Vote ‘yes’
The old way of electing Virginia Beach City Council members provided too much influence and power for the expansion and development community. That has led to some massive investments we pay for. The problem is that unlike normal investments few, if any, provide the citizens with a return.
Despite the cornucopia of funds provided by massive increases in real estate taxes, added fees and high meal taxes, the city spent it all and seeks more. We need a council of the people, who will ask how that “bright new, shiny thing” benefits all. That cannot happen under the old system since regular people, lacking major donors, cannot run a viable campaign. Those big donors are now apparent in support of the major push to kill the 10-1 voting system. But with 10 districts, we level the playing field. It ensures 10 council members close to the people who are not beholden to special interests.
The old system all but ensures three to four automatic “in-pocket” votes for massive projects. The 10-1 system will require all projects to provide cost-effective benefits.
I prefer a council member to begin remarks with “my people think” rather than with “my major contributor thinks.” Next month Beach voters need to think and support the system that gives us a council closest to the people and the best chance for a truly representative council better.
Vote “yes.”
Martin Waranch, Virginia Beach
Clear choice
The choice is clear — continuation of Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s policies over the would-be progressive policies of Democratic gubernatorial candidate and former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger.
Republican nominee Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears pledges to continue to grow Virginia’s economy, attract employers and facilitate job creation with tax cuts and elimination of regulations as well as maintain one of the strongest budget surpluses nationwide. She will stand with law enforcement and support full cooperation with ICE.
Spanberger, on the other hand, has a number of vague promises. Her campaign calls to mind Kamala Harris’ failed 2024 presidential run: All vibes, no substance. She won’t rule out raising taxes and refuses to commit to preserving right-to-work. In addition she won’t promise to repeal the unpopular car tax and won’t even defend basic fairness of women’s sports.
Spanberger is silent when asked whether she’ll back deporting violent criminal illegal aliens.
In Congress, Spanberger voted for every disastrous policy under former President Joe Biden that drove inflation to 9% and crushed real wages. No one seriously believes a Democrat has any clue how to lower the cost of living.
Democrats also have an attorney general candidate who has “joked” about shooting an opponent (and his family). Seriously?
Keep Virginia great. Vote red: Earle-Sears, John Reid for lieutenant governor and Attorney General Jason Miyares.
Mike Dewey, Williamsburg
Elect Dems
Republican candidate for governor Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears is desperate for President Donald Trump’s endorsement but has yet to receive his support. Another Earle-Sears problem — she can’t shed her unfortunate Republican Party affiliation. After watching Trump and the servile Republicans for the past nine months attacking our democratic ideals, should anyone trust them? The retribution-crazed, pro-censorship, authoritarian-leaning Republican Party is antithetical to a democratic society. Don’t give Republicans any more chances. As they say, “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.”
A vote for the Democratic Party is a vote for a return to normalcy, where laws matter. Virginia, this November, let us set a common-sense example for our country by electing the Democratic slate of former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, Del. Ghazala Hashmi for lieutenant governor and former Del. Jay Jones for attorney general. The Republicans may be in control for now, but they are completely out of touch with the priorities of most Americans, billionaires excepted.
Ken Powders, Chesapeake
