Lawrence J. Teator

Teator, 69, is running for City Council in Virginia Beach (At-Large)

Opponents: Georgia F. Allen, Leona M. Shuler, Keith J. Strausbaugh, Rosemary A. Wilson

Years in city: 4

Education: Bachelor of science degree in accounting, Fordham University

Occupation: Retired, 45 years sales and sales management

Family: Wife of 37 years, Eileen

Civic involvement: Volunteer guide at Virginia Beach Airport Military Museum; President, Virginia Beach Senior Citizens Club; Member, Roma Lodge Order of the Sons of Italy

I,if elected, do not bring with me an attitude of business as usual. I have no preset notion that the citizens of this fair city do not follow nor comprehend the issues that are brought before the city council. The city council is tasked with establishing sound fiscal policies and programs that provide a quality of life to the residents of Virginia Beach. I will carry the responsibility further and make certain that all policies and programs are being implemented by the city administration. I know from years of experience that it takes time, patience and understanding to help individuals and groups accept the benefits of a particular plan or policy. In addition to patience and understanding I bring to every venture a true sense of urgency which I believe is of paramount importance in whatever you do in life. I will carry with me into office a realistic vision of who drives the Virginia Beach economy, and that is its taxpaying residents. I know it and will make it my focus in every consideration brought before me as a member of city council.

I support light rail if the cost estimates are realistic (including interest payments) and the annual operation and maintenance costs estimates help to make it feasible. We are now a sprawling bedroom community with over 400,000 cars and 435,000 people. Residents will not be giving up their cars. Strategic development is of paramount importance to this long-range project.

It would have to be an across the board cut. However, no critical core services, such as police, fire, health and education (classroom) should be touched. We could also reduce the amount of tax revenue that is being diverted from the General Fund to the Oceanfront and return it to the taxpayer who could then spend it in the local economy.

The amount would depend on the size, scope, and most importantly the proximate and remote benefit to the city. This is a complex issue. Is the project all commercial or is there a balanced mix with residential? Commercial requires less government services. What is the ROI for this project? How much benefit will the city's neighborhoods see from it?

Transportation City roadways and traffic patterns must be given top priority if the growth plans for this city are ever going to be realized. Tax reduction The city should consider a tax reduction for all residents as part of growth and redevelopment. The monies would be brought back into our local economy and help to pay for some of this growth. This is a proven plan that has worked for many municipalities. Commercial business tax assessments We need to raise the level of the commercial business tax base preferably through bringing business into our community and also helping new business get started here.

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