News Summary
Virginia Beach is engaged in a heated debate over city council voting systems ahead of a November referendum. Two proposals are under consideration: a 10-1 system, providing equal district representation, and a 7-3-1 system, promoting governance diversity. Advocates from both sides raise concerns about representation, influence from developers, and community safety, especially relating to electric bike use. As the city also examines development initiatives, this discourse emphasizes critical issues impacting the future of Virginia Beach.
Virginia Beach Residents Debate Voting Systems for City Council Elections Ahead of November Referendum
Virginia Beach is currently immersed in a critical debate regarding the method of electing its city council members. A public meeting held at the Virginia Beach Town Center on Wednesday evening allowed residents to voice their opinions on two proposed voting systems ahead of a referendum on November 4.
Voters will have the option to support a 10-1 voting system, where each of the city’s ten districts elects one council member in addition to the mayor, or to opt for a 7-3-1 system, which would consist of seven district-based council members, three at-large members, and the mayor.
Proponents of the 10-1 system argue that this approach allows for equal representation across all districts and diminishes the likelihood of a majority group monopolizing decision-making. Supporters believe that by decentralizing representation, all voices within the community are more likely to be heard.
Conversely, advocates for the 7-3-1 system stress the need for diversity in governance, particularly by incorporating insights from council members across different districts. A notable advocate for this system, Councilmember Cal “Cash” Jackson-Green, has switched his support from the 10-1 system to the 7-3-1 system, suggesting it could foster broader understanding among council members regarding local issues.
Concerns about developers significantly influencing local elections under a 7-3-1 system have also been raised by residents. Some believe that such a voting structure might dilute individual voices and lead to skewed project approvals that favor certain areas of Virginia Beach over others.
In addition to the voting system discussions, the Virginia Beach City Council is focusing on promoting electric bike safety. Recently, the council advanced initiatives involving the E-bike Safety Task Force, which aims to bolster awareness around safe riding practices and introduce new protocols. Concerns have been voiced about children riding e-bikes at higher speeds on public roads, emphasizing the need for improved safety measures. Currently, e-bikes are banned along the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Atlantic Avenue during the busy tourism season from May 1 to September 30.
Additionally, the council is contemplating the potential establishment of safety ordinances, such as mandatory helmet usage for e-bike riders, demonstrating a broader commitment to public safety. Meanwhile, complications have arisen in city development initiatives, particularly with a proposal to sell city property to revitalize a section of Laskin Road. This redevelopment could disrupt local businesses, raising concerns among owners regarding rent hikes and the possible loss of the community atmosphere.
If approved, the city plans to sell the property for $1.5 million, which would fund a $64 million mixed-use project featuring both apartments and retail space. Local business owners have voiced worries that such redevelopment may compromise their livelihoods and the unique character of the area. On the other hand, advocates argue that the proposed development would generate substantial new tax revenue and call for that revenue to be reinvested in support for small businesses.
Furthermore, the differences in campaign financing indicate a divide among supporters of the two voting systems. The pro-7-3-1 group, termed “Every Vote Counts,” has raised over $600,000, primarily sourced from local business leaders, while the committees advocating for the 10-1 system, “Yes for Virginia Beach” and “Vote Yes on 10-1,” have reported around $63,000 each.
As residents prepare for the referendum in November, the debate highlights the critical issues of representation, safety, and community development that are increasingly relevant to the future of Virginia Beach.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Portland Timbers Secure MLS Playoff Victory
Virginia Beach Sheriff Candidates Commit to Reform and Transparency
Fan Voting Opens for 2025 MLS Save of the Year
Virginia Beach Hosts Fourth Annual Abby Furco Memorial Color Run
Virginia Attorney General Debate Highlights Character Concerns
Thousands Participate in No Kings Protest in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach Updates Land Use Plan and Proposes Rural Development Safeguards
Hudson School District Closes Two Elementary Schools
Community Crime Line Enhances Public Safety and Crime Solving
Carolina Beach Prepares for Mayoral Election
Additional Resources
- WTKR: Virginia Beach City Council Push for E-Bike Safety Regulations
- Pilot Online: Laskin Road Land Sale, Virginia Beach
- 13 News Now: Virginia Beach Residents Rally for 10-1 Voting Referendum
- Wikipedia: Electoral System
- Pilot Online: Virginia Beach Laskin Road Sale Update
- Google Search: Virginia Beach City Council
- Pilot Online: Virginia Beach Election Referendum Spending Analysis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Electric Bike
Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER
The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your trusted source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with comprehensive coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—supported by years of expert reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while offering top reporting on high-profile events like the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and military homecoming celebrations, alongside key organizations such as the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach Convention Center, and Oceana Naval Air Station, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense like Busch Gardens and Northrop Grumman, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREWilliamsburg.com, providing credible, in-depth insights into Virginia's vibrant landscape. HERE Virginia Beach HERE Williamsburg
