this, I propose a five-point plan aimed at enhancing safety and reducing crime in our communities. The plan includes: (1) Establishing community precincts and social services outreach centers in areas with high crime and need, (2) Upgrading existing recreation centers and constructing a new Aquatic Center, (3) Beautifying neighborhoods and minimizing low visibility areas, (4) Reviving neighborhood pride and support in neglected areas through private and public partnerships, (5) Bolstering support for first responders by investing in initiatives to attract and retain personnel.
What is your view on addressing the affordable housing crisis?
My approach to tackling the affordable housing crisis is twofold. First, addressing affordability by prioritizing investments in workforce development and attracting high-paying jobs to Portsmouth, providing our citizens with the means to afford housing, whether they choose to rent or buy. Secondly, we must expand affordable housing options within the constraints of Portsmouth’s limited taxable land, where 42% is government or federally-owned. Implementing smart-growth housing strategies that support diverse housing types in compact developments, coupled with green design and construction standards, will preserve Portsmouth’s rich history and identity while accommodating our growing population.
The city has a longstanding history of disfunction on city council. How will you civilly work with your colleagues?
Indeed, there is a perceived dysfunction within the city council, particularly in decision-making processes that have resulted in the termination of several city managers over recent years. My method of working amicably with fellow council members involves prioritizing the citizens’ needs and the city’s progress over personal agendas or egos.
What is your vision for the former Civic Center and Holiday Inn site in Olde Town Portsmouth?
I imagine the old Civic Center and Holiday Inn site in Olde Town Portsmouth being revitalized into a vibrant center for entertainment and leisure. Picture open parks with lush grass for both entertainment and play, alongside areas designated for dining and shopping. While these are my personal visions, I believe the development should reflect the community’s voice. Thus, I propose using citizen surveys and engaging with civic leagues to ensure the site embodies a vision that resonates with all residents.
What is your view on taking money from individuals who will likely have business before the city?
I am opposed to accepting money from individuals who may have dealings with the city. I hold a full-time job and am of the opinion that no elected official should receive money from any source to avoid conflicts of interest.
Furthermore, I hold the view that it is crucial for all council members to honor the trust placed in them by the electorate through transparent decision-making and by actively listening to the community’s input. As an incumbent school board member, I engage with parents, staff, and teachers, respecting the executive leadership’s role in fulfilling our board’s objectives. Should I be elected to the city council, I commit to collaborating with citizens, civic groups, and grassroots organizations to ensure my votes and actions consistently align with the best interests of Portsmouth’s residents.