Even Fido Isn't Safe:
There's a storm brewing on the horizon and it's going to hit every citizen in Virginia Beach -- maybe even your dog. Under the leadership of Mayor Oberndorf, our city manager quietly announced that our 2009 fiscal budget is about $30 million short. When you hear statements like that, you better grab your wallet. The managers of your tax dollars are softening you up for more taxes. Like the initiative to increase pet registration fees and order veterinarians to collect them.
What amazes me is how City Hall takes in a tremendous amount of our tax dollars (each day), including money from the state and federal governments, and still can't live on its budget. Our mayor has led the way on so many special projects that we can't pay for the real priorities that benefit all our citizens. When is enough enough? As mayor, I will lead City Council and reprioritize our needs and wants to ensure City Hall lives on its budget without gouging Virginia Beach citizens more each year.
