Norfolk, Va. - Mayor-Elect Kenny Alexander says addressing the budget, the school system, and crime are among his top priorities when he is sworn-in on July 1.
"I think that we can always do better. I think change is inevitable," Alexander told reporters Wednesday in his first news conference since winning election.
Alexander's plan includes allowing police officers to take their patrol cars home. "I think that we have had too many homicides," he said. "One is too many. I think we need to have an increased police presence."
Alexander refused to talk with reporters on Tuesday after his victory, but explained he was sick. "If the perception was that I did not want to engage in conversation that was only perception," he said. "As you can see I love conversation, I'm a conversationalist."
He becomes the city's first African American mayor, and had more votes than his two opponents combined. "It speaks well to the citizens of Norfolk that they would put their trust in me, not only African American, but the most qualified mayor that we had in this race."
Alexander replaces Paul Fraim. He'll take office on July 1.
