VIRGINIA BEACH
Stihl Inc. is backing Mayor Meyera Oberndorf's bid for re-election with a $10,000 check, despite a recent flap over the machinery and tools tax.
The check is the single largest contribution made to a Virginia Beach mayoral candidate since the start of September and brings Oberndorf's total to $68,349, according to the Virginia Public Access project, which tracks campaign finances.
"I guess that was an indication that they have confidence in me and the service we render as a council," Oberndorf said.
In May, the City Council approved a 90 percent increase on the machinery and tools tax, then reversed the decision when Stihl, Virginia Beach's largest manufacturer, complained.
The three other mayoral candidates have pointed to the Stihl case as an example of why the city needs new leadership.
Oberndorf has said the city made a mistake in attempting to raise the tax. Several times on the campaign trail she has talked about how when Stihl called to complain, she and her husband drove back from a visit to Charlotte and immediately went to Stihl's offices to talk to company officials.
"In recognition of this working relationship and her service to the city of Virginia Beach, Stihl made a donation to Mayor Oberndorf's re-election campaign," the company said in a news release. "We look forward to working with Virginia Beach's mayor, city council and staff to strengthen the city's economy and promote Virginia Beach" both in the United States and abroad.
The company did not make contributions to any of the other candidates, a spokeswoman said.
The contribution is unlikely to put an end to his criticisms of Oberndorf's tenure, said John Moss, a former councilman and mayoral candidate.
"The issue was never about who it was," Moss said. "It shows that the council doesn't do its homework."
Campaign finance reports through the end of September show Moss has raised $22,869.
Will Sessoms, a former vice mayor, continued his fundraising lead with $552,521.
Former Navy SEAL Scott Taylor has raised $77,089.
Deirdre Fernandes, (757) 222-5121, deirdre.fernandes@pilotonline.com
Delicious
Digg
Reddit
Facebook
Google
Yahoo
Perhaps if Scott Taylor
Perhaps if Scott Taylor could be convinced that he hasn't a chance of winning, despite his respectable campaign donations, it would greatly increast the chances of the best possible candidate becoming our Mayor and restoring some semblance of sanity in our City Council. Will Sessoms would be just another Oberndorf with the only difference being which developers he belongs to. Will had his chance in the '80s and blew it. John Moss knows more about the finances of our City than any council member and, probably, 99% of City staff.
This is a fact - The only chance of protecting our hard earned money, ensuring that the funds available to our City government are spent wisely, seeing the ACTUAL cost of projects implemented by City government - including the COST OF CREDIT, and putting the fate of our City back into the hands of the citizens is to elect JOHN MOSS.
And on the same ballot we have the chance to vote OUT all incumbent City Council members up for re-election.
This city needs JOHN MOSS.
John Moss will win because we vote for him.
John Moss is the best choice of the ballot to lead our city.
Virginia Beach Mayor voting
Mrs. Oberndorf will get her usual 40+% of the vote again. Sessoms big backers want to buy the position. The ex-SEAL, whose military service was outstanding, has absolutely no experience for this job, John Moss is too honest, intelligent, and forthright to win. In a nutshell, the three contenders will split the remaining 60% of the vote and we will keep the same Mayor.
Real Leadership
I don't believe anyone can legitimately question the incumbent's commitment, but I do think it is legitimate to question her effectiveness. Of course Sessoms had to raise money to overcome the incumbent's incredible advantage in name recognition created by appearances at just about every public event ever held in Virginia Beach. Frankly however, that is not the kind of leadership we now need in this competitive world in which we all live. We need more aggressive and assertive leadership. We need not just going on trips but closing the deals as well. We need positive leadership of regional agencies, not just serving on the board. We need a leader who will take the responsibility to forge consensus for action on the city council, not just a figurehead waiting for that consensus to form before voting with the majority. Twenty years of committed service is enough; it is time for a real leader, and Sessoms fits that bill.
let's show
Hey voters...let's try something unique! Let's show Sessoms that votes are more important than fund raising!! What'ya say?? Lets get r done.
"Pay campaign - taxes go
"Pay campaign - taxes go away.
It ain't rocket science."
Did you notice how much Sessoms has? I have the luxury of not living in VB anymore and am able to watch from the sidelines. As someone who is very familiar after living there most of my life, it should be noted that there is no option better than the current mayor. There have been many things over the years that made me question her but you have no better choice. The dedication required for low pay is not going to be easily replaced. You cannot continue to blame council as the make up of the panel has changed multiple times in the years and the nature of the complaints never change. Obviously Moss has no chance. A vote for him is a vote to put a banker in charge of your city in the form of Sessoms. Ask yourself wahat his motivation is. Then ask yourself how you will run a bank and a city at the same time. Obendorf should be mayor until she decides to quit it or is no longer effective.
Donations Get More Copy than issues
The media can play a crucial role in helping to create responsible leadership in Virginia Beach.
With analysis confined to who raises what good candidates will find it difficult to rise to the top.
Bought and paid for
I wonder if I give her a bunch of money will she reduce my taxes?
Get rid of developer and business controled city council. Put the citizen back in charge. Vote Moss.
$10,000.00
With all the money she saved Stihl, I'm surprised that's all they gave her.
Reelect no one in Virginia Beach, especially the Mayor
All the incumbents, including the Mayor, have created a mess in the City of Virginia Beach. Traffic is horrible, a failed Sportsplex, two lanes of traffic at the oceanfront, a 31st street hotel the citizens did not want, an out of touch city manager, lack of infrastructure, building below the green line, and the list goes on and on. New blood is needed. Reelect none one in Virginia Beach, especially the Mayor. She is a career politician that has become out of touch with the needs of the City. A vote for Sessoms is a vote for the contributors to his war chest. Remember, he must pay back the campaign money with his vote. Truly, change is needed. Remember as you sit in traffic in Virginia Beach, who put you there, and the extra gas you are burning. Reelect no one in Virginia Beach, especially the Mayor and Sessoms.
Yea right!
This is only one example who city council approves something with little study. Remember the failed road tax plan they backed without any real discussion or study. Also how about the failed soccer facility. Shall I go on!
Mayor
I'm genuinely surprised the Hilton hotel group was not the largest contributor to the Mayors race for re-election. The mayor has many questions to answer...and does not! Her husband is running this city and I'm not surprised.
Shakedown
Obendorf said, "the city mistakenly raised the tax".
Cities don't raise taxes - officials do.
Pay campaign - taxes go away.
It ain't rocket science.
.