The Virginia Beach City Council took action this week to ensure every citizen lives in a safe neighborhood. Council agreed to boost pension plans for police officers, firefighters, sheriff's deputies and rescue workers with part of their upcoming pay raise. We all benefit when City Council is able to reach common ground on important issues and remain good stewards of taxpayer dollars.
This decision is also a step in the right direction to curbing an increase in violent crime in Virginia Beach, where the number climbed from 1,140 in 2005 to 1,256 in 2006. Public safety must remain a top priority when budgeting our taxpayer dollars. Making sure our police officers, firefighters, sheriff's deputies and rescue workers are the best of the best, and treated fairly, keeps our families safer. I'll vote for that!
