Candidate Profile: Stacy Cummings Jr (Virginia Beach City Council – District 8)

Biography: I was a founding partner and Vice President/CFO of Priority Auto Group. While starting with two automobile dealerships in Chesapeake Virginia, Priority consisted of nineteen dealerships and was one of the largest privately owned companies in Virginia with over 2,300 employees and the largest automobile organization in Virginia before being sold in June 2023.

I am an active member of several local boards including the Old Dominion Athletic Foundation, Towne Bank and Virginia Beach Events Unlimited. I am a Past President and Chairman of the Hampton Roads Automobile Association and spent many years on the board of the Judeo-Christian Outreach Center. As President and a director of the Priority Automotive Charities, our team has raised over $5,000,000 to help support children’s charities in Hampton Roads.

I had the honor of serving as the 44th King Neptune of the annual Virginia Beach Neptune Festival in 2017.

Several years ago, I took a year-long sabbatical from the automotive industry to teach high school math. While enjoying the experience, I was more than happy to get back to the business world.

I received a BS degree from the University of Maryland in Accounting and I am a retired member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

I served in the Army as a Military Policeman and used the GI Bill to complete my education.

I am married to my wife Aimée and have five grown children and five grandchildren.

Why are you running for this office?

As a former Chief Financial Officer of a large company and Certified Public Accountant, I am able to review, analyze and rewrite a budget. This is a skill needed by our current council. Virginia Beach has a 2.5 billion dollar budget and needs someone to help reprioritize our spending in order to address our most pressing needs and to provide relief to its taxpayers. I have the experience, business acumen, time, energy and commitment to serve the city.

What is the top challenge facing Virginia Beach and how do you plan to address it?

The rate of increase in real estate taxes to the city’s homeowners over the last several years has placed a tremendous burden on them. Council did address this somewhat for the coming year by reducing the rate 2 cents but this still resulted in an increase in the taxes paid along with increased fees. Attracting new businesses to Virginia Beach will also help. Currently real estate taxes account for 30% of the city’s revenue. Of that only 14% comes from the commercial sector. In a city our size that should be closer to 25-30%. If we had more businesses paying taxes it would reduce strain on our citizens. It would also help reduce the “brain drain” by offering job opportunities to our young people so they don’t leave the area for careers out of this market.

What is your view on preserving agricultural land while also addressing the affordable housing crisis?

It is important to retain the rural farmland in the southern part of the city.

Agriculture still makes up a significant part of our economy. Due to flooding issues which can’t be economically mitigated, development in this area is not desirable or feasible in any event.

Any development in the Transition Area/ITA should comply with the city’s comprehensive plan. Development should be judiciously determined and of low density having minimal impact on the surrounding area. Recreational uses should be prioritized where possible.

New housing should primarily be built in the eight Strategic Growth Areas identified by the city in its Comprehensive Plan.

How do you view Virginia Beach’s continued growth strategy? What would you change?

I am basically in agreement with Virginia Beach’s comprehensive plan as far as the identified Strategic Growth Areas, the Transitional (ITA) area and protecting our rural areas. The plan is currently being modified and should address the role of public transportation in light of the light rail cancellation. Our citizens are going to continue to use their vehicles as their primary method of transportation for the foreseeable future and we need to accept that and plan for it.

We have an under supply of housing in Virginia Beach. I would like to see commercial properties which have outlived their useful lives be repurposed to residential or mixed-use properties. This could be facilitated by allowing property owners of these properties to obtain a conditional rezoning of the property allowing them to still be operated while marketing the property. Developers would find this attractive since they could purchase a property knowing it was preapproved for their intended use. The time and resources it takes to rezone, review and permit constructions projects needs to be simplified and shortened.

What is your view on changing the operational model of the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center?

We first have to remember the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center (Aquarium) is a public/private venture. The animals and exhibits are owned by a private foundation which has a large stake in the Aquarium.

The Aquarium is the third most visited attraction in Virginia and provides an enormous educational and social benefit to the community.

Initial public reaction to the possible transfer of operations or outright sale seemed to be overwhelmingly negative but as I understand this was based on preliminary and incomplete information and as such the public’s concern is not based on any official action but should be heeded.

Any discussions regarding the future of the Aquarium should include city officials, representatives from the Foundation and the public. Much more information is needed in order to choose the best path forward but should proceed expeditiously as to not endanger the animals or risk further structural damage to the facility.

What is your view on taking money from individuals who will likely have business before the city?

I’ll take this question as I think it was intended and that is, individuals as business owners. The city of Virginia Beach is a business. A 2.5 billion dollar business. Individuals who own and manage businesses in the city want Virginia Beach to be run like they run their businesses, efficiently and responsibly being held accountable for the decisions they make. Everyone wants an effective government. In me, they see something currently lacking from our council. Someone with a proven record of success in the business world. Someone who will prioritize our needs, cut wasteful spending, fight to lower our taxes and keep the city from entering deals that don’t make business sense.

In my case, my integrity is not for sale at any price. People from all walks of life have contributed to my campaign because of that. They know me personally and trust I will never do anything for political gain or profit. I’m beholden to no one. I’m not seeking this office for social standing or to enrich my bank account. I’m doing it as a way to use my experience and business acumen to give back and make Virginia Beach an even better place to live and raise a family.

How will you still value constituents with whom you disagree with?

Anyone who would expect me to do something that is not right or against my moral compass is not a friend and would be treated as such. However, I fully realize there are going to be times when two reasonable sides can disagree on an issue. I will represent everyone regardless if they agree or disagree on an issue. In every action I take and every vote I cast, the citizens of Virginia Beach will always be my only priority.