City of Portsmouth - Councilman Vernon Tillage

About

My name is Vernon Lamont Tillage, Jr and I am a candidate for the Portsmouth City Council. I am running because I love this city too much to continue to see it suffer. 

I am a life-long resident of the City of Portsmouth. I was raised by a single mother who instilled in me the value of community service. She taught me that everyone has a story and to always try to help make a life for someone a little bit easier. I came up through Portsmouth Public Schools, graduating from Churchland High School and earning my Bachelor of Science degree from Old Dominion University. 

Upon graduating from ODU, I served as a legislative assistant in the Virginia General Assembly, a Regional Outreach Representative in the United States Senate, and managed various local campaigns in Portsmouth. I currently serve as the Community Affairs Coordinator for Virginia Natural Gas. In 2021, I was recognized by the Old Dominion University Alumni Association. I was awarded their inaugural "Top 40 Under 40" award, which is awarded to individuals who have forged exceptional achievements and will leave an indelible make before the age of 40. 

When I am not working, I remain engaged throughout the community. I am the Chair of the Portsmouth Democratic Committee and the Board President of Friends of the Portsmouth Juvenile Court, Inc. I have previously served as a board member of Portsmouth Volunteers for the Homeless,  Portsmouth Complete Count Commission (Vice-Chair), Portsmouth Park and Recreation Commission, Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Committee (Executive Board), Portsmouth Downtown Design Committee, and Hampton Roads Young Democrats (Vice President). 

My mission is to serve people by making a positive impact in their lives that will hopefully make their lives easier. We cannot have a prosperous Portsmouth, an equitable Portsmouth, without first having a SAFE Portsmouth! I am running to Improve Public Safety, Rebuild Our Infrastructure, Invest in Education, and Recruit Economic Develop. Together we can build a SAFE and BETTER Portsmouth! I hope to earn your vote for Portsmouth City Council on November 8th! 

Term Expires: 12/31/26