Why should 2nd Ward voters choose incumbent Portsmouth City Councilman David Malone over challenger Austin Leedom on Nov. 6?

“Because they're getting an honest family man with no political agenda who looks at the whole issue,” he said.

Malone, 49, will be seeking his second term in office.

He said the biggest issues in the 2nd Ward are cleaning up the area and fixing the potholes.

As for the city, Malone said the biggest issue is finding a new city building.

He said he favored renovating the former Marting's Department Store building. But voters decided not to do that in 2004.

Therefore, the city is considering constructing a new building at the former Adelphia Communications site on Washington Street.

“We should take the recommendation of the building committee, and that's what they wanted to do,” Malone said.

President Howard Baughman last year formed a committee to help find a location for a new city building.

Estimates have ranged from between $10 million and $12 million.

Malone, though, said he thinks voters would support a new building that cost $7 million or $8 million.

“If we inform the people properly, I think they will buy into it,” he said. “I think they would go with $7 million.”

Earlier this week, auditor Trent Williams said he has explained to City Council how they could finance the $7 million. He also doesn't think the city should spend more than that for a new building.

Another challenge for city officials is to keep people from leaving the city, Malone said.

At one point, the population was about 40,000. But it is now below 20,000.

“We've got to work together to change the attitude and perspective of the city,” Malone said.

He said that would go a long way in retaining residents.

Malone said while City Council cannot furnish jobs, it can make sure the climate is good for restaurants, entertainment and other things which would help keep residents in the city.

“I think it can be done if we work together instead of having all this negativity,” he said.

Leedom has criticized Malone by saying since he does not have a published telephone number, it is hard for residents to reach him.

Malone's number is not listed, but he said that is not a problem.

“I don't know why he said that,” Malone said of Leedom. “He's never had any trouble getting me. All people have to do is call the city clerk and she will give them my number.”

Malone also has been criticized for changing votes from one meeting to the next on the same issue.

However, he denies that claim.