My Blog

November 19, 2008

Thank you for your support

Hey guys, First of all I want to thank all of you from the deepest depths of my heart.  Although I am always appreciative, I sometimes do not show it, especially when I am focused on a goal.  I want you all to know just how wonderful you are 

   It really hit me election night.  Your sacrifices of time and energy will not soon be forgotten.  Although we did not win, we certainly accomplished a lot.  It was a great learning experience that will absolutely help the next time. 

  We were an all-volunteer crew, a claim no other candidate can make.  You kept the faith and performed remarkably even though we were up against insurmountable odds, hundreds of thousands of dollars, a 20-year incumbent, and horribly biased press. Your efforts have and will be talked about again.  I have the upmost respect for all of you and want to express the deepest gratitude for your service.  Your desire for a better city certainly motivated me. Here is an example, as stated in a letter from one of our volunteers:

“First, I want to say congratulations for inspiring so many people.  The fact that you started this unknown, yet touched so many people, speaks volumes, for who you are as a person, and as a leader.  This race was fought hard, and with such determination, that it made an impact on many people who face challenges in their own lives.  I truly believe, as a result, they now have the spirit to fight on instead of giving up.”  

 I want you all to know that statements like these are a direct reflection of your hard work throughout this campaign.  I look forward to seeing all of you again soon; you are in my thoughts and prayers.   Respectfully,    Scott Taylor  

"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat."- Theodore Roosevelt 

October 26, 2008

On the Record with Joel Rubin

http://www.wvec.com/video/index.html?nvid=296305
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October 24, 2008

Status of the Campaign.

Hello supporters and curious readers. I am so humbled for the widespread support that we have received, although it is unfortunate how much press and attention is given to the “Old Guard”.  There is absolutely nothing out there to substantiate Mr. Sessoms’s frontrunner status, as reported by the Pilot. In fact, there is an existing poll that shows the complete opposite.  Rest assured that we are doing very well at the forums and campaigning in the community, where votes are consistently being pledged. 

Two of my opponents are very similar.  They have similar supporters from previous elections and have made decisions together, in the past, with the same mindset.  We are truly the alternative to the “Old Guard”.  I’d like to take this opportunity to comment on a few issues that are under reported in the Pilot or televised by other media outlets.  It has, at times, been rather difficult for me at some of the forums to hear the repeated rhetoric.

Mr. Sessoms touts how Oceana is so important to save, yet contradictorily voted for almost all of the developments encroaching on the base.  He often speaks of a “22^nd century mass transit system”, yet has cut bus

service and voted to keep light rail out of the city less than 7 years ago, which is less than visionary.  He touts his business experience in economic development initiatives, yet under the current leadership in the past 10 years, we have lost higher paying jobs, having been replaced by lower paying ones.  By concentrating solely on the service industry and marketing to just military retirees, we have neglected to bring much business to the city that would appeal to our well educated youth and the 13,000/year exiting military members who have less than 10 years in service.

The current Mayor, whom I respect, has concentrated more on the past at every forum and neglected to provide any fresh ideas, vision or initiative for our city for the next 4 years, which is the time for which we are competing.  As a country and city, we are facing some serious economic times, requiring careful prioritization.  In light of the pressing economic situation, I was somewhat surprised that at one forum, she spoke of the importance of maintaining the city-sponsored farmer’s market dances. An endorsement by public safety officials is constantly referenced, but after speaking directly with them, I assure you that the majority of that group did not contribute to the process that made this endorsement and it is not a reflection of their desires as a whole.

We have made some good progress in this city, but it is time for a change and an infusion of new ideas, as humans have a tendency to become entrenched.  I am running for Mayor for the sole purpose of service, not because of a sense of entitlement or because I feel I’m next in line for the throne. There is a substantive amount of individuals in our government who I feel are now under-serving their constituents. When the same people in the same positions for decades, vacation with each other on a personal level (as do the City Manager and Sessoms), and who are exclusive and inaccessible to the majority of the city’s residents, it is inevitable that necessary checks and balances in government begin to erode, punishing the residents, whom they were to be serving.  This year, it is up to you to shake up the “Old Guard’ by taking a stand on November 4^th.  I will see you at the polls. 

Please forward this to all your contacts.

October 18, 2008

Candidate Forum at Virginia Weslyan

http://www.wavy.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?ClipID1=3039971&h1=Three%20challenge%20long%20time%20mayor%20of%20Va.%20Beach&vt1=v&at1=News&d1=116634&LaunchPageAdTag=Search%20Results&activePane=info&rnd=50144391
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September 6, 2008

Remembrance

I’d like to take this opportunity to leave the campaign blog trail for a minute.  I want to recognize a friend of mine who lost his life recently in Afghanistan.  Josh Harris was a SEAL. I had the pleasure of serving with him briefly in Iraq and many of my brothers were lucky to have served with him for much longer.         

Josh was a highly intelligent and well polished operator.  He was a man of few words, but when he spoke you listened.  He was much respected amongst his peers and will never be forgotten.  My last experience unfortunately with Josh was at my campaign kickoff.  In my speech I spoke of my profound respect and pride for my teammates who carry on their service without me, our eyes were locked.  I promised to uphold the same integrity and passion in my new calling.  Josh and I spoke after the speech and he pledged to help me.  It is very hard for me to describe the mutual respect, admiration, and bond I felt as we hugged.           

  I was sadly delighted to get a phone call from another brother who attended Josh’s service in Lexington, NC.  He spoke of the homecoming Josh received. Everyone in the community lined up outside their houses in respect as the hearse escorted Josh home.  The wake was supposed to last 3 hours, instead taking 6 as people were lined up around the blocks to pay their respects to this resting warrior.  My brother spoke of this service being one of if not the best he had seen.  An unfortunate reality is we have been to more than our fair share of funerals of fallen brothers.

My deepest sympathies to Josh’s family, friends, and teammates.

God bless you brother, you may rest now.  You will never be forgotten and I shall ever be honored by my chance to serve with you.

September 2, 2008

Riding on HRT listening and talking to riders about issues.

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=42042854

I’d like to address a couple more issues that I found on my journey today.  

. There were three main points that people consistently brought up today.

-          Run buses at night

-          Run buses on Sunday

-          More frequency

. There are no buses running at night to TCC, ODU satellite Educational center in Virginia Beach, Regent University, or Virginia Wesleyan.

How can people who ride mass transit attend night class to try to better their lives with education if there is no bus service at night to our colleges?

. You can ride the bus to enjoy a concert at the Amphitheater, but there is no bus to take you home.

Does this make sense?

. If you take the bus and do not live along Virginia Beach BLVD, there is no night service, no Sunday service, and the buses start their routes later in the morning.

Consequently, some people can’t get to church.  This is tough for people in their jobs as the commute is long and the day starts later.  The lack of transportation causes problems for employees who have to find understanding employers.  This hurts people who have to shop for groceries and other basic needs after their workday. 

. There are no bus lines that allow bus riders to sit in on a full City Council meeting as the last buses leave before the meeting ends.

Does this sound inclusive or exclusive?

. There is a Transit meeting coming at the Convention Center.  The meeting is from 7-9pm. unless someone lives along Virginia Beach BLVD; there is no bus service anywhere else in the city that allows them to attend a meeting that directly impacts their daily lives.

It seems to me that the best suited people to give input at this meeting are the very ones who will not be able to attend.

Everyone was happy to see a candidate showing interest in their opinions and walking in their shoes.

August 16, 2008

Update

To my supporters and curious readers,

            I know it’s been awhile since my last blog.  Much has transpired.  I have decided to blog only about specific events, as we are becoming increasingly busy and I’m attending several events/meetings a day.  I continue to be more and more energized as we get closer to election and our support grows. 

            Our team has become extremely organized and continues to come up with excellent ideas to efficiently and effectively get our message out there.  I’m very happy with my core team and they surprise me every day. 

            I attended Detective Michael Phillips’ funeral at Rock Church to pay my respects.  The service was wonderful and well attended.  It’s awesome to see the support and unity of the force, out of area officers, and community paying their respects.

            It is times like these when we must mourn for him yet honor men and women like Detective Phillips.  We must not forget that these folks could at any moment have their lives on the line all in the name of protecting us.  It is this selfless service (often underappreciated) that keeps our cities safe and affords citizens the ability to live their lives peacefully and seek happiness.

            I once spoke with a buddy of mine who is an undercover officer.  He was feeling down and said “it seems as though we get the bad guys and more just pop up. It’s never ending and I don’t feel like I’m making a difference.”  I certainly disagree.  Crime is a virus that must be contained.  These men and women gallantly prevent a massive outbreak of that virus.  One just needs to take a visit or study a country without a respectable rule or enforcement of law to understand this and I guarantee you will appreciate this country more. 

            I had the honor of being invited by a fellow Detective to the fundraiser for Detective Phillips last night at Murphy’s Irish Pub at the Oceanfront.  As I expected it was packed with folks wanting to support the fallen Detective’s family.  I am glad to do my little part as well.  There were bag pipers there as well.  As we held our glasses of Guinness up in a gesture of respect, I heard the sound of Amazing Grace on the pipes.  This is my favorite sound on the bag pipes, but is surely bitter sweet as I have heard it played many time over the years at my fallen SEAL brother’s memorials. 

            I look forward to ensuring that our police and fire units have adequate staffing and all the correct gear so that they may continue their amazing work and carry out their mission of protecting us and themselves as flawlessly as possible.

August 1, 2008

The latest...

Hello everyone,

I am very excited about updating you now.  I wish you all could see from my eyes.  As we grow closer to November 4^th, I

become more focused and more encouraged.  We are becoming highly organized and our message is spreading like water through rocks. 

I have been busy day and night meeting with folks.  Support, venues for events, money, sweat equity, and signage continue to be offered to us.  To all of you who contact me through email to help, I promise to get to you guys soon.  We have been very busy!  I appreciate all of you, keep it coming.  Volunteers are continuing to sign up and I am excited and thankful to have all of you!

I have continued to meet with many diverse folks and attend different types of events.  One of these events was a health fair, and I am pleased to share that my Blood sugar and pressure are great!  I had coffee with Joel Rubin, a very Insightful and in “tune” man.  I have met with members of TBA to gain information.  I have been in contact with Mayors and city managers of other cities on some specific issues that you will hear about later on. I had the opportunity to speak to a great group of Vietnam Veterans at my VFW post 392.  Most importantly I have been meeting with citizens all over Virginia Beach learning about their issues and concerns.  This will help me be in sync with the pulse of my fellow citizens and allow me to serve them better.  As Mayor I plan to continue to be in sync with citizens. 

We had another great event at Guadalajara’s on General Booth last Monday.  It went well and there were many folks there that I did not know prior, who came out to see what I’m all about.  We have some great events in the works and I hope to see you there.  I want to point out that we had folks who are both Democrats and Republicans there.   I believe I will best serve Virginia Beach by bringing folks together and coming up with the best solutions for problems and issues that we will face as a city.  I was very content with the diversity of the citizens who attended and to me it represents who we are as a city.  There was Black, white, Latin, Filipino, men, women, young, and old.  We had folks show up who are business owners, folks who are unemployed, and everything in between.

Please help us spread our message, and I promise you I will be working hard every day to do the same.  Please feel free to contact us if you want to set up a meet and greet at your house or in your neighborhood.  Let us know if you have someone who wants to donate or who may after a meeting.  See you out there!  Scott Taylor

July 21, 2008

Update from the trail...

Hello again my faithful supporters and curious readers,

I have continued my journey throughout the city meeting with diverse groups and spreading our message, so that our citizens may be informed about their options.  I have certainly been very busy.  I'm going to highlight some campaign happenings that transpired this week.  I had lunch on two occasions with folks this week, who are now volunteering on our campaign.  These are folks who have never had interest in local politics before, but now are excited.  I continue to get sign ups for new volunteers at a rate of about 1 every 2 days.  Please help us with our campaign.  Sign up today.

            I grow more excited as the weeks pass on.  I find that our message resonates everywhere we go, and folks are taking note and spreading the word.  I hear about folks talking about the campaign and how they are interested and supportive.  It’s very humbling. 

            I met with TBA (Tidewater Builder’s Association) this week.  Claudia Cotton of TBA was extremely informative of their operation. She showed me around the building and explained the background.  I learned that their membership base consists of 1/3^rd builders and

2/3rds associates like bankers, mortgage companies, real estate agents, etc. 

            What I was particularly impressed with was a program called the building trades academy Inc.  This is a program ran by TBA as a non profit that’s mission is to deliver workforce education, training, and employment services to low income folks in Hampton Roads. It is a pretty amazing program that teaches trades and job etiquette.  They have already helped over 3000 people and climbing in the area. Due to their large member base, they are even able to place graduates from the program in jobs.  Here is the link for more information. http://www.tbaonline.org/building_trades_academy.php

            This weekend was our annual UDT/SEAL reunion.  It went very well as always with a great turnout.  I always love to see brothers I haven’t seen in awhile, some of them years.  The demonstration is open to the public and we put on a great show, so come out next year!  There are explosives, helicopters, parachutists, SEALS, guns, Snipers, Gun boats, and much more.  It is also reassuring and humbling to know I have tons of support from the SEAL community.

            Last night I attended the campaign kickoff of Andrew Jackson.  It went very well and our messages are similar.  Andrew is passionate about making a difference and being a great representative of the people as I am.  I also met with folks of the NAACP at the event. They are pushing to register 10-40,000 new voters this year in Hampton Roads. I certainly commend them on their efforts.  In keeping with my message I hope they do help facilitate more people to get involved, especially in local politics. 

            Our own voter registration drive will soon begin, and we will be coming to a place near you.  Don’t forget to come out to dinner at Guadalajara’s on General Booth dr. July 28^th at 7:00pm.  I will be

speaking at 7:30pm.  See you there!

July 14, 2008

Update from the campaign trail...

Hello again my faithful supporters and curious readers,

Contact:

Scott Taylor for Mayor
500 N. Birdneck Rd.
suite 201
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451

757-422-4060

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