News Summary
Virginia Beach is preparing for a competitive election between incumbent Sheriff Rocky Holcomb and challenger Peacemaker Aldo. The race centers on law enforcement practices, accountability, staffing shortages, and community engagement. Holcomb emphasizes his experience, while Aldo advocates for transparency and reform efforts like grand jury independence and jail population reduction. The election, taking place on November 4 with early voting ending November 1, has generated significant community interest as voters consider different visions for the Sheriff’s Office and public safety.
Virginia Beach is gearing up for a competitive election as Peacemaker Aldo (Aldo DiBelardino) challenges incumbent Sheriff Rocky Holcomb in the November election. The election is set to take place on November 4, with early voting concluding on November 1.
Rocky Holcomb, a Republican, has been in the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office for over three decades, initially starting his career as a deputy in 1991. In the special election held the previous year, Holcomb secured approximately 72% of the vote, while Aldo garnered around 27%. Holcomb attributes his success and capability to his extensive experience, emphasizing that he has been a deputy sheriff for more than half his life.
Aldo DiBelardino, running as an independent, is an inventor and small business owner known for selling fire escape ladders. He aims to bring an outsider’s perspective to the Sheriff’s Office, focusing on accountability and transparency. Aldo has a personal history that includes a period of incarceration, claiming he spent 73 days in solitary confinement after protesting against corruption. His campaign centers around enhancing visibility in the courthouse, such as allowing cell phones into courtrooms.
Key Issues in the Election
One significant topic of debate in the election is the collaboration of the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office with ICE regarding federal immigration enforcement. Holcomb has expressed a commitment to due process, upholding federal immigration laws, while also striving to create a welcoming environment. Aldo, on the other hand, advocates for restoring grand jury independence to promote accountability within the justice system.
Both candidates are also tackling the pressing issue of staffing shortages within Virginia’s prisons, which are reportedly under-staffed. Holcomb has highlighted his recruitment and retention program for staff, which includes offering competitive salaries and benefits. Meanwhile, Aldo argues for a cultural shift within the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office to attract honorable candidates, promoting the need for accountability and transparency.
Campaign Initiatives
Rocky Holcomb has launched several initiatives aimed at improving the community, including alternative sentencing options, supportive housing, and rehabilitative programs designed to reduce recidivism rates. He also established a K-9 unit to assist in detecting drugs, such as fentanyl, reflecting his proactive approach towards tackling drug-related issues.
In contrast, Aldo proposes various ideas to reduce the jail population, including exploring home monitoring for certain offenders. His vision incorporates a model that encourages a more open and transparent Sheriff’s Office, reflecting his belief in accountability as a vital component of law enforcement.
Conclusion
As the election approaches, both candidates are presenting their platforms addressing critical community issues, including law enforcement practices and the challenges posed by the current state of local incarceration facilities. The community remains engaged as they prepare to cast their votes on November 4, with early voting already underway.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Virginia Beach Man Sentenced for Rape of Minor
Community Crime Line Enhances Public Safety and Crime Solving
Contractor Sentenced for Repeated Child Rape
Construction Halted at Medina County Data Center Following Worker Death
Construction Worker Dies After 30-Foot Fall in Iowa
Student Reports Gun and Suicidal Thoughts at Springville High School
Contractor Charged with Embezzling Funds from Homeowners
Homecoming Events Canceled in Alexandria Over Security Threats
Alexandria Cancels Peabody Magnet High School Homecoming Events due to Security Threats
Bomb Threat at First Colonial High School in Virginia Beach
Additional Resources
- Fox 5 DC: Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Race
- Pilot Online: Virginia Beach Sheriff Election 2024
- 13 News Now: Peacemaker Aldo vs Rocky Holcomb
- WAVY: Candidate Profile – Rocky Holcomb III
- Google Search: Virginia Beach sheriff election 2024
Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER
The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your trusted source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with comprehensive coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—supported by years of expert reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while offering top reporting on high-profile events like the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and military homecoming celebrations, alongside key organizations such as the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach Convention Center, and Oceana Naval Air Station, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense like Busch Gardens and Northrop Grumman, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREWilliamsburg.com, providing credible, in-depth insights into Virginia's vibrant landscape. HERE Virginia Beach HERE Williamsburg
