I decided to become a candidate for mayor because: I want Richmond to be a magnet of opportunity for young people and families, and a more hopeful place for those who have been left behind. I want to build a high-performing city government that provides essential services really well. I want to unite the community in support of our schools. I have had a very successful career in municipal government and in the nonprofit sector, and believe that my experience, ability and passion for bringing people together will make a difference. I am running to build the team and assemble the resources needed to empower citizens in every neighborhood to thrive.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the city? Poverty and school success. They are related to each other and to a third issue — city government performance. Without a city government that can mobilize resources, build strong partnerships, provide strong leadership and do its job well, we will not make progress on the big issues. Too many schoolchildren are not succeeding because they are not ready to learn. They come from vulnerable families who are experiencing the toxic, unrelenting stress of crushing poverty and traumatic experiences, such as violence. Parents struggling to survive often struggle in raising children who are ready to learn.

How I plan to address those issues as mayor: I will unite the community and align the city’s efforts in support of schools. I will mobilize community resources to tackle the barriers to prosperity and school success. I will support and strengthen the Office of Community Wealth Building and focus on employment, housing, training and transportation. As an immediate priority, I will focus community attention, advocate and support vulnerable children and make the city a strong partner in the Trauma-Informed Community Network. I will build a city government that has strong and capable leaders at every position that can impact the success of children and families.

I decided to become a candidate for mayor because: To be a bridge builder between the School Board and City Council and to get everyone on the same agenda. Utilize three clues to identify those students who will need additional resources. Start by recognizing children who do not identify letters of the alphabet when starting kindergarten; second, assessing students’ third grade SOL reading level to determine those most likely to have inferior comprehensive reading and understanding skills; third, assessing students’ eighth grade SOL math scores as an indicator of a person’s future success. Those with below standard scores will require more time and attention. 

What do you see as the top two issues facing the city? Education and financing. The number of children from poverty-stricken families is at an all-time high. Realization that it’s time to help those in need (those with mental and learning disabilities) or face the reality that we have failed in our endeavors to properly educate the general public.

In finance, it’s time to realize that city money is to be used on projects assisting the citizens of Richmond and not the local business community. Projects like Stone Brewery, the Washington training camp and baseball stadium take away valuable time, money and planning from more pressing projects.  

How I plan to address those issues as mayor: To personally lead any future rally or protest at City Hall involving the quality of our public education system one block across Broad Street to the State Capitol. Other states allocate approximately 25 percent additional funds to assist in properly educating children from impoverished areas. The Commonwealth of Virginia currently funds up to 14 percent.

Start by implementing the auditor’s annual objective advice, after the completion of the audit, on improving financial reporting and internal controls to maximize the city’s performance and efficiency. Begin by identifying two departments in which to put recommendations into policy. Expand the concept by adding two to four other departments each year.

I decided to become a candidate for mayor because: All of my life, I have been fighting for the little guy. Whether it’s in the courtroom or on the floor of the General Assembly, I’ve gone to the mat to ensure all our citizens are treated equally. For the past eight years, we’ve put pet projects ahead of basic public services. While our public schools are falling apart before our eyes, the city’s leadership is rewarding developers with stadiums and breweries. Cronyism is running rampant in our city, and I’m running for mayor to change that.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the city? Like many others, I shake my head wondering why City Hall thinks a Downtown baseball stadium, the Washington NFL team and a brewery deserve millions in taxpayer dollars. We can’t seem to provide reliable basic services like leaf pickup and road repair. When I am mayor, we are putting basic citizen services first, not shiny projects. That’s issue No.1.

Secondly, we will be absolutely focused on establishing sound, businesslike financial controls in the City of Richmond. This includes conducting a verifiable audit and overcoming the incomprehensible delays suffered by our businesses and our citizens when dealing with the city government.

How I plan to address those issues as mayor: I am already assembling a team that is studying the procedures needed to consistently deliver superior city services efficiently, effectively and transparently. In addition, our Community Wealth Building Team will focus on optimizing personal, business and strategic services that drive remarkable value to constituents at all socioeconomic levels.

I decided to become a candidate for mayor because: I understand where we are, how important this time is in our city’s history. We are on the runway ready to go into the air. Richmond needs a leader with transparency, character and integrity, one who has served in and understands the complexity of local government, but who also is a proven leader who has the ability to build the necessary relationships to yield results. RVA is a special city, one that has something for everyone. This attribute should be cultivated as our diversity continues to be our strength.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the city? Dysfunctional systems that yield dysfunctional services. You can have the most gifted persons and greatest minds, but if you place them within a context of dysfunction, they won’t function. I want systems that make sense, minimize overlap and waste and mirror proven best practices.

Secondly, poverty. If we don’t create opportunities for the quarter of Richmonders who live in poverty, the other three-quarters always will have to shoulder the disproportionate burden. The key concept here is opportunity — not doling out money, but spreading out opportunity. I want to see better job opportunities for our poorest residents, better education and even better political access.

How I plan to address those issues as mayor: Building a strong organization is key to minimizing system deficits. The city’s CAO, police chief, deputy CAO for finance and the finance team would stay, with people such as Jon Baliles and other City Council staff expertise added. I will look to cultivate talent and leadership from within and pull from outside when necessary.

The Office of Community Wealth Building will be key in addressing poverty. After talking with Director Reggie Gordon, I believe the foundation is in place. We can systematically and methodically dismantle poverty. When we tackle poverty, all of RVA will truly be able to stand.

I decided to become a candidate for mayor because: You’re either part of the solution or you’re part of the problem. I know I have the executive experience and vision needed to be part of the solution. Richmond is truly at a crossroads, but we’re not going to get to the next level unless we transform city government and make sure we’re advocating on behalf of all Richmonders, not just a few. I’m going to be a mayor who always makes sure that those who have been forgotten have a voice at the table.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the city? The next mayor will face many challenges, but the top two issue areas I’m going to focus on from day one are improving the lives of Richmond children by strengthening our schools, and transforming City Hall and improving basic services.

How I plan to address those issues as mayor: I have laid out detailed, comprehensive plans to address both of these issues, which can be found on my website. It starts with driving a culture inside City Hall and setting a shared agenda on education that parents can have confidence in. It’s time for Richmond to have a mayor who tells our children they matter by investing in our schools, tells its citizens they matter by connecting them with jobs, and tells our families they matter by making sure we are providing them the premium services they deserve.

I decided to become a candidate for mayor because: Richmond must move forward faster. Mayors must have the confidence of regional citizens and come from a diversified background that inspires youth, creativity and business growth, while cultivating community involvement, city worker efficiency and morale. Mayors must deliver on crystal clear, honest commitments to the less fortunate. Raised here as a member of Mt. Tabor Baptist, I attended Richmond Public Schools and care about its image, our youths and the potential of our city. Serving clients, city planning and budget boards for more than 35 years, many say, once they meet me, I offer voters a logical choice for mayor.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the city? I pledge to develop a city government that does not waste your time, taxes, talent and what you treasure — your rights. A mayor and his staff must see possibilities in places and people that have been marginalized and show in practical steps how to honestly and humbly represent equality, while promoting city growth and equal opportunity. 

I pledge to develop greater funding approaches for our schools and work as an appropriate role model to inspire our youths. Your vote for me will make a tremendous difference in how fast we turn this city and our school system around.

How I plan to address those issues as mayor: I pledge to increase meetings with staff, citizen blue ribbon committees and community organizations in transparent working settings that allow citizen formulation, agreement and buy in. Building project expenditures shall be based on objective, point prioritized cost benefits; no politically motivated development.

I pledge to fund our schools adequately, reviewing increased bonding capacity without residential property tax increases, utilizing business sector growth, training programs, new and existing commercial development tax zone income, doubling composite index state funding to $400 million, increasing energy savings contracts and encouraging construction cost savings without school consolidation. Visit www.lawrencewilliamsarchitect.com Ten Point Community Revitalization Election Platform.