Light Rail Referendum Committee Formed

Saturday, a steering committee for a Virginia Beach Citizens for Light Rail Choice was hatched among an informal group of Saturday morning “Koffee Klotch” seniors. The purpose of this ad hoc endeavor is to garner sufficient number of petitioning citizens to place a Light Rail referendum question on the November 2010 ballot.

Follow up:

Several “napkin documented” issues and purposes were examined.

First, the in the hundreds turnout for two recent Light Rail Forums held at Princess Anne High and the Convention Center does not accurately reflect the magnitude of citizens’ interest, either supportive or unfavorable, in the creation of a Newtown Road to an undetermined Oceanfront location light rail extension. With the likelihood of a balloted question, a greater degree of discussion and participation would be stimulated.

Second, non-attributable comments from Virginia Beach City Council members indicate that a citizen effort to place an advisory light rail referendum question on the ballot would absolve them of previous campaign promises or statements as to a light rail referendum question.

Finally, the group’s effort is solely to deliver the sufficient number of valid petitioners to the Circuit Court clerk. The group neither advocates a light rail pro nor con position.

The next group meeting to coordinate milestones and details is the second Saturday this October at 9 AM at the Atlanta Bread Company.