The Fight for Equal Representation in Virginia Beach: Sean Monterio’s Vision
In a compelling conversation on Listen Up Podcast, Sean Monterio, chairperson for the Virginia Beach Democratic Party Committee, shared insights about local governance, voting rights, and the importance of fair representation. As a retired Air Force colonel who flew the A-10 Warthog “tank killer” aircraft through multiple deployments during the Global War on Terror, Monterio brings a unique perspective to local politics that emphasizes service and community.
The heart of the discussion centered around the contentious 10-1 referendum in Virginia Beach, which proposes a district system where ten council members are elected from ten equal districts with one mayor elected at large. This system, which has been in place since 2022 following a federal mandate based on the Voting Rights Act, ensures that every neighborhood has direct, local representation. Monterio, who also serves with the Vote Yes on 10-1 Coalition, emphasized that this is not a partisan issue but a people’s movement supported by diverse groups including the NAACP, teachers’ unions, faith communities, and even libertarians and Tea Party members.
The current 10-1 system creates districts of approximately 45,000 people each, allowing residents to elect representatives who live in their neighborhoods and understand local concerns. As Monterio explained, “Local representation means that the person that you vote for for city council must reside in your district and be voted on by the people in their district, so they know who they work for.” This creates accountability and ensures council members are familiar with district-specific issues like flooding, infrastructure needs, and school improvements.
In contrast, Monterio criticized the proposed alternative 7-3-1 system, which would create seven districts with three at-large council members and one mayor. This system would mean larger districts of 65,000-70,000 people and potentially allow three council members to all live in the same neighborhood, creating an imbalance in representation. According to Monterio, this system has already been deemed illegal under the Voting Rights Act and would be “dead on arrival” if implemented.
Beyond the voting system, Monterio addressed concerns about resource allocation throughout Virginia Beach. He noted disparities in development and infrastructure, questioning why certain areas receive significant investment while others struggle with crumbling streets, flooding issues, and lack of recreational facilities. The 10-1 system, he argued, would help bring the city “back into balance” by ensuring all areas receive fair consideration for resources and development.
The conversation also touched on police-community relations, with Monterio advocating for the community policing model. He made an insightful observation: “When you know somebody by their name, you’re less apt to go ahead and be aggressive towards them.” This philosophy applies not just to policing but to representation in general – when elected officials know their constituents personally, they’re more likely to respond to their needs effectively.
As the Virginia Beach elections approach, Monterio emphasized that voting rights are fundamentally on the ballot. He also highlighted other Democratic priorities including healthcare choices for women, workers’ rights, and addressing economic challenges facing families. With his background in service and commitment to fair representation, Monterio’s perspective offers valuable insight into how local governance can better serve all residents, not just those in well-connected or affluent areas.
The conversation serves as a reminder that representation matters at every level of government, and that systems designed to dilute the voices of certain communities ultimately weaken democracy for everyone.
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