Candidate Q&A: Debbie Ritter

What makes you the best candidate for City Council?

I care deeply about a better future for our Chesapeake families. I hope that my past record demonstrates my dedication to making each individual a special interest. I will serve the citizens first, be honest and fair, be a good listener and always be accessible and responsive.

What should be the city's top priority now, and how can it be achieved?

It’s time to roll up our sleeves and make fundamental changes in how the city taxes and budgets our money. I will set goals to reduce the burden of high taxes and fees, to increase accountability and to make sure government works smarter. Cutting red tape will help provide the best results at the least cost and treat every citizen as a valued customer not an afterthought of bureaucracy.

What do you think will be the city's most pressing issue in 10 years, and how can the city prepare for it?

Weathering changes in the economy is always the most pressing issue. A few years ago it was hard to imagine major local employers closing, dramatic real estate assessment increases or the skyrocketing gas prices. A sensible long-term financial plan is necessary. Attracting businesses that build on regional strengths will create good jobs and improve our tax base to lessen burdens on residents.

How do you respond to complaints that city leaders put developers’ interests ahead of residents’ needs?

Such complaints are easy to understand when residents see more road congestion, overcrowded schools, shortages in first responders and, since I left Council in 2006, over $50 million in taxpayer subsidies for private development projects. For 12 years I placed citizens needs first, voting for development only when it paid its own way.

Cite one vote by a majority of City Council that you disagreed with in the past year and why.

The consistent majority votes to spend “excess” money. While it’s good to budget conservatively, when “excess” revenues are over $30 million in one year, citizens have a right to feel their taxes are too high. When families are working harder to make ends meet, they want to know their city is also tightening its belt.

Should the city and state raise more money to pay for transportation projects? If yes, how?

Funding new state roads is a state responsibility. Transportation Trust Fund money should never be spent for other purposes. All transportation money raised in Hampton Roads should be returned to Hampton Roads. Officials should go back to the “drawing board,” dissolve the HRTA and amend the approved projects to consider those that would significantly reduce congestion for daily road users.