Voting rights
In 2022, I moved to Virginia Beach to live closer to my daughter and family members. And I have grown to love this city, its beauty, vibrant culture and history.
I live in District 10, ably represented by Council member Jennifer Rouse. My neighbors are young military families, seniors and numerous young families who wish to buy their first home but cannot afford it. As city residents, we have our unique issues to be represented on the City Council, as do all other districts on the 10-1 voting system.
I support voting “yes” for the 10-1 referendum. We have used the 10-1 voting system for the last two local elections. The 10-1 system assures that all Virginia Beach communities have a representative on the Virginia Beach City Council. The 10-1 system ensures fair, equal, accountable representation. In a comprehensive survey and poll conducted by the University of Virginia, 81% of Virginia Beach residents preferred the 10-1 system. The all at-large voting system in effect (prior to the 10-1 system) was a violation of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965.
There is misinformation being spread that the illegal 7-3-1 system is better for Virginia Beach. By giving voice and power equally to each district, our voting system assures equal representation. Vote “yes” for 10-1 to keep our democracy fair for all voters.
Susan Lee Feathers, Virginia Beach
Agree to disagree
Re “Voting referendum” (Your Views, Sept. 14): In this year’s election, Virginia Beach is holding a referendum asking its citizens which method of voting they prefer.
My colleague on the Virginia Beach City Council, Joash Schulman, has posted on Facebook his reasons for supporting the 10-1 system and I have done so supporting my reasons in support of the modified 7-3-1. While I strongly disagree with his position, I absolutely defend his right to advocate for his belief. We respectfully continue to work together on the serious matters facing our city and most always find common ground. This is the way government is supposed to work.
On the other hand, Del. Kelly Convirs-Fowler, 96th District, resorts to labeling those who disagree with her position as “corrupt” while offering no evidence or justification. This in spite of the fact she, according to her most recent filing, accepted $70,000 from Dominion Energy.
Even in the aftermath of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, she is using name-calling to shame those who she disagrees with. This is government at its worst.
Stacy Cummings, City Council member District 8, Virginia Beach
Mental health
Re “Hampton pays over $500K to settle suit” (A1, Sept. 8): Christopher Rice struck a Hampton police officer with a bat at Wynne Ford car dealership in 2022 after terrorizing employees, who in fear locked themselves behind closed doors and called 911. According to the story, Rice was having a mental health episode and not taking his medications.
While realizing that mental health needs to be a priority in this country, we can’t monitor how an individual with a diagnosis or episode reacts when they are not taking their medications or being proactive for themselves. So many are quick to judge the actions of our police force when officers are called to protect and serve. Citizens who criticize our police officers should spend a day or so with them to see what they can’t unsee every day at their job.
Cathy Jones, Newport News
Railroad crossing
I just wanted to congratulate the road crew in Norfolk that recently repaired the railroad crossing at Thole Street near Tidewater Drive.
What used to be a relatively smooth crossing has become a “ski jump.” If you approach the tracks at more than 20 mph, your car may leave the ground. You can see the landing marks on either side of the tracks on the new pavement. I think it’s time to try again at this crossing.
Joe Ferguson, Norfolk