Leona M. Shuler

Shuler, 47, is running for City Council in Virginia Beach (At-Large)

Opponents: Georgia F. Allen, Keith J. Strausbaugh, Lawrence J. Teator, Rosemary A. Wilson

Years in city: 25

Education: 50-ton master U.S. Coast Guard license, 1999; bachelor's degree in accounting, Boston University, 1983; Advanced Secretarial Certification, Katherine Gibbs School, Boston, 1980

Occupation: Self-employed private charter boat captain, City Marina, Virginia Beach

Family: children, Vickie, 17 , and Jimmy, 24 ; eldest daughter and son-in-law, Maria and James Jaskowiak; and yellow Labs Sadee, Emily, Ronald, Mariah and Tiger

Civic involvement: Virginia Coastal Access Now Member (2008 - present); Lynnhaven Boat Ramp Guard Dogs Committee spokeswoman and member (2007 - present); Trantwood Lake Corp. president (1996 to present); Southern Virginia Family Day Care Association founder and president (1986-1990); Inlynnview Civic League treasurer (1987-1991)

As a proven community leader and not a politician, my commitment to the 987 neighborhoods throughout Virginia Beach would be full time, not part time. When faced with a decision, I will request, review and scrutinize all available information so that my vote will be based on facts and in keeping with my fiduciary responsibility as the at-large councilwoman to the taxpayers, not because of an affiliation to a special interest group, since I have none. As in past community issues, my emphasis will continue to be on public safety, fiscal accountability, transparency in government, and listening to the voices and wishes of the community as a whole. Our city is going to be faced with many major upcoming decisions, some financial, some environmental and many which will affect the quality of life for Virginia Beach residents. Being a firm believer that there are always solutions to problems, by putting the right people together, staff, business owners and citizens with the same goal, a solution that is a win-win situation will be found. My commitment to our communities and above priorities and philosophies on my duties as the elected at-large council candidate makes me the best candidate for the position.

I support the concept of light rail for Virginia Beach, but not without referendum approval by the taxpayers. If agreed to by taxpayers, the land must become available for purchase, it must become part of the comprehensive plan, benefit the identified strategic growth areas, receive approval from the Navy as parts of it fall into the AICUZ, and then have a full and detailed business plan with financial data presented and reapproved by the taxpayers before I would vote for it in final form.

Identify wasteful spending and eliminate those items, increase employee moral and productivity, and find innovative ways to increase income.

With too many uncertainties in the current financial market, our own budget constraints that will be forthcoming, the election of a new president, I am unwilling to commit any public financial investment amount for redevelopment at this time. "Public-private ventures" may need to be explored further, but must remain within the legal boundaries that are imposed on municipalities. Funding of basic services to the taxpayers must always remain the priority.

For any growth or development to be successful, basic services as follows should be the priorities: Public safety maintaining adequate levels of police and fire personnel; Maintenance of basic services, upkeep or roads, storm-water infrastructure repairs, etc.; Schools and qualified teachers by providing and maintaining high standards of education for our children, our most valuable resource.

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