Delivering for Downtown Suffolk

Schools funded. Taxes reduced. Downtown revitalized. Public safety strengthened. Agriculture protected.

Here’s what we’ve accomplished

INVESTING IN OUR CHILDREN

Strong Schools. Real Support. No Excuses.

When parents send their children to school, they deserve confidence. John Rector has voted to fully fund the School Board every single year. That means no half-measures and no shortfalls passed down to teachers. Here’s what that has meant for Suffolk families:

✔ Funding approved for the new John F. Kennedy Middle School opening Fall 2026

✔ Expansion of Northern Shores Elementary

✔ Pushing Nansemond River High School expansion up in the Capital Improvement Plan

✔ Adding School Resource Officers to begin placement in elementary schools

✔ Working to secure a location for a new Elephants Fork Elementary School

This is about classrooms, safety, and preparing the next generation for success.

REVITALIZING DOWNTOWN SUFFOLK

Protecting Our Past. Building Our Future.

Downtown Suffolk is not just a place. It is our identity. John worked to:

✔ Establish the Downtown Advisory Committee

✔ Fund and hire a Downtown Coordinator

✔ Restore the historic Phoenix Bank Building

✔ Improve the East Washington Street corridor

✔ Create the Downtown Festival Park

✔ Break ground on the new Downtown Library opening Spring 2026

✔ Support city purchase of key downtown properties to improve parking and spur development

✔ Establish an Arts & Cultural District with economic incentives for small business startups

✔ Advance plans for an MLK Memorial at Peanut Park to honor Dr. King’s visit to Suffolk

This is steady, intentional revitalization. Not flash. Not hype. Real progress.

PROTECTING YOUR WALLET

Fiscal Responsibility That Works for Families

Suffolk families work hard for their money. John voted to reduce the real estate tax rate twice and supported issuing a rebate one year. At the same time, he pushed to increase funding for street and neighborhood improvements. Because good roads and safe neighborhoods should not come at the expense of financial responsibility.

Balanced budgets. Smart investments. Lower taxes.

SUPPORTING AGRICULTURE AND OUR HERITAGE

Because Suffolk Is Still Rural at Heart

We are proud of our agricultural roots. John voted to establish an Agricultural Committee and hire an Agricultural Coordinator to promote farming, protect rural land, and celebrate our heritage.

Suffolk’s identity is tied to the land. That matters.

PUBLIC SAFETY FIRST

Safer Neighborhoods. Stronger Departments.

Public safety is not political. It is personal.

✔ Fire Station #11 opened in Northern Suffolk in Summer 2025

✔ Established a Public Safety Committee to improve coordination

✔ Directed that 100% of speed camera revenue go back into public safety

✔ Supported recruitment of fire, rescue, and police to bring departments close to full staffing

✔ Crime rates have decreased for three consecutive years

When you call for help, you deserve a response. John has worked to make sure that happens.

GROWING OPPORTUNITY

Jobs. Training. Workforce Development.

John helped Paul D. Camp Community College convert the former Trader Joe’s site on South Main Street into a workforce training center to support local industries. He serves on the Workforce Development Council to expand trade and technical school opportunities for Suffolk citizens.