Virginia Beach City Council District 8: Candidates spotlight
John “Condor” Andrews
Age: 65
Occupation: Supervisory program manager at Military Sealift Command
Previous office held, if any: n/a
Education: First Colonial High School, Bachelor of Science from Virginia Tech, Master of Arts from Naval War College
1. What experience do you have that makes you qualified to serve on City Council?
I’m a native of Virginia Beach who grew up in this district and attended Virginia Beach public schools. I served with distinction for 30 years in the U.S. Navy, commanded an E-2C squadron, was awarded the Bronze Star in combat operations, served 14 months in Iraq with the U.S. Army, and retired as a captain (O6). My experience serving my country; in the business community; with the maritime industry; on environmental issues; and as a dedicated volunteer throughout the community, have all given me a solid foundation to not only lead but to work tirelessly on our City’s important issues. My experience and deep knowledge of this city and district make me the most qualified candidate, and — if elected — the most effective council member representing the 8th District. I believe deeply that, as a public servant, you must always do the right thing for the people you serve.
2. If elected, what would be your top priority and how would you get it done?
City Council must focus on and support the vital issues that are most important to the citizens of Virginia Beach and provide the resources needed to address those issues. How? First, draft and approve a focused budget that supports: quality and timely municipal services; continued excellence in education; well-trained, well-staffed, and adequately-funded police, fire, and emergency medical services; advocate for business development, as well as increased engagement and cooperation with the city’s biggest employer — the U.S. Navy; work diligently to provide and support storm water programs throughout the city; sustain the health and viability of the Lynnhaven River, Broad Bay, and the Chesapeake Bay; encourage regional cooperation; encourage workforce development that takes advantage of veterans and transitioning active duty. Then, equally important, be willing to work with each and every member of the City Council to find common ground and actually accomplish our goals together.
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Rona Marsh
Age: 66
Occupation: Certified fraud examiner, retired from Bank Financial branches auditing
Previous office held, if any: Thalia Civic League board member, 3rd year
Education: Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University
1. What experience do you have that makes you qualified to serve on City Council?
Being a retired certified fraud examiner with 35 years of financial experience so I am qualified and available full-time to help citizens. I was the District 8 candidate that attended the Virginia Beach City budget meetings and challenged an unidentified $45 million that was added in the FY2022 capital improvement budget. Citizens were not told what exact sites the funding would go to so I worked to get the $45 million in spending removed from the reconciliation budget and it was removed. Being retired from my career as a certified fraud examiner affords me the opportunity to make my schedule more available than if I had a full time job/business, giving citizens full-time representation by speaking and attending meetings.
2. If elected, what would be your top priority and how would you get it done?
Tax Relief. There should be a tax surplus from last year’s budget around $80 million to $100 million. I will work to refund to citizens 50% (half) of the budget surplus. The restaurant meal tax is 11.5% and higher than New York City. In May and June 2020, there was a two month tax holiday of the city 5.5% restaurant meal tax so it can be done again. It appears the City projection for Fiscal year 2022-23 is collection of over $89 million from restaurant meal tax (more than 43% increase in one year). I will work with council to reduce the real estate property taxes which many citizens say the recent 9.4% increase has created higher tax payments that are a hardship. Virginia Beach can be a “community for a lifetime” with lower taxes.
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Chris Taylor
Age: 38
Occupation: Small business owner, partner Smoothie Stop Cafe
Previous office held, if any: None
Education: Bachelor of Arts in business management, Virginia Wesleyan University
1. What experience do you have that makes you qualified to serve on City Council?
Working in corporate and small business environments within and surrounding Virginia Beach allows me to understand our workforce from an employee and executive level. My background in corporate and community environments is an asset when our city is craving growth and positive change on both fronts. As a coach and mentor for 10+ years, I understand the art of collaboration and compromise to achieve shared results and get things accomplished. I have proven that you can start with something small. Whether you are part of a staff or within a team, you can collaborate and accomplish positive results. My small business survived the COVID-19 pandemic. It required focus, tough skin, and a keen understanding of budgeting/stewardship to expand our business in 2021.
2. If elected, what would be your top priority and how would you get it done?
Public Safety. I will support our police, fire and emergency services and work effectively with their leadership to ensure our personnel have the training, resources, and support necessary to keep our city safe. Virginia Beach is one of the safest cities of its size in our country. As a resident of District 8, I’m committed to preserving a family environment for our neighborhoods and the Shore Drive corridor.
