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Engage, Debate, and Decide: Candidates for Virginia Beach City Council District 1 Share Their Visions

As the Virginia Beach City Council election approaches, candidates for the District 1 seat are stepping into the spotlight. Their responses to pressing questions reveal their qualifications, priorities, and visions for the future of our community. With a diverse mix of experiences and perspectives, the candidates address key issues that will shape the future of Virginia Beach. Here’s what they have to say:

Meet the Candidates

David “Hutch” Hutcheson

**Residence:** Woodstock
**Age:** 57
**Occupation:** Retired Virginia Beach Fire Chief and Operations Manager at Greenbrier Florist

With over 30 years of service in the Virginia Beach Fire Department, David Hutcheson brings a wealth of experience in emergency management and fiscal oversight. A graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School with a Master's in Homeland Security, he emphasizes a commitment to public safety and fiscal responsibility.

Ryan Gilliam

**Residence:** Brigadoon
**Age:** 45
**Occupation:** Defense Contractor

A lifelong resident of Virginia Beach, Ryan Gilliam advocates for everyday citizens, understanding the struggles of hardworking families. His background as a civic leader and community organizer positions him as a relatable candidate focused on fiscal accountability and responsible development.

Key Issues and Responses

What are your specific qualifications for this office?

**Hutcheson:** My extensive experience in emergency services and budget management equips me to represent our community effectively. I have led significant initiatives during crises and have built strong relationships with key stakeholders.

**Gilliam:** My life in Virginia Beach and active community involvement give me a unique perspective on the challenges our residents face. I believe we need representatives who truly understand the everyday concerns of our families.

What is the most important issue facing the city and how will you address it?

**Hutcheson:** Safety is paramount—this includes traffic calming, flood management, and affordable housing. I will prioritize these issues by collaborating with city staff and ensuring adequate resources are allocated to address them.

**Gilliam:** Fiscal responsibility tops my list. With rising home assessments, we need leaders who will manage spending wisely while attracting new businesses to relieve the tax burden on families.

Top Policy Priorities

Hutcheson’s Top 3 Policy Priorities:

• Public Safety: Advocate for excellence across emergency services, ensuring our departments are well-resourced.
• Fiscal Responsibility: Focus on budget reductions and efficient resource management.
• Affordable Housing: Work towards sustainable solutions to maintain accessibility and affordability for all residents.

Gilliam’s Top 3 Policy Priorities:

• Limit Wasteful Spending: Ensure taxpayer dollars are utilized efficiently.
• Fully Fund City Services: Prioritize public safety and educational funding.
• Oppose Collective Bargaining: Prevent collective bargaining from being enacted, focusing instead on direct communication with city departments.

Controversial Questions to Consider

What do you think?

• Should city services like water and sewer be extended to promote rural development, or should we limit expansion to preserve community character?
• Is maintaining the Green Line essential for protecting Virginia Beach’s environment, or should we allow more development to address housing shortages?
• Should the city continue supporting the Agricultural Reserve Program, or is it time to divert those funds to other pressing needs?
• What are your thoughts on the new voting system? Does it provide true representation or create unnecessary divisions?
• Do you believe that collective bargaining will improve city employee morale, or will it lead to fiscal irresponsibility?

As these candidates lay out their visions and priorities, it's essential for voters to engage in the conversation, challenge perspectives, and make informed decisions that will shape the future of Virginia Beach. Your voice matters—join the debate!