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Dane Blythe

Posted at 3:50 PM, Nov 03, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-03 15:50:16-04
Dane Blythe (I) - Candidate for Virginia Beach City Council At-Large

Dane Blythe (I) – Candidate for Virginia Beach City Council At-Large

Dane Blythe, running for Virginia Beach City Council At-Large

1. Why are you running for office?

Proactively diversify our economy and recruit high paying, skilled jobs in growing industries to Virginia Beach.
Help create a level playing field to spur small business growth and end handouts to favored developers.
Help defeat light rail and advance smart 21st century solutions to our transportation challenges
Prioritize spending on safety, education and infrastructure, especially storm drain management and flood mitigation.
Stop actions by city government that reduce the discretionary income of residents.

2. Why should people vote for you?

I bring a common sense and forward thinking approach to city government with the philosophy of servant leadership with the full understanding that I work for the people. For too long a majority of council members have spent our tax dollars on favored developers to the detriment of hard working families. We can’t afford this special interest spending. A distressing example is the neglect of proper storm drain management and the terrible flooding we experienced in neighborhoods like Windsor Woods and Rosemont Forest. Beach residents need a council member that focuses on getting the basics done right and I am the right candidate for the job.
As the father of three with two in college, I know how challenging it is to raise a family and prepare for the future. It’s time to set new priorities with smarter budgeting to help small businesses and working families keep more of their hard earned income. I bring a collaborative business approach to City Council and I’m ready and willing to build coalitions to solve our collective problems.

3. What’s your favorite thing about the area you want to represent?

The natural beauty throughout Virginia Beach, especially our beaches, and all the healthy and enjoyable activities we can enjoy throughout the year. We are truly blessed to live in such a beautiful place!

4. What is the biggest problem your area is facing, how will you fix it?

The lack of economic growth. Dr. Koch of ODU, in repeated annual regional forecasts, has advised local governments that to achieve better growth rates, they must improve the skill sets of the regional workforce. Over investing in low wage retail, hotel and entertainment venues is not driving a successful level of growth in the overall economy.
Let’s proactively make Virginia Beach the Silicon Valley of the Mid Atlantic. We can capitalize on the ultra-high speed internet opportunities created by the first transoceanic fiber cable station in the mid-Atlantic by attracting technology companies. The Princess Anne Commons Biotechnology Corridor is an exciting opportunity for bringing high paying jobs to Virginia Beach. Let’s utilize the expertise of our veterans and become a center for excellence in cyber security. I would also partner with ODU and its engineering program to conduct research on scientific endeavors such as artificial intelligence and drone manufacturing.

5. Describe Donald Trump in max 3 words?

Impetuous Patriotic Driven

6. Describe Hillary Clinton in max 3 words?

Calculating Impersonal Driven

7. What do you do for a living? Why do you do it?

I am a Biopharmaceutical Representative and I have the honor and pleasure of working with dermatologists and rheumatologists and their staffs. I do it because in my own small way I can make a positive difference in peoples’ lives and I have lots of fun working with talented and caring individuals in these medical specialties throughout Hampton Roads.

8. You’re going to be marooned on a tropical island for a week, you can only bring 1 thing – what is it?

My surfboard

9. What do you think of Colin Kaepernick?

The man should stand during our National Anthem. Recently I was discussing this topic with a young Marine and when he told me about one of his fellow Marines whose legs were blown off during combat, it really drove the point home.

10. Would you vote to fund light rail expansion in your area?

NO!!

11. Will you respect the outcome of the election?

Yes

12. Favorite TV Show?

ACC sports, especially the University of Virginia Cavaliers!

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