“ The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” — Stephen Covey
PRIORITIES
PUBLIC SAFETY
A safe, inclusive community is the foundation to lasting success for Virginia Beach.
Phil supports our First Responders and will make it a priority to fully staff each department. Providing top-notch training, compensation, and resources for our Police, Fire, and EMS is of utmost importance. Phil also supports the hundreds of public safety volunteers we have.
Investing in public safety and ensuring professional, quick response times is the right thing to do.
Public safety also includes pedestrian and bike safety as well as water safety. Phil supports efforts to create awareness around water safety for our citizens and tourists.
JOBS/ECONOMY/TAXES
Virginia Beach must continue to attract businesses of all sizes. As a small business owner, Phil recognizes the importance of a business-friendly city. It provides residents access to quality services, creates jobs, and increases tax revenue for the city.
Having responsible, reasonable regulations — and enforcing them fairly — is the cornerstone to success for capital investment in Virginia Beach. Our city must collaborate with various city departments and get creative to attract new business.
We must find ways to retain and attract the next generation of residents. Having plentiful, diverse job opportunities is paramount to making this happen.
Keeping real estate and business taxes low help keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket. Phil has fought for the taxpayer against the City and will continue to be an advocate for you on City Council.
ENVIRONMENT
Phil was appointed by Virginia Beach City Council and serves as the Secretary for the Parks and Recreation Commission. Environmental sustainability is critical to the well-being of Virginia Beach. Phil will ensure Virginia Beach makes good on their promise to combat flooding through the implementation of the Flood Protection Program.
Phil also serves as the liaison to the city’s Open Space Advisory Committee, where he is a voting member. Phil is a champion for the environment and will advocate for preserving the city’s beautiful beaches, waterways, and green spaces. As a Commissioner for Parks and Recreation, Phil has advocated and worked hard for process improvements with the city’s recreation centers, fostered relationships with community youth sports leagues, and more.
Providing access for residents to enjoy the great outdoors has both positive physical and mental benefits. Phil will always advocate for maintaining our beautiful beaches and green spaces.
EDUCATION
Phil supports Virginia Beach City Public Schools and will champion academic excellence for all ages.
As a parent, Phil knows first-hand how the quality and safety of Virginia Beach schools is vitally important to families considering whether to stay in or relocate to Virginia Beach. Ensuring teachers, administration, and staff get the top pay, resources, and support is a priority for him. Teachers are on the front lines every day with students. Safety for everyone is critical and Phil will work diligently to pursue all opportunities so that our children and teachers have a safe and secure learning environment.
Phil supports equipping teachers for success and will collaborate with the School Board to set our next generation up for success. Additionally, Phil supports and encourages vocational training opportunities for residents of Virginia Beach. We must provide a diverse set of opportunities for the next generation.
RAILS TO TRAILS
The people of Virginia Beach have spoken loudly and clearly — they want the Virginia Beach Bike Trail to be completed.
The VB Trail is a bicycle and pedestrian trail from Newtown Road to the Oceanfront, using a small portion of the former Norfolk Southern railroad and connects to several other trails in the city. This is a transformative project for our City and region. It enhances the quality of life for Virginia Beach residents, increases tax revenue, and diversifies our tourism industry.
Virginia Beach City Council adopted this plan 43 years ago. It is time we make this is a priority and complete this project while being fiscally-responsible.
Our city is not lacking in resources — we are lacking in leadership to serve all citizens of Virginia Beach.