NOTE: This article will be delivered in multiple parts. The election for Sheriff of Virginia Beach, VA, is a critical must-win race for Democrats. This diary represents PART ONE and is an introduction to the candidate and his professional accomplishments. Future articles will delve into the current political climate in the region and WHY this candidate deserves increased attention and support.
Some people work their entire lives to live when retired. Others live to work. John Bell, Jr. is someone who puts duty before sightseeing. After retiring as Deputy Chief of the Virginia Beach Police Department in December 2016, having nearly 40 years of service, Mr. Bell is running for Sheriff of Virginia Beach. When he could be traveling and enjoying his free time, he’s instead answering the call to run from so many constituents (even Republicans). He is actively on the ground explaining to residents why he is the better candidate for Sheriff. It’s time to “Turn the Tide," (the motto of his campaign). Leadership doesn’t have an expiration date.
This isn’t Mr. Bell’s first bite at the apple. In 2009, he ran against current Sheriff, Republican Ken Stolle. Voters had a choice: a lifetime of service as career public safety administrator with solid education and commitment to public service, versus a career politician. Sometimes when you are fighting a machine—a family “dynasty” if you will, money seemingly buys elections. The Stolle name holds weight all the way from the beaches of Hampton Roads to more centralized Richmond. The family proudly boasts their reach and in fact, prior to election day 2009, Stolle made sure to tell Bell in person, he would never stand a chance of holding office against him. Honestly, I was unnerved to discover the vast tentacles of control in eastern Virginia. This is a story not simply told in one Daily Kos article, but in a series. It’s time to dismantle the chokehold by the Stolle family. It begins with unseating the current Republican Sheriff, Ken Stolle.
Who is John Bell, Jr.?
Let’s begin with his bio and credentials validating the strengths of this candidate.
Personal:
- John L. Bell, Jr. was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1952.
- Married his beautiful wife Cora McKinnie Bell, in 2004.
- A devoted family man and proud parent to sons John L. Bell, III, and Justin Bell. Additionally, they have four “grands”: Damytreis, Parker, John IV, and Lily.
Academic:
- Graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, in 1970.
- Attended Columbia University (1970-1973). (At 21, Bell became eligible to join the New York City Police Department and left Columbia after his junior year to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a police officer.)
- Earned an Associate of Arts, Saint Leo University (1992)
- Earned a Bachelor of Arts, Saint Leo University (1995).
- Earned a Masters of Public Administration, Troy University (2008).
PROFESSIONAL:
- 1973 —1975 He joined the New York City Transit Police. After a reduction of staff, he pursued future employment.
- 1976 — He joined the Virginia Beach Police Department. While there he rose through the ranks with promotions to Detective, Patrol Sergeant and Lieutenant.
- 1997— Promoted to Captain, specifically serving as Command Duty Officer, Commander of the 1st and 3rd Precincts. He then joined the Detective Bureau and Professional Standards Office (Internal Affairs).
- 2010 — Promoted to Deputy Chief of Police. As Deputy Chief of Police, his responsibilities included command of the Professional Standards Division for the Virginia Beach Police Department. The post included oversight of the Office of Internal Affairs and Accreditation, and the Professional Development and Training Unit. All necessary training as well as the Department’s Police Academy fell under his purview and oversight. Additionally, he served as the Department’s liaison to the community for critical outreach efforts as well as liaison to the Virginia Beach Human Rights Commission.
- 2016 — With a combined 42 years of career public safety, he retired from the Department on January 1, 2016.
Sometimes people are seemingly born to do certain things and have incredible creative skills. Imagine the world without famous painters like Picasso, Monet, or da Vinci. Or the eloquent orations of Martin Luther King, Jr. These individuals have marked the world permanently and publicly for generations to come. There are those instances however where people are marking the common good at a grassroots level, without much public notoriety or acclaim. There is such an example as this with Mr. Bell. John knew from an early age he was destined for a life of service in the police department. A young John Bell, Jr., declared his
intentions at Lefferts Junior High School, in 7th grade, in Room 215. His assignment was to answer the following question: “When I grow up...”— Here’s his declaration: “When I grow up I wish to be a detective. This will be showing that I am a good citizen because of the risk I will be taking. It also will show that I care for the safety of the citizens in the community I will be stationed. Being a detective will be a job that calls for a High School Diploma, but if I go to college I will be in a better position to get a promotion right away. This job pays well enough to support a nice sized family plus extra money for recreational activities and bills.” Mr. Bell’s mother somehow knew the words in his school composition book were important. She knew he would make a difference in his community and presented it to him years later. John was destined for a life in law enforcement—he lives to work. This election is the next step in a lifelong destiny. Sheriff.
ENDORSEMENTS:
- Terry McAuliffe, Governor of Virginia
- Dr. Ralph Northam, Lt. Governor of Virginia; Democratic Primary Candidate for Governor of Virginia
- Tom Perriello, Democratic Primary Candidate for Governor of Virginia
- Justin Fairfax, Democratic Primary Candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia
- Susan Platt, Democratic Primary Candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia
- Gene Rossi, Democratic Primary Candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia
Professional Affiliations:
* Hampton Roads Virginia Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) - Past Vice President
* Virginia Beach Gang Task Force- Past Member
* Board member of the Hampton Roads Committee of 200+ Men
* Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. - Member
* Virginia Beach Oceanside Lions Club - Vice President
* Tidewater Community College, Administration of Justice Curriculum Advisory Board
* Conference of Minority Public Administrators, Hampton Roads Chapter - Past Member
* NAACP, Virginia Beach Chapter - Member
* American Society of Public Administrators - Member
* In 2014 he was appointed by Governor Terry McAuliffe to serve as a member of the Virginia Secure Commonwealth Panel.
*Part Two will delve into election financing and other issues facing Virginia Beach…until then, stay tuned!