Robert M. Dyer

Dyer, 58, is running unopposed for City Council in Virginia Beach (Centerville)

Years in city: 18

Education: Regent University, 2001, doctorate in organizational leadership; Farleigh Dickinson University, 1982, master’s in public administration; Saint Louis University, 1976, bachelor’s in physical therapy

Occupation: College professor, school of government, Regent University

Family: Wife, Trish; two step children, Ashley and Damian; son-in-law, Chris; two grandchildren

Civic involvement: Member of Hampton Roads Planning Commission; board of directors for Access Partnership, an organization that provides health-care services to area residents who lack coverage.

It has been my privilege to serve the Centerville district and all of the people in Virginia Beach on City Council for the past four years. Although I have no opposition in the upcoming election, be assured that I intend to continue to honor my commitment to be pro-active, pro-business and pro-citizen in behalf of our community. Virginia Beach faces many financial challenges. Last year the council unanimously approved a Blue Ribbon Task Force with the intent of reducing the burden on residential taxpayers and improving the process of budgeting and strategic business planning. We now have the tools in place to significantly improve our government, but much work remains to be done. I welcome the opportunity to continue to work to ensure that our city not only survives but thrives through the coming economic storm. Many tough decisions are forthcoming, but effective leadership combined with input from our citizens is essential to our continued success. We must never forget that the strength of our community is our neighborhoods and the people who live in them. I ask for your continued support by voting for me on Nov. 4 to finish the job I started in your behalf.

It would be premature to make a reasoned decision on light rail until such time a detailed business plan is presented. Light rail would require significant investment and subsidies by taxpayers. Only a cost-benefit analysis that clearly defines the needs, positives, negatives and return on investment can justify or reject such a venture. We should purchase the Norfolk Southern property to at least have the option for light rail or other forms of transportation. We have to be open-minded but at the same time be realistic.

The time has come for government to downsize, whether it is on the federal, state or local level. Council must set priorities to determine which areas are essential or can be streamlined, consolidated or eliminated. The Blue Ribbon Task Force reported that the largest budget driver was labor. If we are able to effectively reduce our workforce by retirement and attrition while using sound management science to reorganize government, we can significantly reduce our budget and still deliver effective services to our citizens.

The amount of public financial investment must be put in context with an overall strategic business plan and determined by return on investment to the taxpayer. Currently we have a plethora of unfunded capital improvement and infrastructure needs throughout the entire city. We must remember that Virginia Beach is comprised of seven districts. Public funding must take into consideration the burden placed on the taxpayer. We must set priorities and have a sound business plans to make good decisions.

Keep essential city services and infrastructure current with growth and development; make government more user friendly to the small business community; improve higher education research capabilities.

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