There was a time when the people of Richmond made their voices unmistakably clear.
After citizens successfully advanced a change to the City Charter, I was persuaded to run for mayor under a system designed to ensure accountability and direct leadership. Prior to that, the City Council had chosen a ceremonial mayor, with real authority vested in an appointed Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). That structure distanced leadership from the people it was meant to serve.
But the Charter also provided a remedy. If a sufficient number of citizens petitioned, Richmond could adopt a Strong Mayor form of government. My longtime associate, Paul Goldman, led that effort with determination, and together with the will of the people, we succeeded.
I agreed to run and to serve one term.
The results speak for themselves. We instituted community policing, and crime declined. The City’s bond rating improved, allowing investments in housing and health facilities. Public education and social services were strengthened. Richmond became a more desirable place to live, work, and raise a family.
That progress was not accidental. It was the result of clear authority, direct accountability, and leadership grounded in the needs of the people.
Today, we find ourselves in sharp contrast to that period of progress.
What is emerging now is not the product of citizen driven reform, but rather decisions that raise serious questions about judgment and experience in public administration. The current mayor has publicly stated his intention to bring in someone who has never lived in Richmond to handle the administrative duties of the city. That individual has now been hired as Chief Administrative Officer, despite having no prior residence in Richmond and who reportedly travels out of the city and state on a regular basis.
At the same time, the mayor grants a salary for the CAO more than twice that of the Governor of Virginia. Additionally, there are provisions for severance packages guaranteeing a full year’s salary,regardless of tenure or separation status, for those ending service in the administration.
These are not minor concerns. They go to the heart of governance, stewardship, and respect for the taxpayers of Richmond.
I could say more, and in time I will, but for now I pause to call for something “simple” and essential – transparency and accountability.
When I served as Mayor of Richmond, and previously as Governor of Virginia, I interacted and met with the public regularly. I answered questions, I stood before the people and explained decisions that affected their lives. That is not extraordinary. That is to be expected of those who have the responsibility of public office.
The citizens of Richmond deserve NO less today. They should continue to demand what is right and criticize what is wrong.
They deserve answers. They deserve transparency. They deserve leadership that meets them openly and honestly.
We should not be forced to wait until the next election to bring about the necessary change.
Stay tuned.
