The City Manager is the most important role in a Council-Manager form of government like that of Portsmouth, Virginia. Likewise, the City Council's search and evaluation of candidates and final decision is the single most important vote of many council members' term of office.

On January 12, 2021, Councilmen Battle, Barnes, Woodard, and Moody voted to appoint failed 2020 Mayoral candidate Danny Meeks as City Manager and prematurely end the city's recruitment efforts without evaluating the 100+ candidates or hearing a single recommendation from the expert consultants who have recruited for similar roles in municipal governments across Hampton Roads. Unlike all other candidates that were so quickly dismissed, Danny Meeks had not applied for the position. This council vote not only defies the will of Portsmouth voters, but also violates the sacred responsibility of elected officials to serve the best interests of their constituents and impartially discharge the duties of their office.

While this vote was overturned, the application deadline has been extended to allow Danny Meeks to submit an application and presumably be appointed to City Manager at the next council meeting on January 26, 2021.

Portsmouth's residents, businesses, and civil servants deserve a qualified and experienced City Manager to lead us through a critical time in our city. Given Danny Meeks' lack of relevant experience and City Council's unusual and alarming attempt to install him as City Manager on January 12th, we are petitioning the Portsmouth City Council to vote against any motion to appoint Danny Meeks and instead appoint the most experienced and qualified candidate who has a history of success leading municipal government organizations.

The future of our city is at stake. This is a risk we cannot afford to take.

Please show your support by signing this petition, sharing it on social media, and urging your friends and family to do the same.