THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 5, 1996 TAG: 9605010381
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 64 EDITION: FINAL
SERIES: Decision '96
Election Guide
LENGTH: Long : 382 lines
[questions]
1. What political activities and community service are you involved in?
2. Would you vote against your personal beliefs if the public disagreed?
3. On what things are you not willing to compromise?
4. What two promises will you make and how will you keep citizens informed?
5. How will you compensate for the declines in state and federal money?
6. How can we avoid the problems associated with big-city school districts?
7. What will you do to reassure the public about our schools' fiscal integrity?
8. Party affiliation, endorsements, campaign contributions [Answers from candidates]
CANDIDATES FOR MAYOR
Meyera E. Oberndorf
Born: Feb. 10, 1941, in Newport News
Years in city: 36
Education: B.S. in elementary education, Old Dominion University
Occupation: Mayor
1. Mayor since 1988; member of the City Council since 1976; President, Virginia Municipal League; member of the board of directors of the National League of Cities; advisory board member and head of the Women's Section of the U.S. Conference of Mayors; member of the Virginia Beach Library Board (1966-76)
2. I will not compromise my personal beliefs.
3. I will not compromise my personal morals, faith or my family.
4. I never make political promises.
5. Enhancement of economic development and improving the efficiency of city government.
6. Continued consolidation of shared services with the School Board to stabilize their financial situation.
7. Consolidation of their financial operations with the city's. Action Group of Hampton Roads, Citizens Action Coalition and Tidewater Association of Realtors.
Total Contributions: $ 51,914 < Total Expenditures: $ 73,013 Support includes: Tourism interests, business people and real estate interests.
R.F. ``Bob'' Yurina
Born: Jan. 19, 1963, in Cambridge, Ohio
Years in city: 12
Education: Meadowbrook High School; Journeyman's certificate in ordinance technology
Occupation: service manager at Atlantic & Pacific Arms
1. 4-H volunteer; regularly assist and coordinate assistance for the elderly in my neighborhood, including auto repairs and food distribution
2. Yes. Concerning the Gaston issue there were other options, however, the public has chosen the current path and it must and will be completed.
3. Public safety, education and taxes
4. I have only one promise and that is to represent all branches of my constituency equally. They will see what they want finally completed.
5. By making it easier for Virginia Beach residents to start and maintain their own business and encourage outside investment in order to escalate the local economy.
6. To a relative degree, we seem to have managed debt and violence better than other cities. However, any over-expenditure and/or violence are unacceptable. They will be remedied through external audits and prosecution of criminals to the fullest extent of the law.
7. Support an audited and published budget.
8. Endorsed by the Virginia Beach Republican Caucus
Total Contributions: $60 < Total Expenditures: $ 78 VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES AT-LARGE CANDIDATES
Richard P. ``Rick'' Anoia
Born: Feb. 16, 1958
Years in city: 38
Education: First Colonial High School; B.S. in business administration, Old Dominion University
Occupation: co-owner of Windjammer Motel at the Oceanfront, Pembroke Mall Barbers and Haygood Barbers
1. Chairman, Resort Leadership Council; Director, ECSC Foundation Board (Jaycees); member, Economic Development Advisory; Pack volunteer, Boy Scouts of America; past president National Eagle Scout Association of Tidewater; past president Virginia Beach Hotel & Motel Association
2. Yes. As an example, the question on the ballot relative to the ward system. I feel that if we go to the trouble of having a referendum on this matter, I don't see how I could ignore a clear mandate.
3. On council, many day-to-day issues require compromise, but in areas where I do feel I may have a problem, perhaps with a moral question. As an example: the education of our children, their future.
4. Accessability. I will be available and I will conduct periodic neighborhood town meetings with constituents. Accountability. We've recently experienced the problem with our school system and the accountability of tax funds. I intend to be aggressive to know the inflow and outflow of funds, to see that they are properly scrutinized.
5. We can begin to compensate through regionalism. Water, roads, sewage, industrial development, economic development - are some areas. Have dialogue on the role, function and scope of government. Then, streamline local services, making these more cost-effective. We can only provide services that we are willing to pay for.
6. With all due respect, we have avoided these big-city problems because of the quality and dedication of our families and our teachers within the school system. Our family values are further strengthened because of the quality of life we as citizens enjoy in Virginia Beach.
7. Have the city take over the financial oversight function.
8. Party affiliation: Republican
Endorsed by the Citizens Action Coalition
Total Contributions: $ 22,251 < Total Expenditures: $ 16,885 Support includes: Tourism interests and business
Harold Heischober
Born: March 20, 1920, in New York City
Years in city: 54
Education: B.B.A. in accounting, St. John's University
Occupation: Chairman of Mega Mazda car dealership on Holland Road
1. Mayor, 1984-1986; council member, 1980-1992; reappointed to council, March 1995; Little League participation; 4-H program; Adopt-A-School program.
2. Yes. Planning. Even though I may agree with or like a planning item, if it detracts from a neighborhood or intrudes upon the character of the area, I will vote with the neighborhood.
3. I cannot compromise with any activity that violates the health, safety and welfare of our citizens. I will not compromise on exceeding budgetary allocation. I will not compromise on ethical and fair treatment for our citizens. I demand that city employees be treated by citizens with courtesy.
4. Two promises to citizens: I will listen to concerns; I will resolve problems. I keep my citizens informed by returning phone calls, written correspondence and, when necessary, town meeting activity.
5. Though we already have streamlined city operations, there is more to do. We must continue to consolidate services wherever we can, to avoid duplication of cost. We must continue to expand an already great volunteer force, especially school volunteers. We must invest in revenue-producing public/private partnerships.
6. Keeping a lid on a disciplined school system involves a strong PTA organization; effective parent/teacher communications; worthwhile extra-curricular activities in athletics, arts and academic pursuits. All add up to pride in one's school.
7. Monthly financial reports from staff to School Board to council. These reports will and should give funds spent versus budget allocation and funds remaining for the fiscal year. That is what we do on the city side. That has worked for 33 years, and that is what the School Board should insist upon.
8. Endorsed by Virginia Beach Education Association, Code Blue for a Safer City, and the Filipino American Community Action Group of hampton Roads; and Tidewater Association of Realators/
Total Contributions: $ 43,469 < Total Expenditures: $ 36,329
Support includes: Real Esatate interests, automobile dealers, and other businesses.
Louis Miles ``Lou'' Pace
Born: Jan. 15, 1935, in St. Louis, Mo.
Years in city: 16
Education: B.S. in business administration, Washington University, St. Louis
Occupation: area manager and certified trainer for Curtis Industries
1. Past president, Hunt Club Forest Civic League; Director, Council of Civic Organizations; golf course volunteer; volunteer sheriff; ran unsuccessfully for six local and statewide political races
2. No
3. Taxes. Will not increase
4. Town meetings
5. Find out why we see not getting our fair share
6. Provide opportunities for our young people; work with parents and their children to keep them from having problems
7. City Council and School Board should work together better. May have to change city manager form of government.
8.
Total Contributions: $ 0 < Total Expenditures: $ 0
Robert C. Spadaccini
Born: Nov. 10, 1957, in Flushing, N.Y.
Years in city: 25
Education: Frederick Military Academy; American Institute of Banking
Occupation: Collection manager for David D. Dickerson & Associates, Attorney at Law
1. Virginia Institute of Political Leadership; member, Virginia Beach Community Organization of Incentive Grants (COIG); vice-president, Green Run Homes Association; Elder, Presbytery of Eastern Virginia; assistant scoutmaster; member, Virginia Marine Science Museum stranding team; coach, Green Run Little League
2. No. It is my opinion that an elected official is elected to serve, and service is through representing the will of the people. By voting against the will of the people and implementing your own desires, you are not serving them.
3. I will not compromise on my honesty, integrity or representing the communities and residents of the city. Nor will I compromise on the safety of residents or the moral values and education for children.
4. I will always listen to their concerns and make myself available. I will base my decisions on the advantages and disadvantages of the issues, not special interest groups. I will keep them informed by attending their meetings regularly, going out into the community to talk with them and provide updates.
5. This can be done through less bureaucracy, consolidating and working with local business and communities. The city budget has adequate income for essential services to the residents; special interest items need to be more scrutinized. I would also ask for input from the citizens as to what they see as priorities.
6. Through working with the School Board, having an open dialogue, visiting the local schools, (getting) administrators and staffs to listen to their concerns and ideas
7. I would ensure the fiscal integrity of the school district by asking the questions that need to be asked, not accepting partial answers and working more closely with the members of the School Board.
8. Party affiliation: Republican.
Endorsed by International Association of Firefighters Local 2924, Virginia Beach Republican Caucus<
Total Contributions: $1,903 < Total Expenditures: $ 2,271 BLACKWATER BOROUGH CANDIDATE
John A. Baum
Born: Feb. 11, 1927 in Blackwater
Years in city: Lifelong resident
Education: B.S. in agricultural engineering, Virginia Tech
Occupation: Retired farmer, tree farmer
1. Served 24 years on the City Council; Farm Bureau director; Creeds Ruritan Club; Lake Gaston Task Force
2. I strongly support an ``at-large'' City Council, but if the citizens support the ``ward'' system in the referendum, I will respect their wishes.
3. I am strongly opposed to regulating away private property rights in the name of protecting the environment, and thus getting around the 5th Amendment to the Constitution.
4. I will work to streamline and simplify regulations affecting rural areas, and to get the Agricultural Reserve Program operational, thus controlling growth below the Green Line.
5. We will be forced to spend more local money but we should strive to get more state sales taxes returned to our city.
6. We need to assist neighborhoods in preserving a good quality of life. We cannot allow deterioration into slums, and eventually we probably will have a redevelopment authority.
7. We will have consolidated financial services, but it is important to encourage the school superintendent and city manager to work together. That teamwork was missing in recent years.
8. Endorsed by Filipino American Political Action Group of Hampton Roads and the Tidewater Association Builders of Realtors<
Total Contributions: $0 < Total Expenditures: $0 PRINCESS ANNE BOROUGH CANDIDATES
Robert K. Dean
Born: Nov. 30, 1940
Years in city: 35
Education: Two years at the University of Florida
Occupation: Retired from 17 years of management with J.C. Penney. Also worked with Sears, Roebuck and Co. and owned a Virginia Beach restaurant
1. Four years on City Council; Executive committee, Earth Day; Founder/chairman, Clean the Bay Day; Founder, Environmental Green Breakfast; Board member and co-founder, Elizabeth River Project; Board member, Sugar Plum Bakery; Chairman, Mayor's Committee for Persons with Disabilities
2. Yes. I would vote to support building the Southeastern Expressway, the oceanfront Hurricane Protection seawall and 50-year sand replenishment project, the 50-year sand replenishment project for Sandbridge. While I am strongly opposed to the above projects, I would in fact support them if mandated through a public referendum.
3. The attention, time and approach required to effectively get the job done on City Council cannot be compromised. I also will not compromise my philosophy on the role of government. Otherwise, I will not go along to get along. The taxpayer deserves better.
4. I will continue to address the comprehensive plan as the bible of growth for our city. The government must learn to live within their income like the citizens have to do who pay the bills. And all decisions made should improve the quality of life for all the citizens of our city, or they shouldn't be done.
5. Establish the definition of what are the essential services. We need to reassess and evaluate our own lives and begin to accept the fact that government cannot be all things to all people all the time. There will be some pain, but not without pain, there won't be any gain, except for the continued growth of government.
6. Working in our favor, we do not have severely segregated neighborhoods, or a large downtown area. We cannot allow the discipline in our schools to decline, nor can we turn our backs on our teachers when they uphold the rules and regulations. We must support and provide them with legal council when necessary.
7. I believe that the steps we are implementing in the consolidation of services and financial oversight will provide new levels of confidence. I will continue to work for joint conferences with the School Board, to develop the trust required to effectively work as a team. It is imperative that we begin to develop a closer working relationship.
8. Endorsed by Republican Caucus, International Association of Firefighters Local 2924. Citizens Action Coalition and then Filipino American Political Action Group of Hampton Roads<
Total Contributions: $ 19,459 < Total Expenditures: $ 17,026
Support includes: Mayor and her closest allies & own funds.
Reba S. McClanan
Born: Oct. 25, 1937, in Martin, Ky.
Years in city: 32
Education: B.S., Berea College in Kentucky; M.S. in vocational/technical education, Virginia Tech; Additional graduate work, Old Dominion University, George Washington University, University of Virginia
Occupation: Former teacher at Kellam High School and Virginia Beach High School; Former extension agent, University of Kentucky
1. City Council, 1980-92; Vice mayor, 1984-86; President, Virginia Urban Forest Council, Friends of Francis Land House; Board member, M.E. Cox Center for Elderly Day Care; Former president, Virginia Beach Council of Civic Organizations, Virginia Beach Council of Garden Clubs, Virginia Beach Friends of the Library
2. I will do my best to reflect citizens' sentiment. There are times when monetary constraints could cause me to vote against what might be wanted but not affordable. Also, when approved in a referendum, it is difficult to deny the will of the people. I will support the outcome of the referendum which is on the ballot.
3. I am not willing to compromise on matters that severely constrain or restrict the citizens' flexibility in regards to taxing and borrowing. I believe the city should live within its borrowing limits and not use borrowing capacity for non-essential projects. I also do not support lump sum funding to school boards.
4. I promise to carry out my oath of office to the best of my ability. I promise to do the best job of listening, responding and providing the leadership to accomplish the goals necessary to make this city achieve what it is capable of being. Through meeting with individuals and citizens as well as the media.
5. Levels of service will have to be affected. It is not fair to make localities comply with rules and mandates without providing funding. I think programs must be considered in the context of the overall picture and giving the most services for the amount expended. It also means finding different and less expensive ways of delivering services.
6. Visitation and meeting with parents and teachers can play a big role in this effort, as well as not giving in to demands of special interest groups whose goals are not totally associated with quality education and getting the best academic education possible for children at all levels.
7. I will continue to support only category based budgeting versus lump sum funding. The city and School Board should give a written report to the citizens periodically showing projected budget to date figures and current status of expenditures in an easy to understand form. Merging of those financial operations should be a top priority.
8. Party affiliation: Independent. Endorsed by Code Blue for a Safer City and Tidewater Association of Realtors
Total Contributions: $ 16,050 < Total Expenditures: $ 15,921 Support includes: real estate interests, individuals VIRGINIA BEACH BOROUGH CANDIDATE
Linwood O. Branch III
Born: July 18, 1955
Years in city: Lifelong resident
Education: B.A. in psychology, Randolph-Macon College
Occupation: Hotelier/retailer, South Shore Resort Inn
1. Served four years on City Council; Board member, Virginia Beach Center for the Arts, Friends of the Mounted Patrol, Virginia Beach Clean Community Commission, Virginia Life Saving Museum; Organizer, Law Enforcement and Teacher Appreciation Day; Resort chair, United Way Foundation
2. Yes. When a clearly worded referendum question indicated the will of the people
3. My sense of right and wrong
4. Work on a development plan that allows us to grow within our resources with an emphasis on economic development and quality. Through meetings and the media.
5. Continue to streamline where we can in order to address shortfalls
6. Manage our growth so we can focus on what we already have and maintain and improve on it
7. Consolidate financial functions with the city
8. Endorsed by Filipino American Community Action Group of Hampton Roads
International Association of Firefighters Local 2924.
Total Contributions: $ 0 < Total Expenditures: $ 0 ILLUSTRATION: [photos of all the candidates]
KEYWORDS: PUBLIC JOURNALISM COMMUNITY CONVERSATION VIRGINIA BEACH CITY
COUNCIL CANDIDATE ELECTION VIRGINIA BEACH MAYOR'S RACE by CNB