VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Councilman Aaron Rouse said Thursday he'll be on the ballot in Virginia Beach on November 3. This time, it won't be for an at-large council seat.
"I'll be running to be the next mayor of the City of Virginia Beach," Rouse told 13News Now in an exclusive interview. "We need leadership."
Rouse, 36, was elected to council in November 2018. He said despite his short time in city leadership, he's shown the capacity to do more.
"I've been outspoken on the issues. I've led and backed it up," Rouse said. "It's not enough to just have a vision; it comes down to execution."
Rouse, who was born and raised in Virginia Beach, spoke to students at Seatack Elementary School Thursday. He said he wants to be mayor to inspire students like him.
"I would not be in this seat as a councilman and be who I am today if it wasn't for this community," he said.
Specifically, Rouse said he wants to attract a young professional workforce to Virginia Beach. He said he's frustrated when city leadership fails to execute big ideas.
"I can no longer just sit on the sidelines and watch our city basically stay stagnant and not take those bold approaches to technology, paying public servants, affordable housing, transportation, and attracting and retaining the next generation of workforce," Rouse said.
Current Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer said by telephone Thursday he plans to run for re-election in November. So, both Dyer and Rouse will be competing for the position.
Less than a year after the May 31 municipal center mass shooting, Rouse said he wants to change city government culture.
"It starts with building that morale, building that atmosphere that we all belong, and empowering our staff," he said.
He pointed to his work with the Something in the Water festival (for which he served as official liaison) and the Southside high-speed internet ring project as examples of his approach.
"I love this city with a passion, and it's all about giving back to a community that's given me so much," Rouse said.
The former NFL player graduated from First Colonial High School and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Sociology from Virginia Tech.
Rouse was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 2007 NFL Draft. He also played for the New York Giants and Arizona Cardinals. After he retired from football, Rouse came back to Virginia Beach where he started his work in public service.
Rouse was a coach and a mentor before he founded the nonprofit organization Rouse's House. The group establishes education as the foundation for young people and exposes them and families to a broader world of learning.
Since his election to Virginia Beach City Council, Rouse has advocated for first responders and military members as well as their families. He also has supported bolstering the city's economy, in part, by building it into a travel and entertainment location.
Rouse serves as the city council's liaison to the Minority Business Council and the Transportation District Commission of Hampton Roads (HRT).
Rouse is a lifetime member of the National Football League Players Association. He's an active member of his church and a member of North End Run Club. He lives in the city with his son and daughter.