2008 Voter Guide: Virginia Beach City Council

Harry E. Diezel

Diezel, 68, is running for City Council in Virginia Beach (Kempsville)

Opponents: Jose P. Flores III, Andrew R. Jackson

Years in city: 34

Education: Associate in Applied Science, Tidewater Community College

Occupation: Retired fire chief; councilman, Kempsville District

Family: Wife and one child

Civic involvement: Almost 40 years in public safety service; several years activity with Scouting

Candidate questionnaire

Question 1: What makes you the best candidate for City Council?

Experience and institutional knowledge of local government; additionally, time to be responsive to citizen concerns.

Question 2: Why do you support or oppose bringing the light rail line to Virginia Beach?

I support light rail only if it is part of an effective mass transit system that serves and complements the entire city.

Question 3: If the city's revenue goes flat or is less than in previous years, what would be the first item to cut from the budget?

Non-essential services

Question 4: How much of a public financial investment should be made in redevelopment (e.g. Dome site development, 19th St. corridor, etc.)?

Other than infrastructure support, as little as possible

Question 5: What should be the top 3 priorities for growth and development in Virginia Beach?

Capacity of existing services; redevelopment of identified strategic growth zones; viable business expansion to alleviate reliance on residential tax base.

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