Light rail expansion protesters make feelings known at ball game

By: Staff; WVEC.com

8/30/12

A large group of off duty Virginia Beach police officers and firefighters expressed their feelings towards the upcoming light rail referendum at a Tides game Thursday night.

The protesters wore shirts with “Vote NO to light rail in November” written on their backs.  The public safety personnel favor raises in pay over spending money on light rail expansion.  They want the city of Virginia Beach to prioritize public safety over light rail.

There were 80 to 100 protesters who rode the light rail to the game. They say they are not necessarily against light rail. But they are concerned that there is a vote on light rail expansion before it is known how much its going to cost and how much its going to impact money for public safety.

The referendum on the ballot this fall is in advance of a study on light rail expansion costs due to be released next year.