Latest news with #PublicService
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Norfolk mayor will not seek another term, appointed to community college position
Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander said he will not seek reelection in 2028, and will leave office after three terms. The news first came in an announcement that Alexander had been appointed as vice chancellor for strategic partnerships for the Virginia Community College System. VCCS Chancellor David Doré announced the appointment on Tuesday. 'His visionary leadership and deep commitment to innovation and opportunity will help drive strategic initiatives that change lives and elevate Virginia's workforce,' Doré said in the announcement. In an interview, Alexander said he would serve out the remainder of his third term through 2028. Last year, he defeated Tommy Leeman and Giovanni Dolmo. Alexander was first elected to the position in 2016, becoming Norfolk's first Black mayor. A longtime politician, Alexander previously served in the House of Delegates from 2002 until 2012 and the state Senate from 2012 to 2016. When asked why he was not running again, Alexander noted his long history of public service, including his time in the Virginia House and Senate and almost 10 as mayor without missing a City Council meeting. In the new role, VCCS said Alexander will advance the school system through public and private resource development, legislative engagement and system-wide communications. 'I am looking forward to joining the Virginia Community College System and working to further Chancellor Doré's vision because I strongly believe that access to education empowers communities,' Alexander said in the announcement. 'Higher education is a pathway for economic growth and social mobility, and I am enthusiastic about using my experience to enhance partnerships that will benefit our students and industries across the commonwealth.' Previously, Alexander was employed as chancellor of 20 private community colleges, including Aviation Institute of Maintenance, Centura College and Tidewater Tech. Alexander is also president of Metropolitan Funeral Service. Trevor Metcalfe, 757-222-5345,
CBS News
2 days ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Minnesota House Democrats mourn their leader Melissa Hortman: "I don't think this place will ever be the same"
Among those deeply mourning Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman's loss are Minnesota House Democrats, whom she steered as their caucus leader for several years. They are remembering her for her peerless leadership, sense of humor, institutional knowledge of the Legislature and deep commitment to doing good work to improve the lives of Minnesotans. "Melissa was an incredible leader who dedicated her life to public service. She led our caucus with integrity, grace, and with determination to improve people's lives," the 66 members of the House DFL Caucus said in a statement on Saturday in wake of what officials called the political assassination of her and her husband Mark earlier that morning. "Melissa talked a lot about following the Golden Rule, and the value that 'to whom much is given, much is expected.' She felt she had the ability and the obligation to serve others. And serve others she did." Hortman became DFL minority leader in 2017 until Democrats won back the majority and she was elevated to speaker of the House. She was in that role until this year, when she led her caucus through the unique tied chamber this legislative session but ceded the speakership to Republicans in a power-sharing agreement. "We're just going to miss her so much. I don't think this place will ever be the same," said DFL Whip Athena Hollins, through tears, in an interview on Wednesday. She described Hortman as a mentor, bringing her into important discussions after she was elected in 2020 so she could learn the ropes at the Capitol and share her perspective. "I got the ability to see how the sausage was made, and it gave me a whole new perspective on what legislating and leading was actually about. And she didn't have to have me in those rooms," she remembered. "Honestly, I didn't have a lot to contribute, especially when I first started, but she knew that it was important to bring up new leaders. It was something she talked about a lot, was finding the strengths in people and identifying their weaknesses and slotting them in where she thought was appropriate." Hollins also recalled the shock and horror she felt when she learned her beloved leader and friend was killed. But the very next day, she showed up to a webinar she was previously scheduled to join, she explained, which focused on common-sense gun legislation. "I thought that's what Melissa would want me to do. It was an important issue to her, so I thought I would honor her by being there," she explained. She had a "witty" sense of humor, loved margaritas and showed everyone respect DFL Rep. Erin Koegel recalled that Hortman would bake decadent cakes and pies and bring them to the Capitol, despite everything else on her plate as a legislative leader. The Hortman children, in a statement remembering their parents, encouraged people to honor their memory with a list of actions — including baking. "I had no idea how she did it and still made sure that all the work got done. And that kind of was just her — get the work done," Koegel told WCCO. "It's not about making a big splash, or it was never about her. It was never about her ego." House Democrats met in person Tuesday to share stories and support each other in an unthinkable tragedy. Many remember her dry, witty sense of humor. Koegel also said she was an avid fan of drinking margaritas. "The last text she sent to me was, I was complaining about how mad I was with everybody [at the end of session], and she sent me a text. She said, 'Diitto. Leadership means having to do hard things even when everybody's an a**hole.'" Koegel said with a laugh. Hortman, as House speaker in 2023 and 2024, shepherded some of the most consequential public policy in Minnesota in a generation: paid family and medical leave, stricter gun laws, codifying abortion rights, carbon-free by 2040 benchmarks, restoring voting rights for people with felony convictions and much more. Many of those proposals didn't get Republican support. But she worked to pass several bipartisan budgets with a Republican-led Senate for years. And she still treated people who disagreed with her and who were her political opponents with respect, said Hollins. "The other thing that I really took away from her was working across the aisle is literally a part of the job. It's not optional, even when you're in a majority," she said. "You don't have to get along with people or agree with them to treat them respectfully and to hear them out and to find common ground because there are many things that we agree on." Her DFL colleagues believe her true legacy is how she cared for others. "That's all she ever wanted to do is make it better for people. And so I just hope that that's the thing that every Minnesotan can do is take forward her legacy and make this place better for everyone," Koegel said.
CBS News
4 days ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Tripp Adams announces candidacy for Michigan's 10th Congressional district
Tripp Adams of Utica, a Democrat, has announced his campaign for Michigan's 10th Congressional District in the 2026 election cycle The district, which includes parts of Macomb and Oakland Counties, is currently represented by John James, a Republican. Adams is a U.S. Navy and Army veteran with leadership experience in both the public and private sectors. "In the Army and the Navy, we didn't fight over politics — we worked together to protect and defend the country we love," Adams said in his announcement. "I've dedicated my life to public service and worked to make our country safer and stronger. I took an oath to protect and defend our country and communities. "Now, I'm running because Michiganders deserve a new generation of patriotic leadership that's committed to delivering results for our families and fixing our broken political system." Tripp grew up in Southeast Michigan. His mother was a public school teacher and his father worked at General Motors. His military service began as he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy. Tripp served two deployments in the Navy before going to the University of Michigan to earn a law degree. While at U-M, he joined the Michigan Army National Guard. He currently serves as a U.S. Army Reserve battalion commander. In addition to his law degree, Tripp has a master's degree in economics from Old Dominion University and a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy. His work in the private sector includes Chief Operating Officer at Emagine Entertainment and launching a health care startup in Southeast Michigan. "Michiganders deserve better than what they are getting right now," he said in his campaign announcement. "Democrats need fresh blood, new ideas, people who listen and get things done."
The Standard
12-06-2025
- Politics
- The Standard
Hong Kong should be vigilant in times of peace: Justice chief
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok speaks at the special exhibition's opening ceremony. Download The Standard app to stay informed with news, updates, and significant events - The upgraded app is now available on both iOS and Android platforms.
CBS News
10-06-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
John Roberson, Mayor Brandon Johnson's COO, is leaving City Hall
Another high-ranking member of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration is exiting City Hall. City Chief Operating Officer John Roberson is leaving the Mayor's office to take a job with the Obama Foundation. "I want to thank John Roberson for his dedication and service to our city over these past two years," Mayor Johnson said in a news release. "I wish him the best of luck as he continues to serve our city in his new role at the Obama Foundation." Roberson has been in the mayor's inner circle since the start of his term. "I want to thank Mayor Johnson for the opportunity to serve. It has been an honor to work every day for a Mayor who is committed to transforming our city," Roberson said in the release. "As I look forward to my next chapter, I want to express my gratitude to all the City workers and leaders who worked with us over these past two years to make our city a better place." Roberson's departure leaves Mayor Johnson with yet another hole to fill. In addition to filling Roberson's vacant position, Johnson needs to pick new leaders for the Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Transit Authority, and the Chicago Housing Authority.
