News Summary In Virginia Beach, a competitive race for Commonwealth’s Attorney unfolds as incumbent Colin Stolle faces Democratic challenger Suzanne Seidel Richmond. With the election on November 4, the candidates present differing visions for public safety and community engagement. Stolle emphasizes strict law enforcement, while Seidel advocates for community programs and addressing root causes of crime. Both aim to educate youth on criminal consequences. Voters are encouraged to explore each candidate’s platform as polling day approaches. Virginia Beach is set to witness a contested race for the position of Commonwealth’s Attorney in the upcoming November election. Incumbent Colin Stolle, a Republican, will face off against Democratic challenger Suzanne Seidel Richmond. With early voting starting on September 19, 2025, and Election Day scheduled for November 4, this election is poised to influence the future of public safety and legal accountability in Virginia Beach. Colin Stolle, aged 55, has held the office of Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney since 2013. His education includes a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Virginia Commonwealth University and the Virginia Law Reader Program, which has paved the way for over three decades of experience in law. Stolle emphasizes issues surrounding violent crime and public safety, advocating for policies to ensure offenders are held accountable. His approaches include strict measures like “no deals for dangerous drug dealers” and “use a gun, go to jail.” Stolle has also highlighted the critical role of mental health and substance abuse in relation to criminal behavior, focusing on these areas as part of his broader strategy. In contrast, challenger Suzanne Seidel Richmond, aged 46, is an experienced attorney with a diverse background that spans both prosecution and public defense. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Virginia Tech and a Juris Doctor from Regent University. Seidel’s campaign is centered around rebuilding community trust and ensuring that the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office engages positively with the public. She advocates for addressing poverty as a root cause of crime and aims to implement community programs that can help alleviate this issue. Her focus includes promoting transparency and accountability in the legal process, enabling better communication between the legal system and the community. Both candidates are committed to outreach efforts aimed at educating youth about the realities and consequences of criminal activity, recognizing that early intervention is crucial in crime prevention. As part of their campaigns, they aim to implement multi-faceted approaches that blend community-based solutions with effective legal practices. In terms of their credentials, Stolle has a history of managing serious and complex criminal cases and oversees a multimillion-dollar budget while supervising a large team of attorneys and staff. His recent appointment to the Virginia State Crime Commission by Governor Youngkin in August 2024 further emphasizes his commitment and involvement in state-level legal matters. On the other hand, Seidel brings insight from her experiences on both sides of criminal law, which enhances her understanding of the community’s needs and the justice system’s workings. As the election date approaches, both candidates continue to articulate their visions for the Commonwealth Attorney’s position. Stolle’s focus remains on maintaining strict crime policies, while Seidel encourages a more balanced and community-oriented approach. Their differing philosophies reflect broader conversations about public safety, accountability, and community resources. For voters in Virginia Beach, this election is not just about selecting a Commonwealth’s Attorney; it is about deciding the direction of justice and community relations in their city. Polling hours on Election Day will be from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters can prepare for the election by reviewing the candidates’ platforms, which are detailed on Stolle’s website at www.colinstolle.com and Seidel’s at suzanneforvb.com. Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic HERE Resources Additional Resources MSN News: Virginia Beach Deputies Trial Delayed Pilot Online: Suzanne Seidel and Colin Stolle Election WAVY: Candidate Profile Colin Stolle WTKR: Man Pleads Guilty to Shooting WAVY: Your Commonwealth Cares Summer Splash Wikipedia: Colin Stolle Google Search: Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney election Google Scholar: Public Safety Virginia Beach Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime Google News: Virginia Beach Crime News
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