ODU athletics
What has happened to Old Dominion University’s once proud athletic program? One look no further than to Athletic Director Wood Selig. Since his hire the basketball and football programs have been mired in mediocrity, to say the least. Slow to react to mediocrity has been a hallmark of Selig’s tenure.
At this point one has to wonder why Selig has not been replaced. Neither the men’s or women’s basketball programs have been to the NCAA tournament in more than 10 years. Both teams used to either make the tournament or come close every year. Recent lopsided losses to Sun Belt Conference rivals in football are a continuation of the deterioration of the program that once seemed to hold so much potential. I am embarrassed and angry this situation has been allowed to continue so long and will withdraw my financial support until changes are made.
Bob Nixon, Virginia Beach
Jay Jones
I have known Democratic attorney general candidate and former Del. Jay Jones since he was a young lad, not yet in middle school, and I was working closely with his father on a legislative issue before the Virginia legislature at the time. He impressed me then as a polite and serious kid. More recently I have followed his career through reports from his father, and even more recently have gotten to know him as an adult. I am well enough acquainted with him to know that his recent comments about doing violence to a political opponent and his family are completely out of character. He has apologized and offered no self-serving justifications, such as passing the comments off as jokes gone bad. I have to believe, however, that he was making obviously extreme statements never meant to be taken even half seriously. Poor judgment to be sure, but not reflective of who I know him to be.
I intend to vote for Jones despite this instance of bad judgment because I believe he is better qualified to be attorney general than incumbent Jason Miyares. That man has proven to be just another part of the gang of cowardly GOP politicians that make up President Donald Trump’s cult. Virginia deserves better.
Perry Miles III, Norfolk
City treasurer
I proudly endorse Wendy Roenker for Chesapeake city treasurer. Roenker is an expert in the laws governing local tax collection, has the character and demeanor to lead an office of professional public servants, and the ability to perform the complex duties the Office of City Treasurer demands. She is a trusted adviser to me as treasurer and has participated in every difficult decision we’ve faced during my term.
As a career attorney, she of course knows the law. But as an executive with extensive experience in this office, Roenker has also developed a thorough knowledge of the tax collections processes and the complex financial and banking intricacies of the job. She has ongoing professional relationships across the city and has worked collaboratively with other city departments to solve problems impacting Chesapeake citizens. She has represented the treasurer’s office on the city’s tax modernization project since its beginning, and after years of hard work will lead the implementation of the new system, bringing modern payment options and enhanced access to billing information to taxpayers.
Roenker has the knowledge, character and abilities necessary to serve as treasurer. She is the right person, at the right time, to lead the treasurer’s office into the future, and I ask the citizens of Chesapeake to join me on Nov. 4 in voting for Roenker as our next city treasurer.
Ben White, city treasurer, Chesapeake
Election letters
We will accept letters related to the election through 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29, and publish them, space permitting, through Friday, Oct. 31.
https://www.pilotonline.com/2025/10/23/letters-for-oct-24-odu-athletic-programs-mired-in-mediocrity/
