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Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Sanu Dieng-Cooper declares victory Newport News Treasurer primary by 85 votes
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) — While Sanu Dieng-Cooper has declared victory in her race to be the Democratic nominee for Treasurer this November, her race is currently in the margin for a possible recount. With all precincts reporting, the current policy director for the Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Action Alliance has an 85 vote lead over Derek Reason. Both are vying to be the Democrat that replaces longtime treasurer Marty Eubank, who announced his intention to retire after leading the office for seven terms. Given that more than 12,100 voters participated in Tuesday's primary, the less than 1% margin may give Reason the right to ask for a recount, pending the outcome of provisional ballots cast. As of Wednesday afternoon, Dieng-Cooper said Reason hadn't called to concede. 'I'm excited. This was a win for the people,' Dieng-Cooper said. 'We heard their voices in each and every vote. I know people always wonder, 'does my vote matter?' And I think that this is a race that tells folks everything. Single vote and voice matters.' The electoral board is expected to meet Monday for the provisional count. 'We are confident that we have won this, race and look forward to November,' Dieng-Cooper said. Reason did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Unlike the Commonwealth's Attorney primary, where Shannon Jones is now running unopposed in November, Dieng-Cooper still faces an independent challenger and could have faced two. Longtime Newport News Treasurer Marty Eubank endorsed Dieng-Cooper. However, he ended up filing paperwork to run for reelection as an independent, in the case Dieng-Cooper didn't win the primary. He said he made that decision after hearing comments at the NAACP candidates forum. 'I am trying only to position myself [just] in case,' Eubank told 10 On Your Side. 'Elections can be unpredictable. In the event that 1% off the chance the Sanu is not elected. I will be here to protect this office.' Dieng-Cooper said Eubank plans to bow out of the race. 'I've been in touch with him last night and this morning and he is he is excited,' Dieng-Cooper said. 'For him to have done his due diligence and make sure that I was qualified and had the best intentions for Newport News residents, I truly appreciate that he did his research and, put his full support behind me.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Sanu Dieng-Cooper leads Newport News treasurer's race by less than 100 votes
Sanu Dieng-Cooper claimed victory over Derek Reason Tuesday night for the Democratic nomination for Newport News treasurer, though she leads her opponent by less than 100 votes. Dieng-Cooper's camp declared victory late Tuesday, having garnered 50.4% of the ballots cast, according to the state Department of Elections. Reason received 49.7% of the vote. He declined to comment on whether he would concede the race or request a recount. Tuesday's results are unofficial and don't include provisional ballots, which will be tallied as part of the canvassing process throughout the week before results are finalized Monday. It is unclear how many provisional ballots remain outstanding. Dieng-Cooper and Reason were separated by 85 votes, according to Wednesday vote tallies. If the race is within a percentage point, candidates can request a recount that they pay for; if the totals are within 0.5%, the city will pay for a recount. Dieng-Cooper said she was proud of Newport News residents for choosing experience and transparency. 'This is a victory for the residents of Newport News for wanting more, for wanting substance, and holding me accountable to what I could deliver,' Dieng-Cooper said. 'I'm looking forward to serving them and elevating the office.' Dieng-Cooper's win would pave the way for longtime treasurer Marty Eubank to drop out of the race. Eubank opted not to seek reelection in March and endorsed Dieng-Cooper. But Eubank opted to reenter the race in May, filing as an independent, as a way to challenge Reason in case he won the Democratic nomination. 'I fully and 100% endorse and back Sanu Cooper,' Eubank said in a statement Tuesday before polls closed. 'I will immediately drop out of the General Election if Mrs. Cooper wins the primary tonight. If Derek Reason wins, I stay in the race.' Dieng-Cooper, 39, holds a degree from Hampton University and has more than a decade of experience in financial management, including holding two executive positions with nonprofits. She also said she wants to use constituent feedback to help gauge Newport News' financial health. She also said she would engage the community and increase transparency with budgeting workshops and a new app designed to alert taxpayers to their payments and connect them to the treasurer's office and other resources. Independent Justin Kennedy is also running in the November General Election. Kennedy ran unsuccessfully last year for Newport News City Council. Devlin Epding, 757-510-4037,
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Newport News Treasurer primary: Sanu Dieng-Cooper and Derek Reason face off
Candidates Sanu Dieng-Cooper and Derek Reason are competing for the Democratic nomination for Newport News Treasurer. Candidate Justin Kennedy is also seeking the position as an independent candidate, and will officially file his candidacy at a later date. The candidates are seeking to replace longtime Newport News Treasurer Marty Eubank, who opted not to seek reelection. Virginia's primary elections are June 17. Early voting begins May 2. ___ Age: 39 Employment: Director of public policy, Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance Education: Bachelor's degree in finance, Hampton University Military service: Air Force Website: What would be your top priority if elected office? My vision for how I would serve as Treasurer if elected is anchored in the Triple E's: educating residents, enhancing technology, and engaging with the public. By demystifying the functions of the Treasurer's office and promoting robust financial literacy, I aim to drive breakthroughs that will build a more resilient, innovative, and inclusive Newport News. I would prioritize citizen experience and customer service as well as modernizing the functions of the office, for example, launching a mobile app to allow residents to easily pay taxes, check deadlines, and access key resources. What efforts would you undertake to increase collection of delinquent taxes? To address delinquent taxes I would focus on raising awareness and offering assistance. Many people are unaware about the resources available to them and might struggle in our current economy so I would host Free Financial Literacy Workshops to help break down what's behind property taxes, budgeting, and city finances, to empower and ensure residents feel confident managing their money and can remain current on their taxes. I would offer direct assistance by deploying a Mobile Treasurer's Office to deliver tax assistance, payment plans, and financial resources directly to neighborhoods, so no one is left behind. ___ Age: 39 Employment: Business owner and operator, DNA Logistics Education: Bachelor's degree in psychology and business management, Liberty University Military Service: Air Force Website: What would be your top priority if elected office? As treasurer, my obligation is to support you. If elected, my primary focus would be to engage with the community. With a person-centered approach, I plan to enhance customer service; treating every citizen and customer with the utmost dignity and respect no matter how much or how little they pay or owe. My top priority as treasurer would be to ensure the financial health and transparency of our treasurer's office. This would entail the following: Ensuring all due taxes and fees are collected efficiently and fairly. Advocating for potential state code and/or city ordinance amendments. Implementing innovative, user-friendly, tech-forward systems to streamline internal and external processes. Lastly, I would offer workshops and resources to assist residents and business owners in better understanding taxes, budgeting and financial planning. Editor's note: Answers edited for length. What efforts would you undertake to increase collection of delinquent taxes? I would implement a combination of strategic, operational and community-focused efforts. I would effectively communicate and publicize clear and consistent guidelines for payments and payment plan arrangements. Working to prioritize accounts with larger debts and/or repeated non-payments, I would analyze delinquency trends to identify high-risk areas or accounts while also attempting to find ways to minimize consistent trends. In addition to USPS mail, I would utilize technology to create automated electronic reminders. All reminders and publicized information would underscore timelines for payment and potential consequences. Lastly, I would review internal processes the treasurer may have the authority to modify and also advocate for state code ordinance amendments that may support citizens and businesses while also closing loopholes to improve the efficiency of delinquent tax collection. Editor's note: Answers edited for length.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Candidate Profile: Derek Reason (Newport News Treasurer)
Derek Reason is a Democratic candidate for Newport News Treasurer. His name will appear on the June 17 Democratic Primary ballot. Candidate Profile: Justin A. Kennedy (Newport News Treasurer) Candidate Profile: Sanu Dieng Cooper (Newport News Treasurer) Name: Derek Reason Website: Following the announcement of the longtime Treasurer Marty Eubank retiring, 10 On Your Side reached out to all of the Treasurer candidates running in this race. Above is a shortened video addressing their goals, experience, changes and community outreach. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
