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2008 Voter Guide: Suffolk Mayor

Michael J. Debranski

Debranski, 65, is running for mayor in Suffolk

Opponents: Andrew B. Damiani, Linda T. Johnson, Roger A. Leonard, Dwight A. Nixon, Thomas A. Powell Jr., Deborah Wahlstrom (write-in)

Years in city: 41

Education: College of William and Mary, bachelor's degree in physical education; Old Dominion University, master's in education; ODU, certificate of advance study, educational administration; Virginia Tech, doctorate in educational administration

Occupation: 34 years in education; eight years as Suffolk-based business owner

Family: Wife, Margaret (Marty); two daughters

Civic involvement: Currently, elected member of Suffolk School Board; former member of both Suffolk Rotary and Suffolk Lions

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

As a 20-year school administrator, I evaluated, hired and fired personnel and worked with all citizens from every community, appreciating and respecting their differences, similarities and interests. As a school administrator and business owner, I utilized the business model of management by objective. As a Suffolk-based business owner, I have successfully managed a $500,000-plus yearly business.

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

Aggressively pursue economic and industrial development. (We need to) recruit and retain businesses through tax-incentive programs; recruit and retain fully qualified personnel in the Economic Development Department; and fully staff and fund the Economic Development Department.

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

Infrastructure, principally transportation and utilities. (We need to) carefully plan and locate new housing developments to ensure that roadways and utilities are not overburdened. The mayor should become actively involved in regional transportation issues and boards. The mayor and City Council should communicate with local, state and national political leaders to gain support for funding.

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

The city should strive to achieve and maintain a balance of 30 percent to 35 percent business/industrial growth and 60 percent to 65 percent housing growth. "Controlled growth" means allowing growth to occur in corridors having suitable infrastructure, especially utilities and roads.

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

Join, attend and represent Suffolk at Hampton Roads regional boards and meetings.

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

Yes, the city and state should raise money to pay for transportation projects. For new roads required in new housing developments, the city should extract proffers from developers. The state should establish a users fee for interstate highways, bridges and tunnels. And a transportation regional-taxing authority should be established.

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

Reduce and enforce speed limits; improve or extend turn lanes. We can pay for this by utilizing appropriate, legal and written guidelines for personnel evaluation, then action can be taken without fear of legal recourse, eliminating city-paid severance packages and legal fees. We should also require proffers from new businesses that propose locating to that area.


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