Va. Beach council defers decision on hiring of personal assistants
VIRGINIA BEACH — When John Moss first ran for a seat on the City Council, he knew there would be no assistants. The job, which he has held on and off since 1986, is hard work. He said he spends about 50 hours a week serving the city and answering emails.
Despite the long hours, he opposes the proposal discussed earlier this month to hire aides to work about 20 hours a week, at a rate of $20 an hour, with money reserved in the budget at the last minute.
“I don’t know how you explain raising taxes on people and then give yourself an assistant,” he said.
That’s why at Tuesday’s meeting, he and Councilwoman Barbara Henley created an ordinance that would have directed the city manager not to hire any assistants or support staff for individual council members. Ultimately, a substitute motion passed that defers the issue indefinitely.
At the meeting, council members disagreed about the way the proposition to hire aides was presented. Some see it as support that would allow them to be more engaged with their constituents.
Others are upset there’s been little public input.
Councilman Michael Berlucchi said he felt the conversation has lost its focus on connecting residents with local government. He said that he knew what he was getting into, like Moss, but that it’s hard to have a full-time job and no support with council duties. Then, he made a motion for indefinite deferral to discuss the issue, which passed unanimously.
Henley said an additional support employee may be needed, but that decision should be made in a responsible way with accountability to the public.
Vice Mayor Rosemary Wilson noted that state delegates get aides and that each Fairfax County board member has a small staff. She later said she would use her aide to help with letters and constituent services.
City spokeswoman Jina Gaines said the funds would come from open positions that have not been filled. The money already exists because the city has budgeted as if those positions were filled.