Cathy Revell (I) – Candidate for Portsmouth City Council
S.C. “Cathy” Revell (I), running for Portsmouth City Council
1. Why are you running for office?
I have been watching with dismay for some time, as Portsmouth has descended into a constant barrage of negative headlines. Meanwhile, the many problems facing the city I love have gone unaddressed . . . The rise of crime, the state of our public schools, the need to expand our tax base and enhance our economic outlook for all Portsmouth citizens. I believe it is time for a change in Portsmouth so that we can move beyond the bickering, closed-door meetings, and divisions that have hampered progress for so long. I seek to put my skills to use to serve the citizens of Portsmouth. If elected, I promise to work for civility, transparency, and accountability in governing as we solve the issues facing our city.
2. Why should people vote for you?
Although I have never served in elected office, I have spent my entire career in service to others as a nurse, a health care administrator and a non-profit executive. I have served my city as a council appointed commissioner on the Behavioral Health Advisory Board, and have volunteered for organizations on both the local and state level. I am a graduate of the Sorenson Institute of Political Leadership Candidate Training Program at the University of Virginia. I have attended City Council meetings for the past several years to acquaint myself with the issues. Most importantly, I have walked neighborhoods and attended civic league meetings throughout our city to meet citizens and hear their concerns. I stand ready to serve with integrity, civility, transparency, and accountability.
3. What’s your favorite thing about the area you want to represent?
I love Portsmouth. It is a great place to live work and play. It sits in the center of Hampton Roads. It has history, a place in the best port on the East Coast. But the most wonderful thing about Portsmouth is the people. We have a rich diversity of the best people you will find anywhere!
4. What is the biggest problem your area is facing, how will you fix it?
Portsmouth faces a crisis of leadership. Our city council has become dysfunctional. Because of that, the many issues facing our city are not getting the attention they deserve. We cannot move forward to address our very serious issues unless we first fix the leadership crisis that is crippling Portsmouth.
5. Describe Donald Trump in max 3 words?
Lacking self-awareness
6. Describe Hillary Clinton in max 3 words?
Smart, tenacious, fierce
7. What do you do for a living? Why do you do it?
I am retired from a career in health care (nursing, health care administration and non-profit leadership). I am currently a partner in a small eclectic retail shop in downtown Portsmouth. This post-retirement career is challenging and fun and adds a little flavor to our downtown business district
8. You’re going to be marooned on a tropical island for a week, you can only bring 1 thing – what is it?
Food
9. What do you think of Colin Kaepernick?
I do not fully understand or agree with his method of protest, but I fully respect his right to protest in this way. This is what freedom is all about.
10. Would you vote to fund light rail expansion in your area?
Yes, but no one is even considering bringing light rail to Portsmouth. I think if all of Hampton Roads could be connected by light rail, it would be great.
11. Will you respect the outcome of the election?
Absolutely
12. Favorite TV Show?
House of Cards
