Yesterday evening, I joined Jeff Katz as a guest on his radio program. I enjoyed the opportunity to discuss political leadership and the lack thereof. I encourage you to listen to the complete interview.
A persistent topic that we have continued to address is the failed real estate development by VCU that will cost the university more than $100 million with no accountability from ANYONE. It was a disastrous deal that was pushed through by VCU President Michael Rao, the VCU Health Board, and the Board of Visitors, despite stern warnings and misgivings from Art Kellermann, the CEO of VCU Health at the time, who described it as a “bad deal”.
Kellermann’s concerns were summarily steamrolled and he was pressured to execute the contract. The project went forward, only to have VCU Health finally withdraw therefrom. In canceling the project, VCU was left with exuberant costs that have yet to be explained and NO accountability from anyone at VCU.
Kellermann, who was later terminated by Rao, recently released an opinion piece in the Richmond Times Dispatch to give further context to the debacle.
Over a year ago, I drew attention to this story by calling a press conference and directly requesting that the Virginia Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) review the project, and they did. Its report, though damning, has not precipitated ANY action by the governor, attorney general, or any elected official.
Additionally, the current mayor of the City of Richmond claims that VCU Health owes an additional $56 million.
When will the people know what happened and when will our leaders explain this crisis of waste? Why have neither the VCU Board of Visitors or the VCU Health Board said nothing?
I have fully extended my support to Richmond’s incoming mayor to help in whatever way I can to correct the cesspool of corruption and inefficiency that has plagued the City of Richmond. I will always continue to speak and give voice to the critical concerns of ALL of the people of Virginia.
Stay tuned.
