Virginia Beach residents of District 4 will welcome a new voice on City Council in January when councilwoman‑elect Janet Byrnes is sworn in. Byrnes, a mother of three, military spouse and former police officer, says her years in law‑enforcement and personal sacrifices during the campaign will shape how she serves the community.
Public‑safety perspective
Byrnes retired early from the Virginia Beach Police Department after sustaining an on‑duty injury. She told reporters that the injury did not diminish her desire to protect the city. “I felt I still had more to give to my community,” she said. That commitment, she explained, will give her a “different perspective” when council debates address public‑safety matters.
Listening to neighbors
Byrnes emphasized that she will not make decisions in a vacuum. “I really just want to try to get the community involved and let their voices be heard,” she said, describing her approach as a partnership between elected officials and constituents. She plans to hold regular listening sessions and rely on feedback to guide her votes on district and citywide issues.
Oceanfront curfew example
One policy the new council member highlighted is the Oceanfront curfew. While the council previously imposed the curfew to address nighttime disturbances, Byrnes believes a different approach could have better protected local businesses. “I think it kind of hurt our businesses at the Oceanfront, and I would have done something differently,” she explained, underscoring her willingness to reassess existing measures.
Balancing district and city interests
Byrnes said she will weigh the needs of District 4 alongside the broader interests of Virginia Beach. “You have to look at what we can do for the community, how I could be able to advocate for District 4, and figure out how Virginia Beach as a totality could be a better place,” she said.
Looking ahead
As councilwoman‑elect, Byrnes is preparing to take office in January. She expects to focus on public‑safety, economic vitality, and fostering a collaborative relationship with residents. Her background as a police officer and her personal experience as a military family member give her a unique lens through which she hopes to serve the city.
Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
