Virginia Beach Code - 1
Ryan Gilliam was born in Long Beach, California. He grew up from infancy in Virginia Beach and graduated from Princess Anne High School.
Following in his Father’s footsteps (A U.S. Navy Master Chief) and his Grandfather’s (a combat wounded veteran/survivor of Pearl Harbor), Ryan enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. During his service, he was among the first to deploy overseas following the September 11th Attacks.
It was during his second enlistment where Ryan attended off-duty education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.
After the honorable completion of his military service, Ryan began work as a defense contractor with several firms and continues to today, supporting the Navy’s Integrated Training Environment.
Ryan is married to his wife, Brandy, and they have three daughters- two of whom currently attend Virginia Beach City Public Schools and the third who graduated from Tallwood High School and is currently attending Virginia Tech.
Ryan is actively involved in his community as the President of the Brigadoon Civic League while also engaged actively with the Virginia Beach Council of Civic Organizations. He is the Institutional Head of Scout Troop 362, a Life Member of the United States Naval Institute, and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 392.
Why am I running?
I’m running because I can’t continue to sit idly by and watch what happens in local government. The time for that is past now. I feel the call to serve again and it is STRONG.
Ryan’s Platform
Public Safety-
Supporting our First Responders will always be a top priority for me. We can never thank the individuals that respond to our emergencies enough. These selfless individuals who dedicate their lives to running into a situation when all others run from deserve our utmost thanks and should receive a living that reflects that thanks. From 911 operators to members of our Fire, Emergency Services, and Police Force- I will fight aggressively in ensuring they are compensated in a manner that allows them to live in the City they serve and that will ALWAYS be a TOP priority of mine.
Education-
Virginia Beach City Public Schools is an exemplar among school systems across our Commonwealth. From the many programs that offer countless scholastic benefits to our nations future, to the many Specialized Academies located throughout our City’s High Schools- Virginia Beach sets the tone for excellence not only in our City and Commonwealth.
The Economy-
Virginia Beach is at a crossroads where it will take bold directions to bring in more economic vitality to our City and I fully support ensuring that we strike the correct balance between bringing in good paying jobs and ensuring that we responsibly develop in a fashion that maintains our City’s spirit and allows for growth. As YOUR Councilman, I pledge to lower your tax burden and cut wasteful spending in the annual budget.
Infrastructure-
It will be a top priority of mine to address much needed infrastructure improvements from our roads to the flooding issues plaguing our City. This is what I’m running on and I need your support NOW more than ever.
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