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7/9/26, 2:57 PM City Council Regular Meeting - Dec 09 2025 - Midtown Community Center (570 McLawhorne Dr, Newport News, VA 23601) - Minute…
I. Citizen Comments on Matters Germane to the Business of City Council
Mr. Johnathon Detnesveg, not available when called.
Ms. Tammie Washington, not available when called.
Ms. Marlene Campos, not available when called.
Mr. Stephen Romine, not available when called.
Ms. Carolynne Jones, 1 Emrick Avenue, Teacher, Newport News Public Schools, spoke
about her support for collective bargaining for all City employees. She described the
challenges of teaching high school, including stress from multiple directions and
increasing demands on teachers' time. She expressed concern about the sustainability
of the school division given the current conditions. While acknowledging that
collective bargaining was not a "magic wand," she called it a "Hail Mary" to address
staffing challenges. She also raised concerns about proposals for data centers near Fort
Eustis, noting that Virginia already has over a third of the world's data centers,
contributing to electricity importation and rising utility rates.
Mr. David Brankman, 208 Selden Road, Activist, supported the Newport News
Educators Association's Red for Ed Campaign, requested City Council place on the
agenda and approve a resolution for collective bargaining. He suggested the current
bus driver shortage could have been avoided with collective bargaining, as it would
have provided greater leverage to address safety, compensation, and accommodation
issues raised at school board meetings.
Mr. Javon Bennett, 404 West View Drive, Hampton, advocated for naming a major
street after Michael Vick, arguing that Vick was a role model who gave hope to young
black men, overcame trials and tribulations, and always represented Newport News
positively. He noted that Coach Michael Vick chose to coach at an Historically Black
College and University (HBCU) despite having opportunities with the National Football
League (NFL) or major National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) programs.
Ms. Mary Voss, 350 Williamsburg Court, Newport News Public Schools teacher, parent,
and member of the Newport News Education Association, spoke in support of
collective bargaining rights for both City employees and School employees. She stated
that collective bargaining was a fundamental human right according to the United
Nations and already practiced in 34 states. She noted that restrictions on public sector
collective bargaining in southern states were developed during the Jim Crow era. She
highlighted several Virginia localities that had already secured collective bargaining
rights and seen improved employee retention, increased workplace safety, and more
stable labor relations.
J. Old Business, New Business and Councilmember Comments
Councilman Long thanked everyone in attendance for the last City Council meeting of
the year. He addressed the Red for Ed representatives, noting that Dr. James Graves
had served on the collective bargaining task force authorized by City Council, and that
the task force's report was being reviewed by the Finance and Governance
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