The race for Suffolk’s Commonwealth’s Attorney seat is heating up as incumbent Narendra Pleas seeks a second four-year term. Pleas, who has held the position since 2022, initially won the office in 2021 after the retirement of Phil Ferguson, who served for an impressive 44 years. This election, she faces off against local attorney Patrick Bales, who is running as an independent candidate.
While Pleas has a solid background in prosecution, Bales did not respond to inquiries from The Virginian-Pilot before publication, leaving some details of his campaign unclear.
In her campaign, Pleas emphasizes the importance of public perception regarding law enforcement. “Our greatest issue is that the work of law enforcement is seen as inherently negative,” she stated. Pleas believes that many dedicated individuals in her office strive to protect the community while often working behind the scenes, without seeking public recognition. She insists that the role of a prosecutor demands a high moral character, stating, “not all who apply are qualified for this role.”
Pleas has nearly two decades of experience as a prosecutor, with over ten years in Suffolk. Her educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in psychology and political science from Agnes Scott College and a law degree from Indiana University. On her campaign website, she outlines her commitment to addressing the needs of the community, particularly with initiatives like the Behavioral Health Docket. This program allows individuals charged with crimes linked to mental health issues to receive necessary services rather than serving time in jail.
Furthermore, Pleas points to her office’s Environmental Justice Initiative, a collaborative effort aimed at investigating and prosecuting environmental crimes in Suffolk. This initiative reflects her dedication to adapting the office’s priorities to better serve the community’s evolving needs.
When addressing the pressing issue of violent crime, Pleas notes that the root causes extend beyond the responsibilities of her office or the police force. “Greed, jealousy, hatred, failure to respect humanity – these are just some of the causes of violent crime,” she explained. She advocates for a societal shift towards treating others with respect and kindness as a foundational approach to reducing violence.
As the election approaches, Suffolk residents will have a choice between Pleas, whose experience and initiatives aim to foster community trust, and Bales, whose campaign details remain to be fully articulated. The outcome will not only decide the future leadership of the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office but also set the tone for how legal issues are addressed in Suffolk over the next four years.