Glenn R. Davis Jr.

Davis, 34, is running for City Council in Virginia Beach (Rose Hall)

Opponent: Reba S. McClanan

Years in city: 28

Education: George Mason University, economics major; University of Virginia Sorensen Fellow; MIT Entrepreneurial Program, Class 2010

Occupation: President, Comverge Inc.

Family: Chelle Davis

Civic involvement: Board of directors, Junior Achievement of Greater Hampton Roads; steering committee, Beach Fund; president, Hampton Roads Chapter of the Entrepreneurial Organization

I grew up in Virginia Beach and attended Virginia Beach public schools. I'm a small business owner whose companies have won several awards, including the "Rising 25" by the Chamber of Commerce and the VB Department of Economic Development. I want to bring that professionalism to City Council. In uncertain economic times, we need someone who understands job creation and economic development who can focus on growing our economy into the future. State level cooperation is vital, since so much at the local level is influenced by the State Capital. I've served on the legislative staffs of two state delegates and understand the legislative process. That experience will serve Virginia Beach well. Today, when we need partnership, we get partisanship. When we need progress, we get problems. And when we need solutions, we get status quo. The stakes are too high to play games. Better schools mean stronger futures; investments in economic development mean better jobs; better transportation means smarter growth. Real progress takes working together with other council members. Real progress requires real change. Let's change the politics of the past and start making progress on our future.

Although my opponent voted against light rail in Virginia Beach, I think we have an opportunity to see if Norfolk's light rail is well received. With the crowds at Town Center and never-ending parking problems at the Oceanfront, Beach residents would benefit a great deal from having this added option. Mass transit choices help in these days of high gas prices much better than adding tolls back to Interstate-264, which my opponent supported studying.

My opponent's voting record is a prescription for flat revenues and future deficits. Without economic development that creates jobs, the city is left to rely on real estate taxes. The key to lower real estate taxes and stronger budgets is better economic development. Sound economic development that creates jobs and attracts private sector investments creates growing city revenues, increases the tax base, and gives the opportunity to lighten the burden of taxes on homes. If budgets need to be cut, I'd freeze hiring and look to consolidate some city departments.

Each of these needs to be judged individually, and I'd consider how much public benefit there would be from any proposal before considering any public participation. I think there needs to be better concentration on a return on public investment and potential for public use before any partnership. Some public developments, like libraries and recreation centers, are central to our community and worthy of support. Some other public developments offer little revenue but potential for great job growth. They need to be judged on their own merits.

We need to judge future growth on quality-of-life issues like transportation, education and public safety.

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