CHESAPEAKE — The mayor’s race in Chesapeake has been marred with contention since incumbent Rick West and sitting council member Don Carey declared bids earlier this year — characterized by lawsuits filed against Carey, personal jabs from both and even the formation of a new political action committee intended to sway the outcome.
West, a former school principal who’s been mayor since 2017, is seeking reelection Nov. 5 and faces a challenge from Carey, a former NFL player who was elected to council in 2020.
___
The issues
West, 72, says he’s running on a record of improvements across the city during his tenure as mayor and wants to maintain Chesapeake’s reputation for top-notch schools, strong public safety and a prosperous economy. He said his vision for the city is a strong, united Chesapeake built on teamwork and collaboration that always “puts politics last and people first.”
West declined to be interviewed for this article, so information about his priorities and campaign comes from public statements and candidate forums over recent weeks.