VIRGINIA BEACH — City Councilmember Rosemary Wilson, who has served on the council for two decades, wants to become Virginia Beach’s next vice mayor.
Wilson, who holds an at-large seat, on Sunday, Aug. 29, confirmed during an interview that she is asking her colleagues on the City Council to select her as the vice mayor following the resignation of Vice Mayor Jim Wood.
Wood’s resignation takes effect Wednesday, Sept. 1. The council is expected to select a new vice mayor on Tuesday, Sept. 7. In a separate process, the city also is seeking an appointee to serve Wood’s unexpired term in the Lynnhaven District seat.
There are three members of the council pursuing the vice mayor position, which is filled by the council from among its own ranks.
City Councilmembers Aaron Rouse, who holds an at-large seat, and Sabrina Wooten, who represents the Centerville District, announced on Wednesday, Aug. 25 they seek the position of vice mayor, and both urged supporters to reach out to members of the council.
That was the same day Wood said he is resigning to take a new private-sector job requiring travel, which will prevent him from continuing to serve on the council.
Wilson told The Independent News she is reaching out to her colleagues about the position.
“They’re the ones who are going to vote,” Wilson said.
“I’ve decided to step up because it’s important for the city to have some kind of stability and continuity,” said Wilson, who has served on the council since 2000.
Wilson, a realtor and a former teacher, served for four years on the Virginia Beach School Board, including her selection in 1998 as vice chairperson, before beginning her service on the City Council after winning election in May 2020.
She has support to become vice mayor from Mayor Bobby Dyer and from Wood — though the latter, during a telephone interview on Monday, Aug. 30, noted that he will not get a vote.
Wood said Wilson would be “the logical choice” to serve as vice mayor because she is experienced and she has demonstrated she can build consensus.
“I think you need somebody who is collaborative, who works well with the staff because that’s a critical part of this, and who works well with the council,” Wood said. “I think Rosemary fits that bill.”
“What’s most critical is the mayor and the vice mayor work collegially and cooperatively,” Dyer said on Monday, Aug. 30, adding that the role of vice mayor has been “elevated” by Wood’s service.
Dyer said vice mayors do a lot of work building consensus, working with council members and staff. And they help shepherd the budget process and help manage meeting agendas and set the consent agenda, in which multiple matters are voted upon simultaneously.
“This requires experience and a proven track record,” Dyer said, “so, yes, I do support Rosemary Wilson.”
Wood’s resignation was the second departure from the City Council in the past two months.
Former City Councilmember Jessica Abbott, who represented the Kempsville District, resigned from office on Friday, July 2, due to a health issue.
The City Council on Thursday, Aug. 12, voted to appoint Rocky Holcomb, chief deputy of the Sheriff’s Office and a former state delegate, to the Kempsville District seat until the result of a special election. That will likely take place next year.
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None of the would be my choice. All three do not vote per their campaign promises.