VIRGINIA BEACH
Candidates for city and school board offices pledged during a forum Saturday to seek advice and feedback from youths about public policy issues, although they'll need the youths' parents, relatives and friends 18 or older to elect them Nov. 4.
The 20 candidates, including Mayor Meyera Oberndorf and her challengers John Moss, Will Sessoms and Scott Taylor, took part in the forum at Kempsville High School.
Teams of middle and high school students quizzed the candidates about their positions on education, public safety and environmental issues, as well as their views on considering youths' opinions about city policies.
About 40 students crafted questions addressing weighty issues, although the forum's 90-minute time frame - and maximum 90-second response per candidate - led to many of the candidates being cut short. Organizers said they hoped to receive full responses from the candidates to post on the city's Youth Opportunities Office Web page.
In regard to questions about improving air and water quality and using alternative energy sources, Taylor and Sessoms each voiced support for harnessing wind along the coast to help power the city. Michael W. Stewart and Dan Edwards, both hoping to retain their seats on the School Board, pointed to environment -friendly building materials and designs in new and renovated schools.
Regarding public safety, City Council candidate Joe Flores suggested researching other cities' efforts to curb violence, including the use of youth courts. Another council candidate, Leona "Lee" Shuler, advocated a plan to crack down on crime by researching and targeting specific problems in specific neighborhoods.
Regarding teacher evaluation, work force development and the role of guidance counselors, School Board candidate Patrick Salyer noted the value of researching careers and noted that higher education can mean learning a skilled trade instead of attending college. He also said an external reviewer was needed to conduct impartial teacher evaluations.
School Board candidates Erika Walker-Cash and Gertrude "Bunny" Waugh questioned the performance of some guidance counselors, with Waugh accusing some of negligence and failing to meet their potential.
Shawn Day, (757) 222-5131, shawn.day@pilotonline.com
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When the public starts paying attention to who they vote for
"Class participation," if you will, is the problem.
How many votes were enough to win the race for Mayor last time she won?
Will Sessoms, with his 1/2 million in special interest campaign bribes, I mean contributions, is bought and paid for & you already know Aunt Meyera's record of failed leadership. Sorry Scott, your resume is a bit thin. Informed voters will choose John Moss for Mayor.
www.moss4mayor.com
Virginia Beach Forum
Yeah, sure...I believe these stupid little forums will make big impressions on elected officials when legitimate referendums have none on them. When our official start listening to the VOTING PUBLIC, then I'll believe someone may listen to the kids. Remember these kids are smart and will be voting soon!