Teachers have no stance on light rail

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - More opposition is rolling down the track against extending Norfolk's light rail to Virginia Beach, but educators say they haven't taken a position.

The largest association representing the most city workers is the Virginia Beach Education Association with 2,000 members.

"Right now we don't have any position," says Virginia Beach Education Association President Dominic Melito. The Association got most of what it wanted in budget hearings. "The fire fighters have called. They want to know where we are on this."

As of now, Melito is not on the firefighters' side, "If my members aren't coming to me on this then it is not my issue."

"I am happy to say Dominic reached out to me, and says he does not see them taking a position on it at all," Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms told WAVY.com.

"If my members all came to me, and said we have to do something, then we will do something," Melito added.

Mayor Sessoms is on the ballot for re-election, and it was at his urging the light rail referendum was put on the ballot. Sessoms is convinced if we don't have different modes of transportation like light rail then young people won't stay in Hampton Roads after graduating from high school and college.