Suffolk News-Herald

Although Thelma Vanessa Hinton, of East Washington Street, has been active on the political scene for many years and she now seeks support in her own May 4th bid for election to the Suffolk Public Schools Board. She challenges incumbent School Board member John Riddick in her bid to represent the Nansemond District and she believes she brings to the table many innovative ideas for consideration.

Hinton, 46, is a native of Suffolk and a graduate of Norfolk State University where she earned a B.S. in social work. She is also a 1989 graduate of the Stop Organization Vocational School of nursing, having first graduated from John F. Kennedy High School.

At Hinton began her professional career, she sought positions she felt would challenge her knowledge and abilities. She was employed by Hillcrest Nursing Home, the Suffolk Health Department and Suffolk Parks and Recreation, all while focusing on committing her life to volunteer services in the community.

&uot;The depth of my commitment enabled me to become a commissioner for Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, and I had many intriguing responsibilities in serving on the Public Housing Operation grants and loans committees and the finance department,&uot; said Hinton. &uot;I am deeply concerned for the 466 residents I represent and I use my training to assist and counsel those families and my friends.&uot;

Hinton’s volunteer spirit led her to a position of leadership in the National Night Out Against Crime and several other community programs.

She is an active member of the East Suffolk Federated Civic League, and she is recognized as a champion for the residents of public housing in Suffolk.

A homemaker, Hinton is the sole caregiver for her disabled adult son, using the holistic approach she promotes throughout her life. She also believes that is the approach that should exist in working with students, parents, teachers and the community.

&uot;I believe we all should work together to bring about change where needed,&uot; said Hinton. &uot;With this type of approach – spirit, mind and a physically healthy body – we can all experience a better quality of life.&uot;

Hinton added that she believes she possesses the needed qualities to represent the Nansemond District.

&uot;My education, involvement, commitment and dedication to the community also make me an excellent candidate for the people of the Nansemond District,&uot; said Hinton. &uot;I believe that my moral support to the diversity of the community enables me to bring innovative ideas to the board that can only enhance the board’s efforts to better serve and make positive changes in our community. I have always believed that &uot;it takes a village to raise a child&uot; is the truth and I have a great desire to assist those villagers.&uot;

Hinton has had some experience in assisting the school board, working first with Superintendent Dr. Beverly Cox in 1992, and in 1998, she served as a volunteer under Superintendent Joyce Trump.

She was recognized by the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce in 1992, and in 1994, she organize the &uot;Back to School Program.&uot; She served the Suffolk Substance Drug Abuse Committee, and assisted in raising funds for cancer patients with sickle cell and those undergoing bone marrow transplants in 1995. Currently, she serves as the Resident Council President – Hoffler Apartments, a position she has held since 1990.

Hinton is the daughter of Margaret Hilton White and the late William E. Hinton. She is the mother of three; Terry, Herbert and Angel Britt.