Copyright Norfolk Virginian-Pilot
VIRGINIA BEACH — Virginia Beach’s election system referendum is drawing money into committees on both sides of the issue, but the one in favor of adding more at-large representation on the City Council and School Board has far outraised two opposing groups, according to the latest finance reports filed with the Virginia Department of Elections. Every Vote Counts has raised more than $600,000, mostly from Virginia Beach business and political leaders, since its inception earlier this year. The committee wants a City Council with seven district-based seats and three seats elected at-large along with the mayor and is encouraging people to vote “no” on the referendum. The referendum question on the ballot this year will ask voters whether they prefer that alignment or the current system, which has 10 single-member districts. Two referendum committees in support of the district-only system — Yes for Virginia Beach and Vote Yes on 10-1 — each saw an influx of funds in September from a Richmond-based nonprofit organization that receives a large chunk of its funding from undisclosed donors. Virginians for the Commonwealth has provided more than $100,000 in digital advertising, canvassing and other services in support of the two pro-district committees. Both committees encourage voters to say “yes” to the referendum. In total this year, Every Vote Counts has raised $604,250. Yes for Virginia Beach has raised $63,411. Vote Yes on 10-1 has received $63,620, according to the Virginia Public Access Project, which tracks campaign finance. The reports detailed donations through Sept. 30, but large contributions of $10,000 or more to referendum committees in Virginia are reported upon receipt. Every Vote Counts has been pulling in a steady stream of donations ranging from $2,500 to $25,000 since forming in June. Friends of Barry Knight, a political action committee affiliated with the state delegate from Virginia Beach, contributed $20,000 on Oct. 1. Thin Blue Line Virginia, a state PAC from Chesapeake that supports law enforcement and victims of crime, donated $22,500 on Sept. 23. Other donors include Virginia Beach real estate developers, hoteliers and restaurateurs. Knight has said he supports at-large elected representatives on the City Council because he believes it would provide more accountability to voters on issues including preserving the city’s agricultural industry. Thin Blue Line Virginia did not respond to a request for comment in time for publication. Over the last month, Every Vote Counts has ramped up promotional advertisements on social media. Short videos feature several current members of the City Council including Mayor Bobby Dyer and Vice Mayor Rosemary Wilson advocating for at-large representation. Yes for Virginia Beach, steered by state Sen. Aaron Rouse, held a town hall in August and is distributing yard signs. Rouse and other supporters of the district system have said they believe it allows more people to run for office and keeps “big money” out of politics. Vote Yes on 10-1, a grassroots community organization headed up by political strategist Lisa Turner, has also hosted town halls, is selling 10-1 merchandise and recently held a day-long virtual information session featuring members of the NAACP, veterans and labor leaders who discussed the referendum and the city’s current district system. The largest donor to both referendum committees in support of the 10-1 system in September was Virginians for the Commonwealth, a social welfare organization with a board of directors representing advocacy groups including Freedom Virginia, Virginia League of Conservation Voters and the Virginia Education Association. Virginians for the Commonwealth is a 501(c)(4) and is not required to publicly disclose the names or addresses of its contributors. More than 75% of the organization’s budget comes from the advocacy groups it represents, said Shane Riddle, president of the board. It has also received roughly $300,000 from nondisclosed donors this year, he said. For its work focused on the 10-1 referendum, all donors are based in Virginia and are not private businesses, according to Kate McCarty, a consultant with the organization. Virginians for the Commonwealth donated nearly $50,000 of in-kind services to Yes for Virginia Beach, including $36,622 in field and canvassing on Sept. 17. It also made a $12,500 contribution in research services in August. Virginians for the Commonwealth has also contributed more than $58,000 in digital advertising and polling and research services to Vote Yes on 10-1, including $26,257 on Oct. 10; $19,679 on Sept. 26; and $12,500 on Aug. 21. Stacy Parker, 757-222-5125, stacy.parker@pilotonline.com
