1st District

Andreas Addison

Age: 38

Occupation: Government operations and management consultant at my business, Civic Innovator

Education: Bachelor’s in political science, Virginia Tech; MBA, University of Richmond Civic/community activities: Community policy management team for foster care and Virginia First Cities

Contact: (804) 371-8828; andreas@ addisonforcouncil.com

Website: https://addisonforcouncil.com/

I decided to run for re-election for Richmond City Council because: Turning my campaign priorities into my first term accomplishments has taken a lot of work. Collaborating with my fellow City Council members, the administration, the mayor and the General Assembly has resulted in tripling our paving budget, a 50 percent increase in regional funding of GRTC, increasing classroom funding for RPS by $22 million and making over 60 city services more accessible through RVA311. Now is the time to build on these efforts to lead the change we demand from our government. I am running for re-election to continue my efforts in leading the first forward.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? The global pandemic and economic recession have created many challenges for many residents in the 1st District. Unemployment, shuttered businesses and fighting to make ends meet has become a burden for many families. The added stress of students having to learn from home has many families struggling. More and more services are necessarily being made available online. As more people interact with businesses and services online, the need for a digitally accessible City Hall has become apparent. We have seen an increase in frustration toward the lack of communication from City Hall, especially surrounding core services.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: First, I will focus on a pro-business strategy to reopen small businesses, get more residents employed at living wage rate jobs and access to resources for them to succeed. Second, bridge our digital divide. Too many families lack access to high-speed internet in their homes, which limits access to new economy jobs, new skill training and education opportunities. Third, we must make all city services available online. Paying bills, applying for permits, opening a business and requesting a service must not only be available online, but also trackable to keep City Hall transparent and accountable for everyone.

Michael R. "Mike" Dickinson

Age: 41

Occupation: Businessman

Education: Ph.D., Virginia Commonwealth University

Civic/community activities: Former board member, Mount Vernon Condo Association; member, Richmond Crusade for Voters Contact: (804) 347-7976; miked4rva@gmail. com

Website: www.votedickinson.com

I decided to become a candidate for Richmond City Council because: I decided to run because Richmond has few leaders. My opponent, Coun- cilman Andreas Addison, has voted repeatedly to raise taxes, voted for the Navy Hill plan and has proven himself to be Mayor Stoney’s go-to man on City Council. He called the proposal to defund the police “a good idea.” Instead of fighting for we the people, Mr. Addison goes along to get along. He is not a fighter, nor a leader.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? Long-term safety and strong leadership. We must work to defend the police and ensure they have every tool needed. The last three months living in Richmond have felt like being on an airplane with no pilot. We fly aimlessly with no clear leadership, wondering if we are about to crash. Our mayor, nor our City Council, has taken charge. They sympathize with the people ruining Richmond. We are letting the inmates run the asylum — literally! The people do not feel safe. My opponents refuse to discuss these issues.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: We must loudly refute any proposal to defund the police. I will vote “No” on any anti-police legislation. We must also restore law and order in Richmond. Criminals and vandals must understand they will be met with the full force of the law. That’s why I propose an ordinance mandating a 45-day hold before they are bail eligible on anyone arrested for rioting. We must freeze the property tax and repeal the restau- rant tax. I promise to vote “No” on any proposal that raises taxes. We must fix the schools. Issue all students a voucher who desire to leave RPS.

Michael C. "Mike" Gray

Age: Not provided

Occupation: Partner and co-founder, Gray Ryan Companies

Education: Bachelor’s degree, University of Richmond

Civic/community activities: Board of directors, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden; Former commissioner for the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission

Contact: mike@grayforrva.com

Website: www.grayforrva.com

I decided to become a candidate for Richmond City Council because: Having grown up in Richmond, I have a unique understanding for where we’ve been as a city. For the past 15 years, I’ve dedicated my career and life to working to enhance the city so that it works for every resident. This is the common thread that has led me to this point. It is why I’m running for City Council. I love our city but believe that in order to succeed, we must do a better job of listening to residents, learning from them and others on how we can improve, and stop talking about it and start doing it.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? Increasing support for Richmond Public Schools and enhancing our infrastructure.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: Increasing support for Richmond Public Schools is critical to Richmond’s success. I’m proposing that the city allocate at least 25 percent of its annual revenues towards RPS funding for the next 20 years. This is a floor allocation percentage that can be higher based on revenues. Infrastructure is another priority for residents. The city needs to bring in an outside consultant to conduct a thorough analysis of the city’s infrastructure and grade components based on deterioration level. The Department of Public Works does not have a complete picture of the state of our gas, water and stormwater assets.

2nd District

Katherine L. Jordan

Age: 46

Occupation: Urban and environmental planning project manager

Education: Bachelor’s degree, University of Virginia, 1996; Master’s in urban and environmental planning, U.Va., 2003

Civic/community activities: Richmond’s Green City Commission; Fan District Association, past parks and trees chair, president and grants chair

Contact: (804) 396 3709; electKatherineJordan@gmail.com

Website: www.electKatherineJordan.com

I decided to become a candidate for Richmond City Council because: I want a dedicated, experienced community voice for the 2nd District at City Hall. I have consistently filled 2nd District leadership roles because I feel called to serve. I will fight for increased funding and equity across the city with the urgency our families and residents deserve. I’ll use my long-standing relation- ships both inside and outside City Hall to hold departments and elected leaders accountable to constituent issues and enact progressive policies and laws. I will use my experience as a planner to make sure future land use changes and projects are implemented successfully, equitably and with neighborhood buy-in.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? Like Richmond overall, we face the challenges of 2020 — reopening from COVID-19 and moving forward after the civil unrest sparked by the murder of George Floyd and Marcus-David Peters in particular — and funding the change neighbors are calling for in education, public safety, housing, transportation and environmental justice.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: We address COVID-19 by following science and using local, state and federal tools to support our residents and businesses. We fund a more equitable and sustainable district through policies and reforms targeting the climate crisis, employment, education, transportation, public safety, and housing. This requires increased revenues from 1) examining existing budgets for greater efficiency; 2) more state and federal funding; 3) community-supported, equity-based economic development; and 4) general obligation bond projects that create jobs, revenue and support citywide priorities — schools, Shockoe Bottom Memorial Park and Museum, James River Master Plan and Richmond 300 — without raising taxes.

Tavarris J. Spinks

Age: 36

Occupation: Project manager, health care IT

Education: Bachelor’s in history, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2010

Civic/community activities: I’ve spent 17 years fighting for my community, including lobbying the General Assembly to make it easier to register to vote, cast a ballot and empower Black voters. I also was a plaintiff in a U.S. Supreme Court case to block gerrymandering that would have weakened the power of Black voters in Richmond.

Contact: (804) 350-5728; tspinks@ tavarrisspinks.com

Website: tavarrisspinks.com

I decided to become a candidate for Richmond City Council because: I’m a proud fifth-generation Black Richmonder. I grew up poor in a working-class household in the East End, became the first member of my family to graduate from college and I’ve rented my home in The Fan for 12 years. I have a deep love for this city, but I also have a vivid understanding of its flaws. Too many hard-working folks are struggling due to systemic inequity, underfunded schools and a government that does not prioritize our residents’ day-to-day needs. That’s why I’m running—to build a better Richmond that works for everyone.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? Fully funding Richmond Public Schools and creating pathways to wealth creation for disadvantaged communities are two of the 2nd District’s biggest challenges.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: I will fight to fully fund our schools by working with the Richmond delegation to lobby the General Assembly for a re-evaluation of the state funding formula and the reallocation of certain state sales taxes to enhance existing RPS funding. To create pathways for wealth creation, I will take bold steps to enhance workforce devel- opment, such as mandates that require Richmond workers are hired on all moderate to sizeable public development projects. My platform also includes several initiatives to expand homeownership opportunities and plans to stabilize the rising and increasingly burdensome costs current homeowners are facing.

3rd District

Willie Edward Hilliard

Age: 57

Occupation: Manager of Trent’s Barbershop Education: Attended Norfolk State University

Civic/community activities: Executive director, Historic Brookland Park Collective; member, Mayor’s Education Compact Team

Contact: (804) 852-7463; williefor3rd@gmail. com

Website: williefor3rd.com

I decided to become a candidate for Richmond City Council because: Richmond is a great place to live, but there are so many inequities in education, employment, housing and health, among others, that I have been at the forefront of fighting against for the past 15 years. As executive director of the Historic Brookland Park Collective, I have been constantly doing the work of building community by collaborating, engaging and empowering people to create a true city for all. I’m running for City Council to amplify the voices of those who never seem to be heard.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? Housing affordability and equity in education are my top two of many issues facing this district. Every resident of this city should have an affordable, safe and clean home without living in fear of eviction or being taxed out of their home. Every child should have the privilege of a quality education in an environment that fosters success for all and not just a few.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: I will advocate for more mixed use and inclusionary up-zoning, especially along commercial and transit corridors, to increase the overall supply of housing while increasing the city’s tax base. We also need property tax reform to incentivize construction of an adequate supply of housing. I will continue to advocate for equitable resources for all of the schools. COVID-19 made the disparities glaring. The substandard conditions of these older buildings have to be ad- dressed immediately as these kids eventually will have to go back into buildings that will require quality air and hot water, basics that shouldn’t be an afterthought.

Ann-Frances Lambert

Age: Not provided

Occupation: Chief executive officer, Lambert Aerial Services

Education: Bachelor’s in communications, Howard University; FAA certified drone pilot Civic/community activities: Member, Ginter Park Residents Association; member, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority

Contact: (804) 213-2553; runannfrancesrun@gmail.com

Website: www.Lambert4CityCouncil.com

I decided to become a candidate for Richmond City Council because: I am running to make the 3rd District a better place and to continue the legacy my father instilled in me, which is to carry out community service and offer civic responsibility. My vision for the 3rd District is a safe, united community where one can live, work and play. In doing so, I will make Richmond a place where all kids, regardless of ZIP code or skin color can have a chance at a better life and a decent life filled with opportunity. I am the experienced change agent the district needs to begin the job on Day 1.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? The top two issues facing the district are the pandemic and the number of looming evictions that will occur, and providing affordable housing options in a landlocked city. The 3rd District is facing more than 500 evictions alone.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: I will support putting additional funding into the Housing Trust Fund. I will explore the regulatory powers that the City Council possesses to address zoning changes for areas needing to develop. We need to re-imagine how we are going to offer one-to-one replacement for affordable housing. The Richmond 300 plan addresses some of these solutions. We must increase the supply of housing. I’m open to exploring forward-thinking affordable home ownership options that will lessen our high poverty rate, close the income gap and propel those from a lower income into the middle class.

Elaine T. Summerfield

Age: 52

Occupation: Community investment strategist Education: Bachelor’s in English, University of Washington; master’s in public administration, Portland State University

Civic/community activities: Advisory board member, Richmond Department of Parks and Recreation; member, Bellevue Civic Association Contact: (804) 357-4799; elaine@elainesummerfield.com

Website: elainesummerfield.com

I decided to become a candidate for Richmond City Council because: Creating equity in opportunities in Richmond is the primary driver for my run for City Council. When looking at a map of Richmond that highlights challenges related to wealth, education, health conditions and other factors, we can see the continuing impact of redlining and Jim Crow laws. COVID-19 has magnified these racial inequities. To create long-lasting policy solutions, we need thoughtful, collaborative leadership that uses a people-centered approach. Residents must be intentionally engaged and included in decisions that affect their neighborhood. This is the kind of leadership I will bring to City Hall.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? Richmond has many policy challenges to address, but my priorities reflect what I have heard from 3rd District residents: Funding for Richmond Public Schools and housing affordability. Although these are the two main concerns, we also need to address the basics. Whether it is obtaining a building permit or getting a utility bill fixed, we need greater efficiency and transparency in City Hall. No matter the policy issue, I will seek accountability through budgeting based on measurable goals and performance management plans.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: I will intentionally engage community members to co-create effective policy. Regarding our schools, I will prioritize funding for RPS to ensure equity in quality of facilities and academics across Richmond. I also will collaborate with my colleagues, the School Board and others to advocate the General Assembly for resources. For housing, I will identify a sustainable annual funding source for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, promote tax relief for people on fixed incomes, support the continuation of the Eviction Diversion Program and continue the city’s partnerships with organizations that help Richmonders build wealth through homeownership.

4th District

Kristen Nye Larson

Age: 46

Occupation: Freelance writer

Education: Bachelor’s in newspaper journalism, Syracuse University

Civic/community activities: 4th District City Council member; board member, Richmond Ambulance Authority

Contact: (804) 503-1313; kristenrva@gmail.com Website: www.electkristenlarson.com

I decided to run for re-election for Richmond City Council because: With the current uncertainty regarding the city’s future economic outlook, I feel like my experience and perspective make me the right representative to get the 4th District through this tumultuous time. I have experience with making tough decisions about budgets, with little impact in services to taxpayers.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? City infrastructure, including our parks system, and public education continue to be top priorities for the 4th District.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: I plan to continue to dig into the details of our budget and push for more efficiencies in our programs and spending. We have made some progress over the last several years, but more work is needed in how taxpayer dollars are being spent.

5th District

Mamie L. Taylor

Age: Not provided

Occupation: Journalist and educator Education: Bachelor’s in mass communications Civic/community activities: Advocate for families with special needs and assisting seniors and community members with gaining access to city services

Contact: (804) 420-5239; MamieTaylor.MT@gmail.com

Website: Not provided

I decided to become a candidate for Richmond City Council because: I care about all Richmonders having equal access to information and available resources. I believe true transparency in local government is sorely needed. Richmond is a city with such great promise, and I would like to make sure that the direction in which it is headed ensures equality for all of its residents. I believe my previous experience as an effective public servant can only show my readiness to serve this great city. For too long, many of our most vulnerable residents have been overlooked, and I can no longer stand by and watch these injustices continue.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? The school system and racial inequi- ties: Underfunded facilities, unaligned curriculums division-wide, children matriculating through the school system unprepared for future endeavors. This inequitable distribution of resources and division among racial lines is problematic. This practice disallows children of color access to advanced educational opportunities. While on the School Board, I spent a great deal of time in our facilities and was privy to closed-door conversations. I observed how children of color didn’t have equitable access to technology, gifted programs or funding. I also watched as schools in more affluent areas had the full attention of school and city leaders.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: I am not afraid to speak truth to power. Accordingly, the people will always have my ears and I will always be their voice. I will dedicate full-time hours to watch our city’s spending trends. When council forms the city’s budget, I will make sure the needs of all are heard. I will further identify where potential surpluses lie to redirect those funds into escrow, specifically towards measures that will help lower the achieve- ment gap and address inequities citywide. Our City Council operates as a body of one, majority rules. That requires transparency. As such, what I know, you will know.

Stephanie A. Lynch

Age: 33

Occupation: Social work

Education: Bachelor’s in social work and master’s in social work, Virginia Commonwealth University

Civic/community activities: I work with Making Men that offers mentoring to RPS students; member, Governor’s Homelessness Task Force

Contact: (804) 441-2671; electstephanielynch@gmail.com

Website: electstephanielynch@gmail.com

I decided to run for re-election for Richmond City Council because: I’m a social worker who has spent my career helping our most underserved communities navigate employment, affordable housing and criminal justice. I’m running for re-election because I’m committed to continuing to achieve structural change in Richmond while delivering on the basic functions of city govern- ment and remaining responsive and transparent to residents. We have made real progress in my 10 months on council, achieving police reform and securing critical housing relief to avoid evictions during the pandemic. There is still much left to do to ensure a fair and equitable Richmond, and I am committed to carrying on that fight.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? The two top issues that I hear from residents of the 5th District are ensuring that we have quality K-12 schools for every student in the district, and keeping the cost of living affordable. As a social worker, I’ve seen the impact that a good school and a stable home can have on a person, a family and a community. I’m going to work hard on council to make sure that our schools are fully funded and supported in a way that ensures equity and inclusion and that every person in the 5th has access to quality, affordable and stable housing.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: I have been a vocal proponent for fully funding costs to provide holistic support in our schools, and I voted to raise salaries for teachers and support staff. I will prioritize facili- ties funding and the rebuilding of George Wythe, and I will work towards economic empowerment of families and programs to address issues outside the classroom to improve outcomes for our kids. On housing, I championed $300,000 in affordable housing assistance during COVID-19, and I will continue advocating to increase our affordable housing stock, oppose property tax increases on vulnerable residents and expand access to eviction diversion programs.

Jer’mykeal D. McCoy

age: 30

Occupation: Business development manager

Education: Bachelor’s degree with honors, Tennessee State University; Master’s, Georgetown University.

Civic/community activities: Immediate past president, Urban League Greater Richmond Young Professionals; member, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity

Contact: (804) 833-0078; staff@mccoryforrva. com

Website: mccoyforrva.com

I decided to become a candidate for Richmond City Council because: I am the son of a mother who is a small business owner and a father who is a Navy veteran. Like many of our young people in our city, I lived in a community that was under- invested and over-policed. As a child, four generations of my family lived in public housing. Then as it is now, poverty is too expensive. I have used my academic, business and policy experience to serve the city I call home. I am running because I have fresh ideas to bring solutions facing our neighborhoods, small businesses and public schools.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? The biggest issues facing our society and community are the COVID-19 pandemic and schools. The abysmal state of Richmond Public Schools is compounded by the pandemic. RPS is one of the lowest performing school districts in the Commonwealth. Many parents are struggling with virtual learning. I have talked to business owners who aren’t just worried about sales, but their employees. They feel for their fellow business owners who are also on hard times. These conversations reflect a growing need locally to support the Richmond Health District and virtual support for parents and teachers.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: My priorities in coming budgets are education and public health. I will fight to make sure we are funding RPS to improve outcomes in the midst of this pandemic in a virtual capacity. I also will focus on funding the Richmond Health District to keep residents and businesses informed to reduce COVID-19 cases and other health disparities. On City Council, I would advocate for a renewed commitment to summer jobs programs for our youth in partnership with RPS, City Hall and local businesses. These opportunities reduce youth crime and unemployment while supporting the economy and professional development.

6th District

Allan-Charles Chipman

Age: 33

Occupation: Faith-rooted organizer and transformation strategist

Education: Bachelor’s in human development and family science, Messiah College; AINS, Risk Management from The Institutes; New Leaders Council, 2020 Fellow

Civic/community activities: Mentoring with Big Brothers Big Sisters, 6Pic, Community 50/50 and Faith Covenant Christian Fellowship Church. I also lead a coalition of art museums, history museums, cultural festivals and commemorative justice historians called “Intersecting History” to expand the public memory of our city concerning race, history and justice.

Contact: (804) 638-1889; ChipmanForRichmond@gmail.com

Website: www.Chipman2020.com

I decided to become a candidate for Richmond City Council because: The people of the 6th District asked me to run because they want a council member that reflects their priorities. It’s time for a change. The city is protesting to end systemic racism. With an accomplished history as a community advocate, auditor, risk management specialist and faith leader, I also have the skillset and moral courage needed to implement a reality of racial equity. I am running during this time of protest and revolution because the 6th District deserves leadership that is willing to end both the era of Confederate statues and end the era of Confederate outcomes in our city.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? As the No. 2 city in the nation for evictions, the 6th District is still in a low-income housing crisis—not an arena crisis—and we are still living in the aftermath of the pandemic of systemic racism. Cost burdened households have increased 9 percent over the last eight years and Black homeownership is decreasing. Black neighbors being evicted due to gentrification, police violence and the displacement of Camp Cathy have been a testament to some of the Confederate outcomes in our district. The legacy of racism, from the racial wealth gap to community violence, still determines the outcomes of our district.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: I believe the city must no longer play the role of both arsonist and firefighter by incentivizing the very developers that gentrify and displace our Black neighbors with 10- to 15-year tax abatements. I propose instead these funds be used to create housing stability funds to help neighbors stay in developing areas. We also need rent relief for seniors. To deal with homelessness, I propose expanding HUD’s Housing Plus Pilot Program in Richmond as part of the five-year consolidated plan. I also will bring a proactive strategy to rooting out racism in our policies by implementing the Equity Assessment Index.

ellen F. rObertsOn

Age: 69

Occupation: Retired urban planner and developer

Education: Associate degree, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College; licensed practical nurse certification, Richmond Technical Center School of Nursing; bachelor’s, urban studies and planning, Virginia Commonwealth University

Civic/community activities: Not provided

Contact: (804) 508-4157; robertson4the6th@gmail.com

Website: www.robertsonrva6.com

I decided to run for re-election for Richmond City Council because: I seek re-election to address the economic, social, racial divide to achieve inclu- sion and justice for all. It’s imperative to continue my commitment to provide citizens a pathway to growing a safe Richmond community. I support a shared, equitable cost of living that creates op- portunities for household financial stability and to eradicate poverty. I’ve developed legislation that enables citizens to earn living wages, afford decent housing and educate children in state-of-the-art envi- ronments. My service will continue to find ways to attract community-based nutritious food stores that remove district food deserts. Public safety remains a critical focus of mine since serving on council.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? The top issues facing the 6th District are an immediate need for a COVID-19 cure, the rebuilding of the economy, returning our children to in-person school and eradicating racism, poverty, gun violence and racial injustice. These critical challenges are best achieved through a steadfast determination of city administration and City Council collaboration, strengthening citizen coalitions and building inclusion opportunities for shared resolve.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: First, make drastic city operational shifts with measurable outcomes to re- store trust in government. Second, strive to rebuild the city and district post-COVID-19, with equity and inclusion policies that protect against racial, social and income disparities. Council passed my legislation to adopt the Economic Development and Equity Policy. Third, enforce housing and homeless policies to make affordable housing a right. Fourth, fight to increase youth service resources that will eliminate gun violence, provide educational opportunities and create safe neighborhoods. I’m a trusted voice for the 6th District and committed to getting the right things done the right way.

7th District

Cynthia I. Newbille

Age: Not provided

Occupation: Senior adviser to the president, Richmond Memorial Health Foundation

Education: Bachelor’s and Master’s in psychology, State University of New York

At Stony Brook; Ph.D. in public policy and administration, with concentration in health policy, Virginia Commonwealth University

Civic/community activities: Richmond Community of Caring; one of the six founders of SisterFund, Richmond’s first African-American women’s giving circle

Contact: (804) 321-3807; Cynthianewbille@ gmail.com

Website: www.cynthianewbilleRVA.com

I decided to run for re-election for Richmond City Council because: I am running for re-election to continue our work to build a healthier, more equitable and economically vibrant East End/7th District community. Expanding on our community partnerships, I will continue to advocate for resources to support accessibility to health, education, housing, economic and employment opportunities for our community. For example: 7th District COVID-19 PPE distribution; The Market@ 25th Street; VCU Health Hub at 25th; 1st new RPS in the 7th District in decades – Henry L. Marsh III Elementary School; Kitchens at Reynolds; Affordable Housing Trust Fund; eviction diversion funding; elderly and disabled tax relief; OCWB-East End Career Center, etc.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? Our response to the collective and catastrophic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic across major areas of our community’s life – health, unemployment, evictions, education and economic losses; and the availability of quality affordable housing.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: I will move from ideas to action. Working collaboratively with residents, City Council, the administration and community partners, I will develop strategies with accountability to pursue health equity and social and racial justice for the City of Richmond. As your representative, I will continue to advocate on behalf of our community, bringing inclusive and comprehensive reform to policies, programs and budgetary allocations. I remain committed to serving the residents of the East End/7th District and energized to take on the challenging and critical work ahead of us.

Joseph S. H. Rogers

Age: 30

Occupation: Museum educator

Education: Not provided

Civic/community activities: Justice and Reformation campaign; East End Music Festival Contact: info@joseph4seven.com

Website: www.joseph4seven.com

I decided to become a candidate for Richmond City Council because: I want to see Richmond do more for its vulnerable communities and expand democratic inclusion through regular meetings where the people are, not simply expecting them to come to us.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? Transportation infrastructure and policing, including co-jurisdictional policing from Henrico Police Department.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: Historic investment in transportation and transportation infrastructure starting with the communities that currently have the least, i.e., Fulton, Mosby and Woodville. For policing, the support and funding of the Marcus Alert for mental health professionals to be the lead on calls involving suspected or confirmed mental health issues, a civilian review board with subpoena power and a review of the co-jurisdictional agreement with the Henrico Police Department.

8th District

Regie D. Ford

Age: 52

Occupation: Mortgage consultant

Education: Bachelor of applied science degree in banking and leadership

Civic/community activities: Annual coat and book drive; teaching financial and homeownership classes

Contact: (804) 426-5377; friendsofregieford@ regieford.com

Website: regieford.com

I decided to become a candidate for Richmond City Council because: The city needs leadership that will bring confidence, trust and accountability. I have witnessed a level of indecision, doubt and lack of direction by the current leadership. Our leaders have been afraid to lead, and it appears they are more concerned about showmanship, resulting in being ill-prepared for the now and the next generation.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? Sewage and the lack of increased services and resources to the 8th District. The 8th District needs someone willing to fight for us with the expectation of improving the quality of life for us. In order to achieve these goals, you need a fighter.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: It requires diplomacy, tact and a willingness to get along. Diplomacy is the alternative to yelling and throwing tantrums. We citizens in the 8th District know that only results count, not theatrics.

Reva M. Trammell

Age: 66

Occupation: City Councilwoman 8th District education: High school diploma and flight attendant training

Civic/community activities: Chairman,

City Council Public Safety Committee; board member, Richmond Regional Airport Commission

Contact: (804) 240-5050; revatram50@gmail. com

Website: www.reva2020.com

I decided to run for re-election for Richmond City Council because: I believe that I have the experience, knowledge, dedication and determina- tion to best serve the residents of the 8th District and the City of Richmond during these challenging times for our city. Having faithfully served the residents of the 8th District on the City Council for 18 years, I will continue to always act in their best interests and listen to their concerns by being accessible 24/7.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? While the COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest that have rocked our city affect everyone in the city, the top two issues facing 8th District residents are poverty and declining infrastructure. I have lived in the 8th District since I was 3. I know the 8th District and the people who live and work here. I listen to them and I know that they want good paying jobs, safe and healthy neighborhoods and a better life for their children. Many of our residents do not have the education or job training to obtain good paying jobs to escape poverty.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: I will continue to support legislation and budgets that address social inequities throughout the 8th District and the city. I supported the meal tax increase because it went directly to schools. I have worked with developers to bring jobs to the district like the Amazon warehouse complex on Bells Road. I will continue to work with developers and the administration to bring affordable housing to the district like Port City. I will continue to fight for more street paving like the recent paving of Walmsley Boulevard and the Davee Gardens and Cullenwood neighborhoods. I will support improvements to stormwater drainage.

Amy C. Wentz

Age: 40

Occupation: Analyst

Education: U.S. Army Basic Combat Training School; U.S. Army Transportation School Civic/community activities: Co-founder of Richmond Black Restaurant

Experience; member, Mayor’s Education Compact

Contact: (804) 446-1029; info@amyinthe8th. com

Website: www.amyinthe8th.com

I decided to become a candidate for Richmond City Council because: As an advocate of active citizenship, I believe that engaged and informed residents lead to better communities. Understanding that a district is as strong as its constituents, I have diligently worked to improve public education, promote safe and healthy neighborhoods and advocated to create more equitable outcomes for residents throughout South Richmond and beyond. This and my commitment to necessary and progressive change is what encouraged me to run for the 8th District City Council seat. My walks, talks and connection with residents have affirmed that I’m on the right track. It’s time for a fresh perspective and new vision!

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? The quality of life for 8th District residents is a top concern. Across areas of health, housing, transportation, safety, etc., there is work to do in ensuring 8th District residents are supported and positioned to thrive. Lack of safe and affordable housing, increased need for public transportation that connects to livable wage careers and a focus on the social determinants of health are just some of the issues. Another top issue is the need for bold and transformative leadership that utilizes transparent and effective communication to ensure residents are encouraged to use their voice, and that fosters knowledge and information.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: I have begun a deeper dive into issues through my vision for the 8th District that include Education, Infrastructure, overall Growth, Housing, Transportation and Health and Safety. I am prioritizing budget equity, collaborative partnerships and reimagining how we as a city are meeting resident needs. I will address these issues by working with fellow council members and stakeholders. Often the concerns are shared, so it is important that we work collaboratively for citywide change. I will lead by example. Remaining open-minded and working with all residents of the 8th District will be key.

9th District

Michael J. Jones

Age: Not provided

Occupation: Pastor of the Village of Faith education: Bachelor’s in sociology, University of Colorado; master’s of divinity, Virginia Union University; doctor of ministry, McCormick Theological Seminary

Civic/community activities: Not provided Contact: drjrva9th@gmail.com

Website: mikejones4council.com

I decided to run for re-election for Richmond City Council because: I am still fighting to bring resources and opportunities to my district. I want to see working families receive “family sustaining wage.” I believe we are gentrifying our city to the detriment of our Black senior residents and I want to see them protected. I want to see City Council truly live out its role of oversight and bring a level of respectability back to working as elected officials.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? My top two issues are housing and infrastructure. We have to push homeownership, and not just renting, for Black and brown communities. We have programs that are encouraging homeownership for the affluent and “rentership” for our communities of color. We need to have programs that will help first-time homebuyers in our city. Lastly, we need sidewalks and streets that do not flood on the South Side.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: My goal is to introduce legislation that would create programs for homeownership on the South Side and communities of color. I have done the infrastructure studies in the 9th District. Now is the time for the administration to put to- gether a funding strategy to accomplish it.