THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 7, 1996 TAG: 9611070004
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A18 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: 44 lines
Virginia Beach voters Tuesday rejected the establishment of a redevelopment and housing authority for the city, dealing a blow to elected officials who had put the question on the ballot. Such an authority would have empowered the city to condemn blighted property like that remaining in the delapidated Burton Station area, where the city wants to expand an industrial park.
This newspaper endorsed the creation of the authority and urged readers to approve the measure.
A majority of Beach voters did not agree, however, and the city must now try to attract business and rehabilitate pockets of poverty without the power of condemnation.
Why was this ballot question rejected? The reasons are several. With widespread distrust of government - nationally and locally - this measure faced an uphill battle from the start since, at its core, the question asked voters to expand the powers of the city government.
Virginia Beach elected officials must assume some of the blame themselves and ask what it is about the way they govern that does not inspire confidence in some citizens.
Council can also be faulted for putting this question on the ballot just a few months ago, without enough time to educate the voters about the benefits of a municipal housing authority.
Another factor in the defeat could be Norfolk's redevelopment and housing authority. It has sometimes been accused of abusing its power and is blamed for the displacement of many black Norfolk residents.
Coupled with that was concern by some voters that this new authority would, naturally, target only the poorest residents of the city - those with the weakest voices and least ability to fight City Hall.
Ultimately, the redevelopment and housing authority was rejected because of opposition from both ends of the political spectrum. Many conservative voters were reluctant to give more power to local government and many liberal voters were wary of empowering the city to displace poor residents.
The next time the city wants the voters to approve an important ballot initiative, officials must allow ample time for supporters of the measure to make a persuasive case.
KEYWORDS: RESULTS ANALYSIS ELECTION VIRGINIA BEACH by CNB