Suffolk News-Herald

Four political newcomers are hoping to oust incumbents in city elections on May 4.

Most of the competition is in the Whaleyville district, where veteran City Councilman Curtis Milteer and School Board member Sharon Harris are both facing challengers.

Milteer, 73, who has represented Whaleyville residents for more than two decades, faces competition from Roger A. Leonard, 49, and the Rev. Isaac Baker, associate minister of First Baptist Church-Mahan Street.

Leonard, a frequent speaker at City Council meetings on issues related to the expansion of Suffolk Executive Airport, owns Cardinals’ Pilot Shop. Baker, 59, is vice chairman of the Industrial Development Authority.

Bessie Watson, a resident of Little Fork Road, is running against Harris, who is ending her first term on the board.

School Board member John Riddick, who represents the Nansemond borough, is being opposed by Thelma Hinton, a member of the Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority. Hinton, 46, stays at home to care for her adult special needs son.

Vice Mayor Leroy Bennett and Councilwoman Linda T. Johnson, who represent the Nansemond and Sleepy Hole boroughs respectively, are unopposed in their races.

Incumbent School Board member Jim Perkinson, who represents the Sleepy Hole district, is also unopposed.