ABOUT ME
Hi, I'm Vernon "Lamont"
A Lifetime of Service. A Vision for Portsmouth’s Future.
Born and raised in the City of Portsmouth, my commitment to this community is more than professional—it is personal. Raised by a single mother who modeled the true meaning of community service, I learned early on that leadership is about empathy and action. She taught me that everyone has a story, and our greatest calling is to make life a little easier for our neighbors.
Rooted in Our Community
I am a proud product of Portsmouth Public Schools and a graduate of Churchland High School. I carried those Portsmouth values with me to Old Dominion University, where I earned my Bachelor of Science. My dedication to our region was recognized by my alma mater in 2021, when I was named to the inaugural “Top 40 Under 40” by the ODU Alumni Association—an honor given to those making an indelible mark on their community before the age of 40.
Experienced Leadership That Works
My career has been defined by navigating every level of government to deliver results for our citizens:
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State & Federal Experience: Served as Chief of Staff in the Virginia General Assembly and Regional Outreach Representative in the U.S. Senate.
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Private Sector Leadership: Currently serving as the Community Affairs Project Coordinator for Virginia Natural Gas.
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Local Governance: A current member of the Portsmouth City Council and former Portsmouth School Board member, an active voice on the Legislative Committee for the Virginia Municipal League and the Executive Board for the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials.
Dedicated to Portsmouth
Beyond my professional roles, I believe in showing up for Portsmouth. Whether serving as the Immediate Past Chair of the Portsmouth Democratic Committee or as Board President of Friends of the Portsmouth Juvenile Court, I have dedicated my time to the organizations that hold our city together. From homelessness prevention to parks and recreation, my board service is a testament to my "all-in" approach to our city’s success.
On November 3rd, Let’s Move Portsmouth Forward
I am fighting for a safer, more affordable city. My platform is built on the pillars our families need most:
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Protecting Our Community through modernized public safety.
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Lowering Your Costs by championing affordability.
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Increasing Access to Housing for all residents.
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Investing in Education to secure our children's future.
I am asking for your vote on November 3rd to continue building the Portsmouth we all deserve. Together, we can move Portsmouth forward.
Vernon Lamont Tillage Jr.
MISSION STATEMENT
Making a Positive Impact
I am committed to building a Portsmouth where every resident feels safe and every family can afford to thrive. Together, we are strengthening our community by investing in our neighbors, protecting our city’s future, and delivering the life-saving results our people deserve.
Together we can build a SAFE and MORE AFFORDABLE Portsmouth! I hope to earn your vote for Portsmouth City Council on November 3rd!
