Voting at 6am at Bayside Rec Center
Poll volunteers did an outstanding job! Thank you!
Took 51 minutes from getting there to voting.
Poll volunteers did an outstanding job! Thank you!
Took 51 minutes from getting there to voting.
Candidates’ written responses to your questions.*
Mayoral Candiates:
Kempsville:
Rose Hall:
At Large:
* All responses are posted.
All responses were reformatted into PDF files whether they were copy/pasted from an email or migrated from a Word file.
Our only goal was to post all responses as fairly & clearly as possible.
SDCC can not support or promote individual candidates.
Who’s coming tomorrow night:
John Moss
Scott Taylor
Will Sessoms
Meyera Oberndorf
Georgia Allen
Larry Teator
Rosemary Wilson
Harry Diezel
Andrew Jackson
Joe Flores
Glenn Davis
Reba McClanan
Ask them your questions! Start here.
Details about City Council Candidate Forum.
Please use the “Discuss” link below to get us your questions. Details about Forum.
Topics: Call to Action City Council Elections Election Info SDCC News & InfoWhat: Mayoral and City Council Candidate Forum for the Bayfront
Date: Wednesday Oct 1st
Time: 7:00pm to 9:30pm
Location: Baylake United Methodist Church, 4300 Shore Drive (Corner of Treasure Island Dr. and Shore Dr.)
Printable Flyer:
[1pg PDF]
Forum Format
* Candidates will be given an information period of 2 minutes each at the beginning of the forum to tell about themselves and their general positions.
* The informational period will be followed by a question and answer session where each candidate will be given 1 minute to answer a question submitted by the community.
* Questions will be chosen randomly from those submitted on-line at http://www.sdcc.info. The list of questions will be provided to each candidate at the beginning of the forum.
* Depending on the number of candidates attending the forum, candidates should have a chance to answer between 8-10 questions. Each candidate will be given a chance to answer every question.
* Candidates are asked to be respectful to other candidates and to the time limitations.
The Shore Drive Community Coalition (SDCC) and the Ocean Park Civic League are sponsoring this forum in an effort to bring attention to the many concerns of communities. The SDCC represents about 30 civic and condominium associations along the Shore Drive corridor comprising about 8000 residences.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
We recommend getting their early!
[Candidates:Please RSVP by September 26 if you can or cannot attend the Oct 1st forum. RSVPs can be sent to me at todd@sdcc.info or made in person to my cell phone at 667-8533.]
Thank you for you time and your initiative to becoming a leader for Virginia Beach,
Todd R. Solomon
Shore Drive Community Coalition, President
Tips on attending:
Car pool! There is limited parking.
Enter at double doors in the back.
Topics: Call to Action City Council Elections Election Info Events/Meetings SDCC News & Info Shore Drive News
NO GENERAL MEETING
SDCC General Meeting - Monday August 25, 2008
NO GENERAL MEETING
Due to a conflict in the SDCC officer’s schedules, there will be no general meeting this month. The next SDCC general meeting will be September 29, 2008.
Issues and concerns update
Indigo Dunes Project – Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) plans
to have a recommendation complete and submitted to the State Water
Control Board (WCB) by September 19th. The WCB is scheduled to meet
in Richmond on October 16th and will review this project as part of
their meeting. The SDCC Pleasure House Point (PHP) committee met with
the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) and our legal representation to
put together a plan for the WCB hearing. SDCC is pursuing additional
legal representation for the October WCB meeting. SDCC is also
putting together a letter to send to City Council asking that
negotiations begin toward finding a way to sell or swap the land in an
effort to preserve it as open space in accordance with the City’s Open
Space Plan.
Lynnhaven Boat Ramp (LBR) Proposed Spoils Transfer Station – City
Staff is still pursuing the purchase of land behind the AT&T store
(4338 VB Blvd.) just off VB Blvd as a possible transfer site. This
site would also provide kayak & canoe access when not being used as a
transfer station. City Staff is looking at purchasing or condemnation
of all the property in the area to also allow a Fire Station. A Staff
briefing to City Council has been planned, but not held to date.
Proposed Rezoning of City Marina - Planning Commission review has been
deferred indefinitely from the August 13th meeting. SDCC has sent a
letter to City Staff and Council opposing the rezoning from P-1 to
B-2. Reasons for opposition include the fact that a marina is
considered a principal use in a P-1 zoning district so there is no
need to rezone and the current arrangement is a money making venture
for the City, about $50,000 per year. Making it a private venture
runs the risk of losing this income. City staff, Barry Frankenfield,
will be attending the September SDCC General meeting to discuss this
issue. Please come and express your specific concerns with the plan
and proffers. Visit http://www.sdcc.info to view the City’s proposal.
Marina Shores Redevelopment Plans – Plans are moving forward to
redevelop the area into 5 and 7 story tall office buildings with
retail on the first floor. The plan includes a parking structure
between the offices and the single family homes to the north. The dry
storage facility will also increase in height by 2 stories and an
additional floating pier will be added parallel to Long Creek from the
marina all the way to Cape Henry Shores. The plan will increase the
number of car trips by about 6,000 and require a stop light at the
intersection of North Great Neck Road and Lynnhaven Drive.
Cape Henry Beach Sand Replenishment – City Staff and City Council are
working toward resolving specific concerns from some of the
associations that are willing to provide construction easements but
not the public easements requested by the City. Staff plans on
working through these issues to support the 2009/2010 dredging cycle.
City Council Candidate Forum and Questionnaire – SDCC agreed to
partner with OPCL and host a City Council Candidate Forum the end of
September or beginning of October. Location have been narrowed to
the Baylake United Methodist Church. Final plans are being
arranged, so stay tuned for an exact date, location and time. Todd
will moderate and the format is still being decided.
SDCC Oyster Roast – Mark your calendars for Saturday Nov 15th from
noon until 4pm at the VB Resort Conference Hotel. Volunteers are
needed. Without your help, this event will not happen. Email Todd if
you’re interested in helping. Todd@sdcc.info
The Shore Drive Community Coalition sent all 2004 City Council Candidates a questionnaire regarding specific issues to the Shore Drive community.
The “Yes” or “No” type questions & answers can be viewed by clicking ‘Read more’ below.
7 of the 11 candidates responded and their answers have been posted for general information.
The candidates that responded were Meyera Oberndorf, Al Wallace, Bob Dyer, Margaret Eure, Richard Kowalewitch, John Moss, Rosemary Wilson.
The responses are posted in 2 different ways:
First by Question.
Second by Candidate/Office
SDCC’s 2004 City Council Candidate Questionnaire
The Questions
1. Will you aggressively pursue the acquisition the City’s purchase of at least 39 acres of Pleasure House Point (the McLesky) property for Open Space?
2. Do you support adding a multipurpose bikeway to the existing Lesner Bridge?
3. Do you support the Shore Drive merchants begin receiving benefits from the TGIF funds into which they currently contribute?
4. Do you support the City’s current Beach Management and Implementation Plan?
5. Will you support the continued budgeting and construction of beach walkways in the Shore Drive area?
6. Do you support a reduction to the City’s current real estate tax rate?
Responses by Question
#1 Will you aggressively pursue the acquisition the City’s purchase of at least 39 acres of Pleasure House Point property for Open Space?
Meyera Oberndorf - Yes. Providing the price reflects current market or less and if sufficient funds are budgeted.
Al Wallace - Yes. It is expensive as this is prime property, but it is the right thing to do. If the city does not buy it, I believe this property will be sold for condo development which is the last thing this area needs. I don’t believe the plans for a marina will materialize. Additionally, the Lynnhaven waterway is environmentally fragile, and continued oyster bedding must be maintained. Open space is essential to nurture the proper marine growth and environmentally maturity of the Lynnhaven waterway.
Bob Dyer - Yes. I would aggressively pursue the City’s acquisition of the McLesky property for open space. I feel the Shore Drive corridor is already showing the strain of overdevelopment. Unless we hold the line on density, the quality of life in such areas will continue to deteriorate.
Margaret Eure - Yes. Provided the seller is willing and that city funds are available.
Richard “RK” Kowalewitch – Yes
John Moss - Yes. If the opportunity still exist after July 1st, and I’m elected, I will aggressively pursue within fiscal realities acquisition of additional open space at Pleasure House Point.
Rosemary Wilson - Yes, if there is enough money left in the Open Space fund to purchase the entire parcel as well as not neglect other parts of the city.
#2 Do you support adding a multipurpose bikeway to the existing Lesner Bridge?
Meyera Oberndorf - Yes. Depending on costs.
Al Wallace - Yes. Although politicians tend to balk at this as an unnecessary expense, the bikeway is essential in any project as more people consider biking. Dam Neck road is a good example of a bike path. We need environmental visionary people in government to enhance biking and the beauty of our beaches and parks.
Bob Dyer - Yes. While I do not favor widening the roads or bridge, a bikeway would make sense for safety reasons and as a convenience to the citizens.
Margaret Eure - Yes. I serve as the city council representative to the Open Space sub-committee. A current map trail has been printed for the public’s use.
Richard “RK” Kowalewitch – Yes. There are many residences that walk and bike along Shore Drive. This addition would increase safety for both the pedestrian/biker and well as the drivers
John Moss - Yes. Answer is subject to its engineering feasibility. When it can be added will be a function of a majority of City Council, and how well the project competes with other public needs.
Rosemary Wilson - Yes, if it makes financial and engineering sense with the current bridge with consideration given to the replacement bridge.
#3 Do you support the Shore Drive merchants begin receiving benefits from the TGIF funds into which they currently contribute?
Meyera Oberndorf - Yes. The revenue is pledged for projects that will benefit shore drive as well as the rest of the City. Case in point; the new convention center will bring business to Shore Drive as well as the ocean front.
Al Wallace - Yes. The TGIF charter reads: “for capital projects specifically designated by Council to promote and increase tourist visitation and to improve the quality of life for the residents of this city.” One of the revenues to the TGIF is the meals tax, of which 85% is paid by the local citizenry. The Resort Advisory Commission (RAC) needs to undertake a broad perspective when allocating funds from TGIF to projects.
Bob Dyer - Yes. If the City commits to an agreement of dedicating funds for a specific purpose, then this should be honored. There are too many instances where the City utilizes funds from dedicated areas to pay for other projects.
Margaret Eure - Yes.
Richard “RK” Kowalewitch – YES. I believe there should be a level playing field for all that contribute to the TGIF fund, instead of a chosen few reaping all the rewards.
John Moss - Yes. I support everyone receiving a direct benefit from a more equitable distribution of the meal and amusement taxes. At least two-thirds of the tax monies with regard to meals and amusements are generated by residents. I would not limit the scope to shore drive merchants.
Rosemary Wilson - Yes, if they will tell us what they want and it seems to be worthwhile to the citizens
#4 Do you support the City’s current Beach Management and Implementation Plan?
Meyera Oberndorf - Since some of the beaches’ ownerships are in question we try to maintain the cleanliness and we have replenished Ocean Park beaches. I would like to hear what the citizens have to say..
Al Wallace - Yes. For the most part, it is a good plan if Council would cast more attention to the needs outlined in the Plan. There needs to be added focus and dedicated funding to improve the implementation of the Plan, which is dynamic and expanding. For example, efforts to reduce shoreline and sand dune erosion and improved enforcement of wetlands and coastal ordinances.
Bob Dyer - Yes. The City to date does not to have appeared to take this plan with a sense of priority. My understanding is that this plan will beautify and make our beaches clean & accessible. We cannot allow our beaches to deteriorate.
Margaret Eure - Yes. The City is consistently strives to improve the implementation of the plan.
Richard “RK” Kowalewitch – YES.
John Moss - Yes. The creation of incremental tax districts like at Sandbridge to share the cost is a good model, and it make the plans affordable and more equitable.
Rosemary Wilson – Yes.
#5 Will you support the continued budgeting and construction of beach walkways in the Shore Drive area?
Meyera Oberndorf - Yes. The public deserves adequate and convenient access to the beach.
Al Wallace - Yes. Fund raising, partnerships and city involvement is necessary to build and maintain walkways. It is the walkways that enhance the beauty and functions of our beaches and serve as an invitation to citizens and tourists to use our beaches. Walkways provide a user friendly means of using our beaches.
Bob Dyer - YES. Walkways would be user friendly to the citizens who live here
Margaret Eure - YES. We just saved about $100,000 of the taxpayer’s dollars using Sheriff’s inmate workforce.
Richard “RK” Kowalewitch – YES.
John Moss - Yes. The specific level of funding will be subject to the priorities and revenue flows of each year, but a minimum threshold of funding should always be available to continue making progress.
Rosemary Wilson – Yes.
#6 Do you support a reduction to the City’s current real estate tax rate?
Meyera Oberndorf - Yes. As long as the City can meet all of its obligations. Police, Fire, EMS, Education, Transportation funding, Community Services, the Jail, the new Juvenile Detention Center, new Library Staffing, and State mandates with no funding or State Budget.
Al Wallace - Yes. I believe the latest assessment increase above the annual average rate (7%) is a windfall and that amount should be returned to the citizens as a rollback to the property tax rate. Also, as a result of the average assessments rising above 1% for 2004, the State Statute has declared the new tax rate to be $1.10 (done automatically). Increasing the tax rate to $1.15 to cover added citizen’s needs should be acceptable. The way to increase city revenues is through business growth and expanding the convention business to year round operations. Increasing (restoring is what the city uses) the property tax rate to $1.22 is inappropriate and unnecessary. The incumbent has been restoring the tax rate to $1.22 for the last eight years causing property tax bills to go too high. I will stop this.
Bob Dyer - Yes. The City reached a significant amount of unexpected revenue from the dramatic increase in real estate assessments. These increases place a burden on many families and reduce disposable income. If we are to remain “A Community for a Lifetime,” residents must be able to afford to live here.
Margaret Eure - YES.
Richard “RK” Kowalewitch – YES.
John Moss - Yes. I believe a roll back of ten cents/a dime can be achieved - all it takes is leadership and Council willing to get into the details and set priorities.
Rosemary Wilson – Yes, but we need to decide what services you want cut as well as what the state budget is going to provide.
Responses by Candidate
Mayor Candidates
Meyera Oberndorf
1. Will you aggressively pursue the acquisition the City’s purchase of at least 39 acres of Pleasure House Point property for Open Space?
Yes. Providing the price reflects current market or less and if sufficient funds are budgeted.
2. Do you support adding a multipurpose bikeway to the existing Lesner Bridge?
Yes. Depending on costs
3. Do you support the Shore Drive merchants begin receiving benefits from the TGIF funds into which they currently contribute?
Yes. The revenue is pledged for projects that will benefit shore drive as well as the rest of the City. Case in point; the new convention center will bring business to Shore Drive as well as the ocean front.
4. Do you support the City’s current Beach Management and Implementation Plan?
Since some of the beaches’ ownerships are in question we try to maintain the cleanliness and we have replenished Ocean Park beaches. I would like to hear what the citizens have to say.
5. Will you support the continued budgeting and construction of beach walkways in the Shore Drive area?
Yes. The public deserves adequate and convenient access to the beach.
6. Do you support a reduction to the City’s current real estate tax rate?
Yes. As long as the City can meet all of its obligations. Police, Fire, EMS, Education, Transportation funding, Community Services, the Jail, the new Juvenile Detention Center, new Library Staffing, and State mandates with no funding or State Budget.
Al Wallace
1. Will you aggressively pursue the acquisition the City’s purchase of at least 39 acres of Pleasure House Point property for Open Space?
Yes. It is expensive as this is prime property, but it is the right thing to do. If the city does not buy it, I believe this property will be sold for condo development which is the last thing this area needs. I don’t believe the plans for a marina will materialize. Additionally, the Lynnhaven waterway is environmentally fragile, and continued oyster bedding must be maintained. Open space is essential to nurture the proper marine growth and environmentally maturity of the Lynnhaven waterway.
2. Do you support adding a multipurpose bikeway to the existing Lesner Bridge?
Yes. Although politicians tend to balk at this as an unnecessary expense, the bikeway is essential in any project as more people consider biking. Dam Neck road is a good example of a bike path. We need environmental visionary people in government to enhance biking and the beauty of our beaches and parks.
3. Do you support the Shore Drive merchants begin receiving benefits from the TGIF funds into which they currently contribute?
Yes. The TGIF charter reads: “for capital projects specifically designated by Council to promote and increase tourist visitation and to improve the quality of life for the residents of this city.” One of the revenues to the TGIF is the meals tax, of which 85% is paid by the local citizenry. The Resort Advisory Commission (RAC) needs to undertake a broad perspective when allocating funds from TGIF to projects.
4. Do you support the City’s current Beach Management and Implementation Plan?
Yes. For the most part, it is a good plan if Council would cast more attention to the needs outlined in the Plan. There needs to be added focus and dedicated funding to improve the implementation of the Plan, which is dynamic and expanding. For example, efforts to reduce shoreline and sand dune erosion and improved enforcement of wetlands and coastal ordinances.
5. Will you support the continued budgeting and construction of beach walkways in the Shore Drive area?
Yes. Fund raising, partnerships and city involvement is necessary to build and maintain walkways. It is the walkways that enhance the beauty and functions of our beaches and serve as an invitation to citizens and tourists to use our beaches. Walkways provide a user friendly means of using our beaches.
6. Do you support a reduction to the City’s current real estate tax rate?
Yes. I believe the latest assessment increase above the annual average rate (7%) is a windfall and that amount should be returned to the citizens as a rollback to the property tax rate. Also, as a result of the average assessments rising above 1% for 2004, the State Statute has declared the new tax rate to be $1.10 (done automatically). Increasing the tax rate to $1.15 to cover added citizen’s needs should be acceptable. The way to increase city revenues is through business growth and expanding the convention business to year round operations. Increasing (restoring is what the city uses) the property tax rate to $1.22 is inappropriate and unnecessary. The incumbent has been restoring the tax rate to $1.22 for the last eight years causing property tax bills to go too high. I will stop this.
Centerville Candidates
Bob Dyer
1. Will you aggressively pursue the acquisition the City’s purchase of at least 39 acres of Pleasure House Point property for Open Space?
YES. I would aggressively pursue the City’s acquisition of the McLesky property for open space. I feel the Shore Drive corridor is already showing the strain of overdevelopment. Unless we hold the line on density, the quality of life in such areas will continue to deteriorate.
2. Do you support adding a multipurpose bikeway to the existing Lesner Bridge?
YES. While I do not favor widening the roads or bridge, a bikeway would make sense for safety reasons and as a convenience to the citizens.
3. Do you support the Shore Drive merchants begin receiving benefits from the TGIF funds into which they currently contribute?
YES. If the City commits to an agreement of dedicating funds for a specific purpose, then this should be honored. There are too many instances where the City utilizes funds from dedicated areas to pay for other projects.
4. Do you support the City’s current Beach Management and Implementation Plan?
YES. The City to date does not to have appeared to take this plan with a sense of priority. My understanding is that this plan will beautify and make our beaches clean & accessible. We cannot allow our beaches to deteriorate.
5. Will you support the continued budgeting and construction of beach walkways in the Shore Drive area?
YES. Walkways would be user friendly to the citizens who live here.
6. Do you support a reduction to the City’s current real estate tax rate?
YES. The City reached a significant amount of unexpected revenue from the dramatic increase in real estate assessments. These increases place a burden on many families and reduce disposable income. If we are to remain “A Community for a Lifetime,” residents must be able to afford to live here.
Margaret Eure
1. Will you aggressively pursue the acquisition the City’s purchase of at least 39 acres of Pleasure House Point property for Open Space?
YES. Provided the seller is willing and that city funds are available.
2. Do you support adding a multipurpose bikeway to the existing Lesner Bridge?
YES. I serve as the city council representative to the Open Space sub-committee. A current map trail has been printed for the public’s use.
3. Do you support the Shore Drive merchants begin receiving benefits from the TGIF funds into which they currently contribute?
YES.
4. Do you support the City’s current Beach Management and Implementation Plan?
YES. The City is consistently strives to improve the implementation of the plan.
5. Will you support the continued budgeting and construction of beach walkways in the Shore Drive area?
YES. We just saved about $100,000 of the taxpayer’s dollars using Sheriff’s inmate workforce.
6. Do you support a reduction to the City’s current real estate tax rate?
YES.
At Large Candidates
Richard “RK” Kowalewitch
1. Will you aggressively pursue the acquisition the City’s purchase of at least 39 acres of Pleasure House Point property for Open Space?
YES.
2. Do you support adding a multipurpose bikeway to the existing Lesner Bridge?
YES. There are many residences that walk and bike along Shore Drive. This addition would increase safety for both the pedestrian/biker and well as the drivers
3. Do you support the Shore Drive merchants begin receiving benefits from the TGIF funds into which they currently contribute?
YES. I believe there should be a level playing field for all that contribute to the TGIF fund, instead of a chosen few reaping all the rewards.
4. Do you support the City’s current Beach Management and Implementation Plan?
YES.
5. Will you support the continued budgeting and construction of beach walkways in the Shore Drive area?
YES.
6. Do you support a reduction to the City’s current real estate tax rate?
YES. I would like to adjust real estate taxes to NOT exceed the cost of living in any given calendar year.
John Moss
1. Will you aggressively pursue the acquisition the City’s purchase of at least 39 acres of Pleasure House Point property for Open Space?
Yes. If the opportunity still exist after July 1st, and I’m elected, I will aggressively pursue within fiscal realities acquisition of additional open space at Pleasure House Point.
2. Do you support adding a multipurpose bikeway to the existing Lesner Bridge?
Yes. Answer is subject to its engineering feasibility. When it can be added will be a function of a majority of City Council, and how well the project competes with other public needs.
3. Do you support the Shore Drive merchants begin receiving benefits from the TGIF funds into which they currently contribute?
Yes. I support everyone receiving a direct benefit from a more equitable distribution of the meal and amusement taxes. At least two-thirds of the tax monies with regard to meals and amusements are generated by residents. I would not limit the scope to shore drive merchants.
4. Do you support the City’s current Beach Management and Implementation Plan?
Yes. The creation of incremental tax districts like at Sandbridge to share the cost is a good model, and it make the plans affordable and more equitable..
5. Will you support the continued budgeting and construction of beach walkways in the Shore Drive area?
Yes. The specific level of funding will be subject to the priorities and revenue flows of each year, but a minimum threshold of funding should always be available to continue making progress.
6. Do you support a reduction to the City’s current real estate tax rate?
Yes. I believe a roll back of ten cents/a dime can be achieved - all it takes is leadership and Council willing to get into the details and set priorities.
Rosemary Wilson
1. Will you aggressively pursue the acquisition of at least 39 acres of Pleasure House Point property for Open Space?
Yes, if there is enough money left in the Open Space fund to purchase the entire parcel as well as not neglect other parts of the city.
2. Do you support adding a multipurpose bikeway to the existing Lesner Bridge?
Yes, if it makes financial and engineering sense with the current bridge with consideration given to the replacement bridge.
3. Do you support the Shore Drive merchants receiving benefits from the TGIF funds into which they currently contribute?
Yes, if they will tell us what they want and it seems to be worthwhile to the citizens.
4. Do you support the city’s current beach management and implementation plan?
Yes.
5. Will you support the continued budgeting and construction of beach walkways in the Shore Drive area?
Yes.
6. Do you support a reduction to the city’s current real estate tax rate?
Yes, but we need to decide what services you want cut as well as what the state budget is going to provide.
The SDCC is not a Political Action Committee (PAC) and does not endorse specific candidates. The posting of candidate responses from this survey is being provided to help residents make a more informed decision on Election Day.
Topics: Election Info
Inspired by various events, input & actions - we’ve created the ‘Election Info’ Section to organize data about what candidates say they’ll do, what they’ve done & various other info related to local elections.
Please [encode=“capestory@vabch.com”]email us[/encode] any info you think should be posted in this section.
If you have an opinion, feedback,rant or rave about a particular article - please post it in the Comment area of the Article!
Eventually - Candidates & elected or appointed officials will have no choice but to view this Section.
The SDCC is not a Political Action Committee (PAC) and does not endorse specific candidates.
Also please note: postings in Comment areas of the site, & in this Section, are opinions of the ‘posters’ and not necessarily that of SDCC, it’s officers, board members or members.
Topics: Election Info