Will Sessoms (I) – Candidate for Virginia Beach Mayor
W.D. “Will” Sessoms (I), running for Virginia Beach Mayor
1. Why are you running for office?
I am seeking re-election to the office of Mayor because I am humbled and proud to serve the citizens of Virginia Beach, the city where I grew up, the Greatest City in the World. I am running on my record – which includes 10 years as Vice Mayor and eight years as Mayor.
My background in finance has been a huge asset for Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach is a financially sound city with a Triple-A bond rating from all rating agencies. This has an impact on many levels, including the percentage rate at which the city is able to borrow money for needed infrastructure projects, including building schools, fire and police departments, and parking garages, among other projects.
Virginia Beach also was voted the country’s best-managed city by 24/7 Wall St.; we have the safest city for our size; and our schools continually rank among the highest in the nation. I want to continue to lead this great city.
2. Why should people vote for you?
Not only is the city of Virginia Beach financially sound, we have one of the highest-rated public school systems in the country. We are close to having every public school fully accredited. In fact, by the end of the 2016-2017 school year, every public school in Virginia Beach should be fully accredited. We also have one of the lowest crime rates for a city our size; our crime rate is as low as it was in the 1960s. We also are making strides in attracting new business, including bio-medical companies. The City also will be home of a fiber-optic, trans-Atlantic cable, running from Belgium to Virginia Beach.
3. What’s your favorite thing about the area you want to represent?
I truly love Virginia Beach, my hometown, and am humbled to be able to serve the residents as Mayor of the Greatest City in the World.
4. What is the biggest problem your area is facing, how will you fix it?
I believe transportation is a big issue facing our region. My role as Mayor, and as chairman of the Hampton Roads Transportation Accountability Commission (HRTAC), has afforded me premium opportunities to spearhead transportation efforts that are tangible and move our area forward – the widening of I-64 from Hampton Roads to Richmond; a third tunnel crossing; the improvement of the I264/I-64 interchange; the expansion of the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel from 4 to 6 lanes; rail lines for the transport of goods more quickly from the port; a new Lesner Bridge in Virginia Beach; and myriad improvements to Virginia Beach’s roads (Lynnhaven Parkway, Witchduck Road to name just two). I also support light rail’s extension into Virginia Beach, but will heed the people’s referendum vote on the matter if the citizens decide they do not want light rail. I was recently re-elected HRTAC chairman, so my oversight of this extremely important issue continues.
5. Describe Donald Trump in max 3 words?
Entertaining.
6. Describe Hillary Clinton in max 3 words?
Entertaining.
7. What do you do for a living? Why do you do it?
Retired banker and Mayor of the City of Virginia Beach.
8. You’re going to be marooned on a tropical island for a week, you can only bring 1 thing – what is it?
Water.
9. What do you think of Colin Kaepernick?
I always stand for our National Anthem.
10. Would you vote to fund light rail expansion in your area?
Yes.
11. Will you respect the outcome of the election?
Yes.
12. Favorite TV Show?
I don’t have a lot of free time to watch TV.
