The Virginia Beach City Council is scheduled to approve a new seven district map for City Council and School Board on August 23. Given what happened at this past Tuesday night's Public Hearing before Council, it's likely to be a map we haven't even seen yet. At this time, I'd like to take a look at issues and events from the process so far.
The first of the meetings was at Green Run High School in June. At that time the City Attorney's Office strongly discouraged any plans other than seven district plans. While other proposals would be accepted, the City wanted to avoid anything that would require a City Charter change. So far we've seen nothing but seven district plans, which might be choking outside of the box thinking.
Another point is the failure to look at alternative voting systems. The debate has pivoted on two questions: how to draw the seven districts, and whether the seven district members should be elected solely within their districts. At the third meeting, I raised the possibility of cumulative voting. It would aid minority representation, while not triggering any of the publicly-stated arguments against a ward system.
Prior to the Chris Felton Plan being submitted on Monday, the source of every plan had been either the Council Liaisons or the NAACP. NAACP1 was the civil rights group's original submission, with NAACP2 drawn to meet objections raised by a quartet of Councilpersons. Those same Councilpersons then drafted another plan, which was sent to the NAACP in search of an endorsement. The "compromise of a compromise" was so watered down from the original intent that no blessing was forthcoming. It has never been officially filed, so it doesn't appear on the Redistricting website.
There is the issue of which should be the minority-majority district, Centerville or Rose Hall? While the Council Liaison plans have been based on Centerville, the NAACP plans are based on Rose Hall. The problem with Centerville is the unstable Asian-American concentrations in the southwest. The stunning difference I saw in first looking at the 2010 Census numbers was the change in the Asian-American concentration map from the 2000 Census. While you could draw Centerville as a minority-majority district today, it is highly questionable as to whether that status could be maintained in subsequent redistrictings. In sharp contrast, the minority numbers in Green Run are sustainable, so Rose Hall should become the minority-majority district in a seven district plan.
The root of many comments during the public meetings so far has been The Northwest Crescent, the Beach's densest minority concentration. It runs roughly from the northwest corner of the Virginia Beach Boulevard/Witchduck Road intersection to the Campus East and Burton Station areas. Along the way it takes in Lake Edward, with decent numbers in the periphery at Cypress Point. From a standpoint of minority representation, that concentration needs to be kept intact on one side of the Bayside - Kempsville line or the other. That forces a curved district line that inevitably will put a neighborhood into a district that a layman would think doesn't make sense. When you also consider the policy implications, it makes more sense to put the concentration in Kempsville District. That gives Vice Mayor Louis Jones the Central Business District. Therefore, you loop the line northward in the west, then dip it southward in the east. That puts parts of historic Kempsville into Bayside District, which has led to some civic league complaints. However, failure to get that line correct would be an obvious red flag when an approved plan is sent to the Justice Department for preclearance.
While I drew 2 of the 7 plans in 2001, I haven't taken a shot this time. The efforts of my good friends in the African-American community leadership were so far ahead that I didn't want to do anything that might undercut them. I've done backseat support for their efforts.
You knew I couldn't resist a chance to attack the extremist Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance (VBTA), didn't you? While the VBTA has always given lip service towards a ward system, the only VBTAer at any of the five public meetings has been previous Chairman John Moss. At the third meeting he endorsed the NAACP's position as an individual. Then, it's probably better for the cause that the village idiots don't invade the Council Chambers.
A largely status quo plan will almost certainly be adopted on August 23. The two baseline needs are keeping The Northwest Crescent intact and drawing Rose Hall District as a minority-majority district.
Showing posts with label Virginia Beach School Board. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Virginia Beach School Board. Show all posts
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Rosemont SGA, Second Meeting
How many housing units can you stuff into a SGA? Take a look at the draft plan for the Rosemont Strategic Growth Area (SGA) and you might get an idea.
On Thursday evening there was a meeting at Windsor Woods Elementary School on the draft plan for the Rosemont SGA. Attendance was very good, considering it was Saint Patrick's Day and opening day of the NCAA basketball tournament. The meeting began with brief remarks by Planning Director Jack Whitney and Councilman Glenn Davis. That was followed by a PowerPoint presentation on the Rosemont SGA and the team's draft plans.
RCLCO was asked to suggest for each SGA in Virginia Beach a potential identity that could color it's redevelopment. Rosemont is the Transit-Oriented Residential Village. Given such, the predominate feature is housing units. RCLCO saw a potential market for 1,750 townhouses, 800 condominiums, and 2,450 apartments across an area about 250 acres. The draft plan puts about half that many in 130.5 acres.
The draft has mostly multifamily housing, with some single family as buffers against healthy existing residential neighborhoods. There is some office and mixed use, with one planned new retail center. For the "They don't listen!" crowd: at the initial meeting we residents told the team that the Collins Square and Loehmann's Plaza Shopping Centers were strengths, and the team redacted them from the study area. (Initial Rosemont SGA Meeting, 2/11/11) They'll go untouched.
There were some road improvements suggested. First, a flyover west of Rosemont Road to Sentara Road, bypassing Rosemont's intersection with I-264. Second, the team is evaluating ramps off I-264 north at South Plaza Trail so Little Neck traffic doesn't have to shuffle to the I-264/Rosemont intersection. (There would be no ramps south on South Plaza Trail.) Third, swinging Bonney Road out to Virginia Beach Boulevard short of Rosemont Road.
After the presentation, the public broke out to tables with facilitators and team members to comment and make suggestions on the draft plan.
On Thursday evening there was a meeting at Windsor Woods Elementary School on the draft plan for the Rosemont SGA. Attendance was very good, considering it was Saint Patrick's Day and opening day of the NCAA basketball tournament. The meeting began with brief remarks by Planning Director Jack Whitney and Councilman Glenn Davis. That was followed by a PowerPoint presentation on the Rosemont SGA and the team's draft plans.
RCLCO was asked to suggest for each SGA in Virginia Beach a potential identity that could color it's redevelopment. Rosemont is the Transit-Oriented Residential Village. Given such, the predominate feature is housing units. RCLCO saw a potential market for 1,750 townhouses, 800 condominiums, and 2,450 apartments across an area about 250 acres. The draft plan puts about half that many in 130.5 acres.
The draft has mostly multifamily housing, with some single family as buffers against healthy existing residential neighborhoods. There is some office and mixed use, with one planned new retail center. For the "They don't listen!" crowd: at the initial meeting we residents told the team that the Collins Square and Loehmann's Plaza Shopping Centers were strengths, and the team redacted them from the study area. (Initial Rosemont SGA Meeting, 2/11/11) They'll go untouched.
There were some road improvements suggested. First, a flyover west of Rosemont Road to Sentara Road, bypassing Rosemont's intersection with I-264. Second, the team is evaluating ramps off I-264 north at South Plaza Trail so Little Neck traffic doesn't have to shuffle to the I-264/Rosemont intersection. (There would be no ramps south on South Plaza Trail.) Third, swinging Bonney Road out to Virginia Beach Boulevard short of Rosemont Road.
After the presentation, the public broke out to tables with facilitators and team members to comment and make suggestions on the draft plan.
Friday, February 4, 2011
FY 2012 Budget Schedule
The City of Virginia Beach has released it's tentative FY 2012 Budget process schedule:
1. March 15 - the School Board passes it's spending plan
2. March 29 - the City Manager presents his draft Budget to City Council
3. April 6 - an Open House for the public at the convention center
4. April 21 - Budget Public Hearing at Green Run High School
5. April 26 - Budget Public Hearing in the Council Chamber
6. May 3 - Council Workshop to do Budget Reconciliation
7. May 10 - Council enacts the FY 2012 Budget
1. March 15 - the School Board passes it's spending plan
2. March 29 - the City Manager presents his draft Budget to City Council
3. April 6 - an Open House for the public at the convention center
4. April 21 - Budget Public Hearing at Green Run High School
5. April 26 - Budget Public Hearing in the Council Chamber
6. May 3 - Council Workshop to do Budget Reconciliation
7. May 10 - Council enacts the FY 2012 Budget
Sunday, January 30, 2011
The New Kellam High School
The design looks intriguing. However, one thing caught my eye: soccer is slated to be played on the same field as football.
As a former high school soccer player myself (Midfielder later moved to Center Forward), I know a regulation soccer field is wider than a football field. Many schools around here do play soccer on football fields, but the narrower width doesn't allow normal lateral movement.
Okay, for all the money you're spending on the new Kellam, did you design the soccer field wide enough? I'm betting you botched it.
As a former high school soccer player myself (Midfielder later moved to Center Forward), I know a regulation soccer field is wider than a football field. Many schools around here do play soccer on football fields, but the narrower width doesn't allow normal lateral movement.
Okay, for all the money you're spending on the new Kellam, did you design the soccer field wide enough? I'm betting you botched it.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
LRT Boosts Other Council Aims
Light rail isn't simply about transportation and land redevelopment. It would also help other objectives expressed at this week's Virginia Beach City Council Retreat:
1. During Friday morning discussions with the School Board, Mayor Sessoms suggested partnerships with our area universities, for things like boosting research & development. How would those students participate? It would help if they could get here by train:
A. Norfolk State University and Eastern Virginia Medical School are on Norfolk's Starter Line.
B. Old Dominion University would be on the Navy base extension.
C. Virginia Wesleyan College is on Route 27, a feeder bus route that will serve the Newtown Road Station.
2. On Saturday morning, Glenn Davis noted that Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake all have borders in the Centerville area. He wondered if the three cities could consolidate services, with offices in that area.
During a later break, I explained to him how that area was served by Route 15. It would be a 10-15 minute bus ride from the Military Highway Station.
1. During Friday morning discussions with the School Board, Mayor Sessoms suggested partnerships with our area universities, for things like boosting research & development. How would those students participate? It would help if they could get here by train:
A. Norfolk State University and Eastern Virginia Medical School are on Norfolk's Starter Line.
B. Old Dominion University would be on the Navy base extension.
C. Virginia Wesleyan College is on Route 27, a feeder bus route that will serve the Newtown Road Station.
2. On Saturday morning, Glenn Davis noted that Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake all have borders in the Centerville area. He wondered if the three cities could consolidate services, with offices in that area.
During a later break, I explained to him how that area was served by Route 15. It would be a 10-15 minute bus ride from the Military Highway Station.
Get Ready For The Kicking And Screaming
Fun on the saga of the money the school system moved to fund balances at the end of FY 2010, in order that it wouldn't revert to the General Fund as such.
First, the legalities. One, the reserves the School Board may keep are set by ordinance - and the reversions give the School Board reserves in excess of the legal limit. Two, the School Board may not legally spend a cent of it without City Council appropriating the money.
Second, the numbers. One, the City faces a $21 million shortfall looking at the FY 2012 Budget. Two, the 11th hour squirreling ($14.5 million) and the Vice Mayor's proposed revision of the funding formula ($9 million) would produce an additional $23.5 million.
You don't have to be a political wonk or mathematician to know what's going to happen....
First, the legalities. One, the reserves the School Board may keep are set by ordinance - and the reversions give the School Board reserves in excess of the legal limit. Two, the School Board may not legally spend a cent of it without City Council appropriating the money.
Second, the numbers. One, the City faces a $21 million shortfall looking at the FY 2012 Budget. Two, the 11th hour squirreling ($14.5 million) and the Vice Mayor's proposed revision of the funding formula ($9 million) would produce an additional $23.5 million.
You don't have to be a political wonk or mathematician to know what's going to happen....
Friday, January 21, 2011
Joint Council/School Board Talks
This morning the Virginia Beach City Council and Virginia Beach School Board held a much-anticipated joint meeting at the Sandler Center. With the media attention this week on the troubled relationship between the two bodies, there was an overflow crowd in Classroom 2. All 22 electeds were there, but Superintendent Merrill was in New York on previously-scheduled business.
The assessment of the relationship was that individual Councilmen and School Board members have good personal relationships, but relations between the two bodies is strained. Just in case, Facilitator Lyle Sumek had brought Phred. Phred is a doll dressed in a referee's uniform. If a member misbehaves, Sumek tosses Phred to them to hold.
The format was agreed to on Thursday morning by Mayor Will Sessoms, School Board Chairman Dan Edwards, and Sumek. However, Bill DeSteph attempted to have the format changed. Like his Council motions, it died for lack of a second.
Twice the 22 broke out into three groups, each group meeting in a separate room to discuss the same questions. They recorded their answers on chart paper, and brought them back to cover as a whole.
While a number of suggestions were made, two major ones seem to be heading for enactment. First, Council and the School Board will regularly hold periodic meetings to discuss overlapping issues. Second, a committee will be formed in June (after the FY 2012 Budget process) to take on the fiscal issues.
Council Retreats always have humorous moments, and we had a couple:
1. Bad humor - Bill DeSteph at one point stated, "Back to those urinary Olympics: you don't want to be caught in a crossfire." That may draw laughs among sailors or in a bar. However, in a tense public meeting like this one, it was nearly as inappropriate as wearing a suggestive genie costume to a children's charitable fundraiser.
2. Good humor - Facilitator Lyle Sumek said he'd expect death if he ran a marathon...and would for Louis Jones, too. Bob Dyer cracked that the mortician Vice Mayor would get a better deal on the burial. Lyle gave Bob the only Phred toss for Friday.
The assessment of the relationship was that individual Councilmen and School Board members have good personal relationships, but relations between the two bodies is strained. Just in case, Facilitator Lyle Sumek had brought Phred. Phred is a doll dressed in a referee's uniform. If a member misbehaves, Sumek tosses Phred to them to hold.
The format was agreed to on Thursday morning by Mayor Will Sessoms, School Board Chairman Dan Edwards, and Sumek. However, Bill DeSteph attempted to have the format changed. Like his Council motions, it died for lack of a second.
Twice the 22 broke out into three groups, each group meeting in a separate room to discuss the same questions. They recorded their answers on chart paper, and brought them back to cover as a whole.
While a number of suggestions were made, two major ones seem to be heading for enactment. First, Council and the School Board will regularly hold periodic meetings to discuss overlapping issues. Second, a committee will be formed in June (after the FY 2012 Budget process) to take on the fiscal issues.
Council Retreats always have humorous moments, and we had a couple:
1. Bad humor - Bill DeSteph at one point stated, "Back to those urinary Olympics: you don't want to be caught in a crossfire." That may draw laughs among sailors or in a bar. However, in a tense public meeting like this one, it was nearly as inappropriate as wearing a suggestive genie costume to a children's charitable fundraiser.
2. Good humor - Facilitator Lyle Sumek said he'd expect death if he ran a marathon...and would for Louis Jones, too. Bob Dyer cracked that the mortician Vice Mayor would get a better deal on the burial. Lyle gave Bob the only Phred toss for Friday.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Friday Morning Change
While I've seen nothing publicly on it yet, I have this from two sources. There has been a change in the Friday morning schedule for next week's Council Retreat. Friday morning will feature a joint meeting between the Virginia Beach City Council and the Virginia Beach School Board at the Sandler Center. The Retreat will continue afterwards for Council - as slated - in the Department of Economic Development (DED) Conference Room. The reason for the Sandler Center is that the DED Conference Room is too small for the joint meeting.
Both sources confirmed the Friday joint session, with the first source giving me the location. I'll update this post when (if?) I learn more.
Update 1: I have it from a third source that the Friday morning session is joint Council - School Board. However, the source - like the second - didn't know the location.
Update 2: I now have it from a second source: it's the Sandler Center on Friday morning.
Update 3: the City put out an official release Tuesday afternoon: Friday morning is at the Sandler Center, with the remainder at DED. You heard it here first.
Both sources confirmed the Friday joint session, with the first source giving me the location. I'll update this post when (if?) I learn more.
Update 1: I have it from a third source that the Friday morning session is joint Council - School Board. However, the source - like the second - didn't know the location.
Update 2: I now have it from a second source: it's the Sandler Center on Friday morning.
Update 3: the City put out an official release Tuesday afternoon: Friday morning is at the Sandler Center, with the remainder at DED. You heard it here first.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
2010 Virginia Beach City Council Election: The Day After
Okay, you've probably been waiting for my two cents worth. May even want to chime in with your own thoughts under Comments. Here I go....
OVERALL
Who won yesterday? Obviously all 6 incumbents. However, what political grouping?
4 of the 5 candidates endorsed by Mayor Sessoms did. However, Bill DeSteph won reelection while chosen successor Dave Redmond finished 5th in the At-Large field.
Obviously not the extremist Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance (VBTA), as all of their challengers went down hard. As 2010 was the last chance the VBTA had to even make a half-baked challenge for Council seats (more on that later), fittingly the VBTA as an electoral farce came to an end on All Souls Day. (November 2 is All Souls Day in the Catholic Church, when we remember the dead.)
The biggest story of the day may have been the poor showing of the Council candidates endorsed by the African-American Political Action Council (AAPAC). (More on that later, too.) However, time is on AAPAC's side. Yesterday was an early skirmish in a much broader and longer war.
The only clear winner yesterday was (drum roll, please) City Clerk Ruth Fraser. With all 6 incumbents returning, the old stationary can continue to be used.
VBTA
You knew I couldn't wait to beat up on my favorite whipping boys, didn't you? With Obama's reelection effort almost certain to drive a huge minority turnout in 2012, any VBTA Council challenges will be stillborn next time out. Most of the angry old men who comprise the VBTA's inner circle will have aged out by 2014. Therefore, 2010 was their last chance to make a Council splash and they largely blew it.
The poll workers pushing the slate of Bill DeSteph, John Moss, and Toni Hedrick yesterday were using sample ballots from the Hampton Roads TEA Party (HRTP). It's telling that they admit that the VBTA brand is ballot box poison for a candidate.
Their astonishing faux pas of the day was further down the sample ballot. They called for the defeat of all three proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution. That's right: they openly opposed tax waivers for veterans 100% disabled in the line of duty, in this Navy town! That had to be dead weight on their Council candidates!
If you want proof positive of what a joke the VBTA is, George Furman received more votes (31,338) in Bayside District than Hedrick (29,229) did in Lynnhaven. Furman didn't even actively campaign as such until a month out, and had no visible organization. Yet Furman got 2,109 more votes than Hedrick!
How will the VBTA react? We get a hint reading the online comments to The Virginian-Pravda story about the election results. First Reid Greenmun posted a disjointed blathering about the Mayor and Vice Mayor promising a light rail referendum. (Not a word about the candidate loses.) Then Ben Krause repeated his same campaign talking points about Jim Wood. (Yeah, that message played well.)
HOLLAND PRECINCT
Yesterday I did an all-day stint at Holland Precinct, at Holland Elementary School, primarily for Andrew Jackson. Jim Wood also asked me to distribute his lit, which I did with Andrew's permission.
I started the day with a Jackson palm card and the Wood piece. Running out of Jackson cards about 10 A.M., I then switched that off to the African-American Political Action Council (AAPAC) sample ballot for the remainder of the day.
Poll workers from the Republican Party of Virginia Beach (RPVB) and HRTP were there for the three busier periods of the day (morning, lunch, and evening). The Virginia Beach Democratic Committee (VBDC) and Kenny Golden campaign had people there morning and evening. Barbara Henley's Council campaign had someone there for lunch and the evening. The firefighters union had firemen there periodically during the day.
Such a day always has it's fun moments. The bizarre one was when the Democratic worker called for a Constitutional amendment prohibiting corporate campaign donations, labeling contributions by corporations "fascism". The most humorous one was using the restrooms at the elementary school. Designed for small children, the urinals are mounted low and the sink even lower. That led a retired sailor to exclaim, "Adjust your aim!" The warm moment was realizing five of us poll workers were Catholic. (We should have brought our rosary beads.)
CANDIDATE APPEARANCES
Todd Davidson came for about 90 minutes at midday, and his time made for some of the better conversation of the day.
He also got corrected a comical problem: the school had it's SOL accreditation flag up the flagpole upside down. (Our Navy veteran had tried to get it fixed earlier, but to no avail.) School Board member Davidson charged into the Office, and within a few minutes a custodian was out to get it right.
James Cabiness and his wife came to vote just before Noon. (Yes, he lives in Holland Precinct.)
George Furman spent about 25 minutes there after 5 P.M. I tried to explain to him that he was getting it wrong. (Hey, it was late enough in the day that the advice was useless.) A candidate is suppose to spend a few hours at a few targeted precincts during the day, but he was trying to hop around a number of them quickly. Anyway, my words went over his head.
AAPAC
I'm always happy to do work for my best friends. Their cause is just, right, and will empower the vast majority of residents. Not only did that take me to Holland Precinct yesterday, but I wrote some basic poll working pointers for the Jackson Campaign last week. As for Andrew, at most I hoped he could slip into the 2nd Place spot in the At-Large field. In the least I wanted to beat a Kool-Aid chugger or two.
Yesterday was a mess. Not only did Tanya Bullock lose, but Jackson (6th) and Cabiness (7th) finished in the last two slots of the At-Large field. Virginia Beach continues to be diversity-challenged.
My consolation is what happened in Holland Precinct. Andrew finished 2nd, just one vote behind Rita Sweet Bellitto. Also, Tanya won Holland. (Her name was at the top of the AAPAC sample ballot.)
We lost a battle, but the war continues. Quite the contrary of the VBTA, our numbers are growing daily. It's not a question of "if" we win, but "when" we win.
PARTISANSHIP
The long version of the Democratic sample ballot had a section "Friends of the Democratic Party", which encouraged people to vote for a given list of City Council and School Board candidates. Also, Virginia Beach Democratic Committee (VBDC) Chair Susan Mariner e-mailed out the list on Monday.
Republican poll workers had a list of Council and School Board candidates endorsed by Governor Bob McDonnell.
Having spearheaded the RPVB's 2001 look at endorsing Council candidates, I couldn't help but think "It's about time."
OVERALL
Who won yesterday? Obviously all 6 incumbents. However, what political grouping?
4 of the 5 candidates endorsed by Mayor Sessoms did. However, Bill DeSteph won reelection while chosen successor Dave Redmond finished 5th in the At-Large field.
Obviously not the extremist Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance (VBTA), as all of their challengers went down hard. As 2010 was the last chance the VBTA had to even make a half-baked challenge for Council seats (more on that later), fittingly the VBTA as an electoral farce came to an end on All Souls Day. (November 2 is All Souls Day in the Catholic Church, when we remember the dead.)
The biggest story of the day may have been the poor showing of the Council candidates endorsed by the African-American Political Action Council (AAPAC). (More on that later, too.) However, time is on AAPAC's side. Yesterday was an early skirmish in a much broader and longer war.
The only clear winner yesterday was (drum roll, please) City Clerk Ruth Fraser. With all 6 incumbents returning, the old stationary can continue to be used.
VBTA
You knew I couldn't wait to beat up on my favorite whipping boys, didn't you? With Obama's reelection effort almost certain to drive a huge minority turnout in 2012, any VBTA Council challenges will be stillborn next time out. Most of the angry old men who comprise the VBTA's inner circle will have aged out by 2014. Therefore, 2010 was their last chance to make a Council splash and they largely blew it.
The poll workers pushing the slate of Bill DeSteph, John Moss, and Toni Hedrick yesterday were using sample ballots from the Hampton Roads TEA Party (HRTP). It's telling that they admit that the VBTA brand is ballot box poison for a candidate.
Their astonishing faux pas of the day was further down the sample ballot. They called for the defeat of all three proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution. That's right: they openly opposed tax waivers for veterans 100% disabled in the line of duty, in this Navy town! That had to be dead weight on their Council candidates!
If you want proof positive of what a joke the VBTA is, George Furman received more votes (31,338) in Bayside District than Hedrick (29,229) did in Lynnhaven. Furman didn't even actively campaign as such until a month out, and had no visible organization. Yet Furman got 2,109 more votes than Hedrick!
How will the VBTA react? We get a hint reading the online comments to The Virginian-Pravda story about the election results. First Reid Greenmun posted a disjointed blathering about the Mayor and Vice Mayor promising a light rail referendum. (Not a word about the candidate loses.) Then Ben Krause repeated his same campaign talking points about Jim Wood. (Yeah, that message played well.)
HOLLAND PRECINCT
Yesterday I did an all-day stint at Holland Precinct, at Holland Elementary School, primarily for Andrew Jackson. Jim Wood also asked me to distribute his lit, which I did with Andrew's permission.
I started the day with a Jackson palm card and the Wood piece. Running out of Jackson cards about 10 A.M., I then switched that off to the African-American Political Action Council (AAPAC) sample ballot for the remainder of the day.
Poll workers from the Republican Party of Virginia Beach (RPVB) and HRTP were there for the three busier periods of the day (morning, lunch, and evening). The Virginia Beach Democratic Committee (VBDC) and Kenny Golden campaign had people there morning and evening. Barbara Henley's Council campaign had someone there for lunch and the evening. The firefighters union had firemen there periodically during the day.
Such a day always has it's fun moments. The bizarre one was when the Democratic worker called for a Constitutional amendment prohibiting corporate campaign donations, labeling contributions by corporations "fascism". The most humorous one was using the restrooms at the elementary school. Designed for small children, the urinals are mounted low and the sink even lower. That led a retired sailor to exclaim, "Adjust your aim!" The warm moment was realizing five of us poll workers were Catholic. (We should have brought our rosary beads.)
CANDIDATE APPEARANCES
Todd Davidson came for about 90 minutes at midday, and his time made for some of the better conversation of the day.
He also got corrected a comical problem: the school had it's SOL accreditation flag up the flagpole upside down. (Our Navy veteran had tried to get it fixed earlier, but to no avail.) School Board member Davidson charged into the Office, and within a few minutes a custodian was out to get it right.
James Cabiness and his wife came to vote just before Noon. (Yes, he lives in Holland Precinct.)
George Furman spent about 25 minutes there after 5 P.M. I tried to explain to him that he was getting it wrong. (Hey, it was late enough in the day that the advice was useless.) A candidate is suppose to spend a few hours at a few targeted precincts during the day, but he was trying to hop around a number of them quickly. Anyway, my words went over his head.
AAPAC
I'm always happy to do work for my best friends. Their cause is just, right, and will empower the vast majority of residents. Not only did that take me to Holland Precinct yesterday, but I wrote some basic poll working pointers for the Jackson Campaign last week. As for Andrew, at most I hoped he could slip into the 2nd Place spot in the At-Large field. In the least I wanted to beat a Kool-Aid chugger or two.
Yesterday was a mess. Not only did Tanya Bullock lose, but Jackson (6th) and Cabiness (7th) finished in the last two slots of the At-Large field. Virginia Beach continues to be diversity-challenged.
My consolation is what happened in Holland Precinct. Andrew finished 2nd, just one vote behind Rita Sweet Bellitto. Also, Tanya won Holland. (Her name was at the top of the AAPAC sample ballot.)
We lost a battle, but the war continues. Quite the contrary of the VBTA, our numbers are growing daily. It's not a question of "if" we win, but "when" we win.
PARTISANSHIP
The long version of the Democratic sample ballot had a section "Friends of the Democratic Party", which encouraged people to vote for a given list of City Council and School Board candidates. Also, Virginia Beach Democratic Committee (VBDC) Chair Susan Mariner e-mailed out the list on Monday.
Republican poll workers had a list of Council and School Board candidates endorsed by Governor Bob McDonnell.
Having spearheaded the RPVB's 2001 look at endorsing Council candidates, I couldn't help but think "It's about time."
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
2010 AAPAC Endorsements
The African-American Political Action Committee (AAPAC) has released it's endorsement list for the November 2 election here in Virginia Beach.
For City Council, AAPAC endorses Andrew Jackson in the At-Large contest and Tanya Bullock in Princess Anne District. For School Board, Carray Banks in Bayside District and Gertrude "Bunny" Waugh in the At-Large field.
No, they didn't endorse in most contests. That's similiar to 2006, when Glenn Davis (At-Large) was the only Council candidate AAPAC endorsed.
Monday, September 20, 2010
2010 Thalia Civic League Council Candidates Forum
On Thursday evening the Thalia Civic League held a City Council candidates forum at Thalia Trinity Presbyterian. Between working all weekend and trying to decide how to format this one (5 pages of notes from a dry format), I hadn't posted yet. In the end, I figured I'll just grade out each candidate's performance.
Thalia had a reputation for being VBTA Lite, but the tame format brought forward under Program Director Mac Rawls (yes, that Mac Rawls) meant no fireworks this year. Each candidate had five minutes for an opening stump speech. Two questions were then posed by Moderator Barbara Ciara (light rail, and the schools budget surplus funds moved to the City side of the Budget), then one minute for closing remarks.
Dave Redmond - tugged heartstrings speaking on his ties to Thalia, and deftly deflected Toni Hedrick's criticism of the 85/15 Property Tax ratio. Superb job.
Andrew Jackson - a very good night, as he was congratulated by residents in the foyer outside afterwards. He also had the second largest campaign staff contingent there.
Jim Wood - very articulate, as usual. That, coupled with Toni Hedrick's dismal performance (more later), should win him Thalia easily.
John Uhrin - for all the times I've heard him (i.e. RAC, TDCHR, Council Retreats, etc.), Thalia was the sharpest I've ever seen Uhrin. Kudos for coming even when running unopposed.
Louis Jones - sounded like a 2004 incumbent, going on about past accomplishments. What are you going to do in the next four years? Given that only a nuclear-level implosion would cost him this election, he didn't do anything to hurt himself.
Rita Sweet Bellitto - the civil engineer covered how she has helped with past projects (Lake Gaston pipeline), and can help with new ones (light rail). However, what's the compelling case for electing her to a full term?
James Cabiness - a good job by the first-time candidate.
Tanya Bullock - a very good job, except telling the same lame joke twice. She had the largest campaign contingent there.
Barbara Henley - her pet issues don't play well to a neighborhood like Thalia, but (like Louis) she didn't hurt herself.
Wally Erb - tried to sound centerist, twice going on about the need to staff city services.
John Moss - essentially the same candidate you saw in 2004 and 2008. With no new wrinkles, how does he expect not to lose again?
Bill DeSteph - showed up late, missing his original five minute slot. He might as well have stayed home. The lack of substance by someone who has been on Council for four years was stunning.
Toni Hedrick - she couldn't have been much worse. First, she was reading her five minute from 8 1/2 x 11 sheets she was holding up in her face, the only candidate reading her stump speech verbatim. Second, the remarks sounded like they had been cut and pasted from VBTA Statements: homeowners are the economic engine of Virginia Beach, light rail won't reduce traffic congestion, attacking the 85/15 residential/commercial Property Tax revenue ratio, etc. Third, she stated that from reading the 1999 light rail proposal that she found the only reason for LRT was redeveloping the Strategic Growth Areas. (Uh...the SGAs weren't established until 2003.) Fourth, she thought we could become an economic development mecca if we simply phased out BPOL and the Machines & Tools Tax. (Never mind transportation, education, etc.) I could go on, but you get the idea.
Also in attendance were a few School Board candidates, previous Mayor Meyera Oberndorf and her husband Roger, and political consultant Brian Kirwin. As I could see Kirwin making an audio recording of the forum, any opposition candidates can and will have their remarks used against them.
Thalia had a reputation for being VBTA Lite, but the tame format brought forward under Program Director Mac Rawls (yes, that Mac Rawls) meant no fireworks this year. Each candidate had five minutes for an opening stump speech. Two questions were then posed by Moderator Barbara Ciara (light rail, and the schools budget surplus funds moved to the City side of the Budget), then one minute for closing remarks.
Dave Redmond - tugged heartstrings speaking on his ties to Thalia, and deftly deflected Toni Hedrick's criticism of the 85/15 Property Tax ratio. Superb job.
Andrew Jackson - a very good night, as he was congratulated by residents in the foyer outside afterwards. He also had the second largest campaign staff contingent there.
Jim Wood - very articulate, as usual. That, coupled with Toni Hedrick's dismal performance (more later), should win him Thalia easily.
John Uhrin - for all the times I've heard him (i.e. RAC, TDCHR, Council Retreats, etc.), Thalia was the sharpest I've ever seen Uhrin. Kudos for coming even when running unopposed.
Louis Jones - sounded like a 2004 incumbent, going on about past accomplishments. What are you going to do in the next four years? Given that only a nuclear-level implosion would cost him this election, he didn't do anything to hurt himself.
Rita Sweet Bellitto - the civil engineer covered how she has helped with past projects (Lake Gaston pipeline), and can help with new ones (light rail). However, what's the compelling case for electing her to a full term?
James Cabiness - a good job by the first-time candidate.
Tanya Bullock - a very good job, except telling the same lame joke twice. She had the largest campaign contingent there.
Barbara Henley - her pet issues don't play well to a neighborhood like Thalia, but (like Louis) she didn't hurt herself.
Wally Erb - tried to sound centerist, twice going on about the need to staff city services.
John Moss - essentially the same candidate you saw in 2004 and 2008. With no new wrinkles, how does he expect not to lose again?
Bill DeSteph - showed up late, missing his original five minute slot. He might as well have stayed home. The lack of substance by someone who has been on Council for four years was stunning.
Toni Hedrick - she couldn't have been much worse. First, she was reading her five minute from 8 1/2 x 11 sheets she was holding up in her face, the only candidate reading her stump speech verbatim. Second, the remarks sounded like they had been cut and pasted from VBTA Statements: homeowners are the economic engine of Virginia Beach, light rail won't reduce traffic congestion, attacking the 85/15 residential/commercial Property Tax revenue ratio, etc. Third, she stated that from reading the 1999 light rail proposal that she found the only reason for LRT was redeveloping the Strategic Growth Areas. (Uh...the SGAs weren't established until 2003.) Fourth, she thought we could become an economic development mecca if we simply phased out BPOL and the Machines & Tools Tax. (Never mind transportation, education, etc.) I could go on, but you get the idea.
Also in attendance were a few School Board candidates, previous Mayor Meyera Oberndorf and her husband Roger, and political consultant Brian Kirwin. As I could see Kirwin making an audio recording of the forum, any opposition candidates can and will have their remarks used against them.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
2010 Community Legislative Package Meeting
This evening was the annual meeting for Virginia Beach's Community Legislative Package, held at the convention center. 8 City Council members were there: Will Sessoms, Jim Wood, John Uhrin, Barbara Henley, Harry Diezel, Rosemary Wilson, Bill DeSteph, and Rita Sweet Bellitto. From the General Assembly: Ron "Landslide" Villanueva, Jeff McWaters, Harry Blevins, Barry Knight, Chris Stolle, Frank Wagner, Ralph Northam, Yvonne Miller, and a Legislative Aide of Sal Iaquinto's. A number of City Staff were present. Some School Board members were there.
What wasn't present were many members of the general public. I told a few coming in I was concerned about how many the 2nd District Congressional Debate was going to draw off. We got less than 20% of what the City had prepared for. However, the smaller group meant more substance, not to mention plenty of brownies and cookies for those who did show up.
Military Affairs centered on JFCOM. Frank Wagner stated the Department of Defense would need a change in Federal law to abolish JFCOM. Also, the Navy has stated that not only will no new commands be recommended for Hampton Roads until we tackle our transportation problems, but they'll probably start drawing down current forces if we don't.
Speaking of Transportation, the bad news is that there is no new news. Wagner spoke of potential revenue from ABC privatization and tolls on I-95 at the North Carolina border, but that's it. No one in the delegation anticipates new fees or taxes for transportation.
Virginia Beach Vision presented it's five priority issues: intergovernmental relations, military affairs, local government investment, transportation, and government moving from defined benefit pensions to defined contribution pensions.
What wasn't present were many members of the general public. I told a few coming in I was concerned about how many the 2nd District Congressional Debate was going to draw off. We got less than 20% of what the City had prepared for. However, the smaller group meant more substance, not to mention plenty of brownies and cookies for those who did show up.
Military Affairs centered on JFCOM. Frank Wagner stated the Department of Defense would need a change in Federal law to abolish JFCOM. Also, the Navy has stated that not only will no new commands be recommended for Hampton Roads until we tackle our transportation problems, but they'll probably start drawing down current forces if we don't.
Speaking of Transportation, the bad news is that there is no new news. Wagner spoke of potential revenue from ABC privatization and tolls on I-95 at the North Carolina border, but that's it. No one in the delegation anticipates new fees or taxes for transportation.
Virginia Beach Vision presented it's five priority issues: intergovernmental relations, military affairs, local government investment, transportation, and government moving from defined benefit pensions to defined contribution pensions.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
3rd Annual CCO Picnic In The Park
On Wednesday evening the Council of Civic Organizations (CCO), Virginia Beach's civic league federation, held it's 3rd annual Picnic In The Park at Mount Trashmore.
While it didn't appear as well-attended as in 2009, the barbecue and cookies were demolished. A new feature: vendors purchased space to sell their wares to the public.
Congressional candidates Scott Rigell and Kenny Golden were there. Representatives came from Glenn Nye's reelection campaign.
With it also being a City Council election year, a number of candidates were there: Andrew Jackson, Dave Redmond, Rita Sweet Bellitto, and Barbara Henley. In addition, Councilman Bob Dyer stopped by.
While it didn't appear as well-attended as in 2009, the barbecue and cookies were demolished. A new feature: vendors purchased space to sell their wares to the public.
Congressional candidates Scott Rigell and Kenny Golden were there. Representatives came from Glenn Nye's reelection campaign.
With it also being a City Council election year, a number of candidates were there: Andrew Jackson, Dave Redmond, Rita Sweet Bellitto, and Barbara Henley. In addition, Councilman Bob Dyer stopped by.
Note what's missing above: none of the VBTA candidates appeared. They can't bring themselves to admit that the VBTA has little support among an authentic grassroots group?
Delegate Chris Stolle also attended. However, Dr. Stolle was out quickly before I could ask him a medical question.
School Board candidate (and previous CCO President) Sam Reid was going on about fundraising, yard signs, etc. We had to repeatedly remind Sam that he's running unopposed.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
The 2010 Dance Card Is In
The next 5 months will make for some fun blog fodder. 14 candidates have filed for the Virginia Beach City Council, and we have some interesting matchups.
Bayside District
Who is George Furman? I've never heard of him. Wouldn't know him if he walked up to me. However, he's now Louis Jones first challenger in a few election cycles. Having an one-on-one at least gives him a possible chance.
Beach District
John Uhrin is unopposed. You can spend plenty of time with your hotels, John.
Lynnhaven District
I was told a couple weeks ago that the VBTA was trying to get Bob Hedrick's widow into this race. It doesn't matter: Jim Wood will easily make roadkill of Toni Hedrick.
Princess Anne District
PA can produce some great matchups and this is no exception. Probably the most exciting contest this year will be Tanya Bullock's challenge of Barbara Henley. I'll admit it: I'm pulling for Tanya. After all, I was a two-time Jim Reeve voter.
At-Large
I had planned to go down this candidate by candidate. However, the gang that can't shoot straight strikes again: Bill DeSteph, Wally Erb, and John Moss all filing At-Large?!? What the...?!? They want to hopelessly split the raging lunatic vote? I thought Moss couldn't run At-Large with DeSteph without diluting, but now Erb is also in the mix. Go figure.
I'll disclose here: I was Issues and Research person for Andrew Jackson in Kempsville District in 2008, and he's asked me to help him again. There's definitely one of my two votes.
Dave Redmond has been our Planning Commissioner here in Bayside District, and has been a Facebook Friend of mine. I've long looked at him as being Louis Jones' heir apparent in Bayside, but now he's running At-Large. I wish him well, even though we disagree sharply on a few issues.
I've never voted for Rita Sweet Bellitto in any of her three times on the ballot and don't plan to start now.
James Cabiness just moved here from Chesterfield County a couple years ago and his no solid base of his own. Little chance.
VBTA Eunuchs
With 2010 the last shot for the VBTA to make even a half-baked run for Council seats, you would have thought they'd play their cards much smarter. If they really wanted to go for it, they could have attacked aggressively.
First, Great Neck resident Bill DeSteph could have run for the Lynnhaven District seat instead of running At-Large again. That would have given him a good chance to posture for the things he claims to support.
Second, how did they miss the chance in Beach District? In TDCHR Commissioner and RAC Liaison John Uhrin, they had the opportunity to go front burner on light rail and Resort Area policy in the same race.
Finally, Bayside resident John Moss stays home and challenges Louis Jones.
We knew the VBTA had no brains. Now we know the VBTA has no cojones.
Bayside District
Who is George Furman? I've never heard of him. Wouldn't know him if he walked up to me. However, he's now Louis Jones first challenger in a few election cycles. Having an one-on-one at least gives him a possible chance.
Beach District
John Uhrin is unopposed. You can spend plenty of time with your hotels, John.
Lynnhaven District
I was told a couple weeks ago that the VBTA was trying to get Bob Hedrick's widow into this race. It doesn't matter: Jim Wood will easily make roadkill of Toni Hedrick.
Princess Anne District
PA can produce some great matchups and this is no exception. Probably the most exciting contest this year will be Tanya Bullock's challenge of Barbara Henley. I'll admit it: I'm pulling for Tanya. After all, I was a two-time Jim Reeve voter.
At-Large
I had planned to go down this candidate by candidate. However, the gang that can't shoot straight strikes again: Bill DeSteph, Wally Erb, and John Moss all filing At-Large?!? What the...?!? They want to hopelessly split the raging lunatic vote? I thought Moss couldn't run At-Large with DeSteph without diluting, but now Erb is also in the mix. Go figure.
I'll disclose here: I was Issues and Research person for Andrew Jackson in Kempsville District in 2008, and he's asked me to help him again. There's definitely one of my two votes.
Dave Redmond has been our Planning Commissioner here in Bayside District, and has been a Facebook Friend of mine. I've long looked at him as being Louis Jones' heir apparent in Bayside, but now he's running At-Large. I wish him well, even though we disagree sharply on a few issues.
I've never voted for Rita Sweet Bellitto in any of her three times on the ballot and don't plan to start now.
James Cabiness just moved here from Chesterfield County a couple years ago and his no solid base of his own. Little chance.
VBTA Eunuchs
With 2010 the last shot for the VBTA to make even a half-baked run for Council seats, you would have thought they'd play their cards much smarter. If they really wanted to go for it, they could have attacked aggressively.
First, Great Neck resident Bill DeSteph could have run for the Lynnhaven District seat instead of running At-Large again. That would have given him a good chance to posture for the things he claims to support.
Second, how did they miss the chance in Beach District? In TDCHR Commissioner and RAC Liaison John Uhrin, they had the opportunity to go front burner on light rail and Resort Area policy in the same race.
Finally, Bayside resident John Moss stays home and challenges Louis Jones.
We knew the VBTA had no brains. Now we know the VBTA has no cojones.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Republican 2nd District Convention
Today the Republican Convention of Virginia's 2nd Congressional District was held. It was at a bingo hall on Cleveland Street in Virginia Beach, with the location making for some humor. Gary Byler easily won a second term as 2nd District Chairman. Besides being a fundraiser and campaign advisor, in recent history the post of District Chairman has also been big for candidate recruitment. That last purpose has led it to be fought over tenaciously at times.
The intriguing news today was "the meeting before the meeting". With the filing deadline for Virginia Beach's November elections under a month away, ballot petitions were being circulated:
1. Attorney and former Republican Party of Virginia Beach (RPVB) Secretary Tanya Bullock is running for the Princess Anne District seat on the Virginia Beach City Council, now held by Barbara Henley.
2. Council of Civic Organizations (CCO) President Sam Reid is stepping down from his current post to run for the Beach District seat on the Virginia Beach School Board, now held by Pat Edmonson.
3. Recent School Board appointee Ashley McLeod is seeking to stay on.
4. Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance (VBTA) Chairman John Moss had two clipboards with ballot petitions, which he was playing close to vest. Memo to John: if your candidates' ballot petitions can't stand up to the light of day, their campaigns will quickly wilt in the sunlight.
(In related news, the May CCO newsletter has now announced that Director Ed Fissinger is resigning to run for School Board again.)
The most sought-after document was an Americans For Prosperity (AFP) review of the Virginia state budget. Expect to now hear it cited regularly. The bizarre thing is that AFP's local coordinator is...Rosemary Wilson? (Say what?)
There was good news when Delegate Ron "Landslide" Villanueva let the assembled know that Governor Bob McDonnell will be making multiple announcements in the coming days about new jobs associated with the Port of Virginia.
The intriguing news today was "the meeting before the meeting". With the filing deadline for Virginia Beach's November elections under a month away, ballot petitions were being circulated:
1. Attorney and former Republican Party of Virginia Beach (RPVB) Secretary Tanya Bullock is running for the Princess Anne District seat on the Virginia Beach City Council, now held by Barbara Henley.
2. Council of Civic Organizations (CCO) President Sam Reid is stepping down from his current post to run for the Beach District seat on the Virginia Beach School Board, now held by Pat Edmonson.
3. Recent School Board appointee Ashley McLeod is seeking to stay on.
4. Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance (VBTA) Chairman John Moss had two clipboards with ballot petitions, which he was playing close to vest. Memo to John: if your candidates' ballot petitions can't stand up to the light of day, their campaigns will quickly wilt in the sunlight.
(In related news, the May CCO newsletter has now announced that Director Ed Fissinger is resigning to run for School Board again.)
The most sought-after document was an Americans For Prosperity (AFP) review of the Virginia state budget. Expect to now hear it cited regularly. The bizarre thing is that AFP's local coordinator is...Rosemary Wilson? (Say what?)
There was good news when Delegate Ron "Landslide" Villanueva let the assembled know that Governor Bob McDonnell will be making multiple announcements in the coming days about new jobs associated with the Port of Virginia.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Remias Gets Job - And Quits
Since this was one of the most commented on stories in this blog's history, I want to hit it with the obvious follow-up http://hamptonroads.com/2008/04/va-beach-school-board-member-lyndon-remias-step-down
As I hoped, Lyndon was hired as the City's new Auditor, but is having to give up his School Board seat in the process. City Council, like me, thought there was a confilct of interest in trying to do both.
As I hoped, Lyndon was hired as the City's new Auditor, but is having to give up his School Board seat in the process. City Council, like me, thought there was a confilct of interest in trying to do both.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Compass To 2015 Town Hall Meeting
The Virginia Beach school system held a Town Hall Meeting at the convention center Tuesday night in the development of it's strategic plan. At least 250 people were there, probably more.
Participants had three areas to cover:
1. Ranking priorities for the school system.
2. The importance of some issues
3. Coming from the schools, the proverbial essay question
Things ended with participants asked to fill out a feedback form on the event.
Those at my table liked the format. My one complaint was the number of educators who were voting members; at my table, we had a gifted students teacher and a middle school Principal.
That will certainly skew the numbers.
Others at my table were Delegate Bobby Mathieson, former School Board member Jim DeBellis, and the Chairman of the Filipino-American Community Action Group (FilAmCAG) & his wife. As it was the third time Mathieson and I had crossed paths in seven days, we were joking about it. I also recognized present NAACP President Georgia Allen, CCO Previous President Chandler Scarborough, and VBHMA President Linwood Branch.
MIA last night was the Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance (VBTA). The schools make up the majority of the City's operating budget, but our self-anoited "taxpayer advocates" were nowhere to be seen.
The results from last night will "probably" be posted on the schools' website in two weeks.
Participants had three areas to cover:
1. Ranking priorities for the school system.
2. The importance of some issues
3. Coming from the schools, the proverbial essay question
Things ended with participants asked to fill out a feedback form on the event.
Those at my table liked the format. My one complaint was the number of educators who were voting members; at my table, we had a gifted students teacher and a middle school Principal.
That will certainly skew the numbers.
Others at my table were Delegate Bobby Mathieson, former School Board member Jim DeBellis, and the Chairman of the Filipino-American Community Action Group (FilAmCAG) & his wife. As it was the third time Mathieson and I had crossed paths in seven days, we were joking about it. I also recognized present NAACP President Georgia Allen, CCO Previous President Chandler Scarborough, and VBHMA President Linwood Branch.
MIA last night was the Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance (VBTA). The schools make up the majority of the City's operating budget, but our self-anoited "taxpayer advocates" were nowhere to be seen.
The results from last night will "probably" be posted on the schools' website in two weeks.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
No, Lyndon, You Can't Do Both
The Virginian-Pravda brings us the story of the two finalists for the now-independent City Auditor's position http://hamptonroads.com/2008/04/two-finalists-vie-beachs-auditor-position
One of the finalists is Lyndon Remias, the School Board member from Princess Anne District. However, he should have to resign his School Board seat to serve as Auditor. In comes down to one fact: the majority of the City Operating Budget is the school system's. Therefore, he'd have a clear conflict of interest auditing most City spending.
I first met Lyndon about 4 1/2 years ago, and feel fairly confident that he could do an outstanding job. On the other hand, given that Chris Ford's career advancement has been due to City Manager Jim Spore, you'd have a very tough time convincing the general public that the Auditor was truely independent and working for the public good.
So Council should hire Lyndon. After he resigns his School Board seat, the School Board should appoint (if interested) former Princess Anne District rep Al Ablowich to serve out Remias' term.
One of the finalists is Lyndon Remias, the School Board member from Princess Anne District. However, he should have to resign his School Board seat to serve as Auditor. In comes down to one fact: the majority of the City Operating Budget is the school system's. Therefore, he'd have a clear conflict of interest auditing most City spending.
I first met Lyndon about 4 1/2 years ago, and feel fairly confident that he could do an outstanding job. On the other hand, given that Chris Ford's career advancement has been due to City Manager Jim Spore, you'd have a very tough time convincing the general public that the Auditor was truely independent and working for the public good.
So Council should hire Lyndon. After he resigns his School Board seat, the School Board should appoint (if interested) former Princess Anne District rep Al Ablowich to serve out Remias' term.
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