Virginia Beach Must be Pro Business

Our campaign for City Council is going strong and candidate forums have begun in various parts of our great city. Already, I’ve been able to debate my opponents in this race and set some clear differences in our campaigns. That’s why I am able to say this without hesitation:

I am the true pro-business candidate running for the Princess Anne District seat.

There’s always talk about helping small business initiatives throughout the city and lowering the BPOL that especially hurts small businesses, but rarely has anything noteworthy been done.

Our business license tax rate for “Professionals” is almost THREE TIMES HIGHER than the tax rate for “Retail” businesses. What is the effect of this policy? A job market with an abundance of retail jobs and lower-than-average salaries.

Why does Virginia Beach give a tax break to companies that pay employees less?

Shouldn’t we be attracting professional companies that pay good wages? At the very least, shouldn’t businesses be treated equally? Virginia Beach certainly shouldn’t be taxing some businesses three times the taxes of other businesses, essentially picking winners and losers.

We can’t be anti-business. Business is not the enemy. Attracting high-paying jobs helps families stay in Virginia Beach. A thriving business environment helps keep our residential taxes low. I understand the city revenue our resort industry generates each year and most cities would love to be in our position. However, I also understand the need for:

• business diversity, which includes moving away from military dependency;
• supporting small business initiatives;
• leveling the playing field so all have an opportunity to invest and thrive; and
• creating a resiliency plan that illustrates Virginia Beach is ready for the future and open for business.

We need leaders on business issues.

I will lead.

You and I need a seat at the table to make sure Virginia Beach is a place of economic growth, better jobs, more opportunity, and a brighter future.

We’ve got some work to do.

It’s time for a change.

Vote, November 6th for Karen Kwasny for City Council, Princess Anne District.