2008 Voter Guide: Suffolk Mayor

Deborah Wahlstrom (write-in)

Wahlstrom, 53, is running for mayor in Suffolk

Opponents: Andrew B. Damiani, Michael J. Debranski, Linda T. Johnson, Roger A. Leonard, Dwight A. Nixon, Thomas A. Powell Jr.

Years in city: 8 1/2

Education: All degrees from Old Dominion University, including doctorate in urban services

Occupation: Owner of Successline; currently building the Wynn Charitable Event Center

Family: Husband, Mark; three rescue dogs

Civic involvement: Pilot Club; Suffolk Republican Party; Nansemond Suffolk Women Republicans; and direct volunteer support to individual students, classrooms and schools.

Candidate questionnaire

Question 1: What makes you the best candidate for mayor?

Leadership is about leading from the front, and I have the experience and track record of doing so. I have a clear understanding and specific steps for what to do to move our city forward.

Question 2: What should be the city's top priority now? How can it be achieved?

The citizens' priorities should be City Council's priorities, thus I want to give the city back to citizens through a collaborative vision. At the same time, I want to cut the budget and prepare for a leaner government.

Question 3: What will be the city's most pressing issue in 10 years, and how can the city prepare for it?

The most pressing issue in 10 years depends greatly on how council performs now. We have a number of issues that need addressing, including taxes, transportation, workforce development, illiteracy, student performance, graduation rates, growth, local economy, SPSA, affordable housing, recreation and education.

Question 4: How should the city continue to develop? What does ''controlled growth'' mean to you?

Controlled growth is living within our means and growing at a rate that allows us to comfortably handle it with our city's available resources. This focused growth should also move us toward our city's vision of the future.

Question 5: If you were mayor, what would be your approach to regional efforts in Hampton Roads?

As our region develops, so do we. Thus, I want to work in a collaborative manner with others throughout our region while aligning my decisions with our city's vision and plans.

Question 6: Should the city and state raise more money to pay for transportation projects? If yes, how?

We need to make wiser budget decisions when funding our fair share. We cannot afford to lose transportation funding as has happened with the King's Highway Bridge. In addition to what we get from state and federal governments, we need to expect help from developers and businesses who put an increased stress on our transportation system.

Question 7: What, if any, improvements should be made to the Holland Road corridor? How should these be paid for?

Use the data from the June 2008 Holland Road Corridor Study to guide our decisions and use a combination of funding; for example, developers, city, state and federal.

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