As we approach election season (early voting starts in just two weeks!), lets touch base on one of the most important ways you can participate in government--by being an educated voter. Over the last year, you heard our concerns about a lake that was going to be filled in by a developer to create more land to build homes. It was a ridiculous and destructive idea that would have passed through our Virginia Beach City Council without hesitation had it not been for YOUR voices. You took the time to learn. You recognized that many of our city council representatives haven't represented our neighborhoods very well for many years. You made your voices heard.

And the developer's plans were disrupted.

During the months that led up to the vote by Virginia Beach City Council, we met Phil Hines, who volunteers on the city's Open Space and Parks & Rec committees in addition to other professional and personal endeavors throughout our city. Phil contacted us, listened carefully to the concerns, wrote the city council, attended our rally, and spoke to the city council on our behalf. Phil stood up with our community when we asked for support. As the candidate for District 8's Special Election, Phil Hines is the epitome of the type of representation residents want, especially when faced with a decision that will cause harm to a community. Phil has received the endorsement of the outgoing councilman for the district, Chris Taylor. After several conversations with the candidate, the No Build VB Wetlands association proudly recommends Phil Hines to serve the city of Virginia Beach and the residents of District 8 with the upmost integrity as well as experience. Unfortunately, there was no support provided by any other candidates for Virginia Beach City Council.

It is truly vital that all residents of Virginia Beach become as educated as possible on candidates running for leadership positions in the city that we love. We ask that you disregard political party endorsements for positions that are supposed to be non-partisan. We ask that you consider the quality of representation that each candidate brings to the table. When given an opportunity to help our city and our communities what has he or she done? Who do you want representing YOU?

We would like to invite all out to a Meet & Greet at Fishers Neighborhood Kitchen at 1336 N. Great Neck Rd on Saturday Sept 7 from 3:00-5:00 to meet Phil. Let Phil share his intention to:

• Protect neighborhoods from over-development
• Preserve single family zoning
• Build the 12 mile Virginia Beach Trail
• Reduce taxes for property owners
• Grow the economy and create new jobs
• Support first responders and educators
• Address our city's homeless concerns

Visit www.PhilHines.com for more information.

Thank you again for all YOU have done to protect our neighborhoods and our important wetland assets. We have much work to still do!