Portsmouth’s State of the City Address

by Donna Morris, Executive Vice President, Hampton Roads Partnership

The Honorable James W. Holley, III, Mayor of the City of Portsmouth, has a way of making you feel a part of the Portsmouth family when you attend his annual State of the City addresses. He knows that if you are a citizen of Hampton Roads, you are also part of the Portsmouth’s extended family.

Mayor Holley recognized area businesses and citizens for their support during a very difficult financial time. He applauded the Portsmouth City staff for collectively working with limited resources to maintain the level of service citizens expect.

Mayor Holley, famous for his bromides*, shared one that made everyone smile. To introduce the video capturing the city’s economic developments and news over the past year, the mayor shared his own version of the well known quote – "the road to success is always under construction" – adding that the road is not always straight, but has bends and an occasional speed bump.

The State of the City presentation can be found at: mms://www.portsmouthva.gov/video/04_02_09_SOTC.wmv (Clicking on this link will open Microsoft's Media Player and it will begin to play the video OR copy this link www.portsmouthva.gov/video/04_02_09_SOTC.wmv and paste it into your web browser to open with your preferred video playing software.)


* "Bromide" is a phrase that has been used and repeated so many times that it seems like an attempt at explaining the obvious.