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Council, school board candidates redux
06/17/2008 7:44 AM by John M
The RTD has the final, official line-up as to who will be up for election this fall. In the contest for the 7th district council seat, it will be Clarence Kenney vs incumbent Delores L. McQuinn. In the school board race we have: Ronald L. Bond, Donald L. Coleman, and Torey J. Edmonds. It seems that Harry H. Bradley Jr. and Carletta Wilson did not turn in enough signatures to get on the ballot.
Is there any info/bio on Clarence Kenney?
This is going to be a very exciting election season. I really hope everyone continues to engage on CHPN and with all the conversations that we’ll be having throughout our community. Beyond this historic Presidential election, we have some big decisions to make in our City that will have a huge impact on its future.
I will try to arrange an interview with Mr.Kenney. Can anyone shoot me his contact info?
Yes… please interview Mr. Kenney as I will be interested about his “accessability” to the public as well as concerns with the O&H district he would be representing.
We already know Delores is on our side concerning Church Hill North O&H as well as correcting CAR’s shortfalls when it comes to enforcing their guidelines, just one of the issues for our neighborhoods.
Eric
I too am interested in Mr. Kenny’s position on the issues affecting our neighborhoods. As far as the school board is concerned, I have had the pleasure of meeting with Don Coleman personally and I know that this man has a heart to serve the needs of the community. He is a fantastic listener and actually writes down ideas that you give when they prick his attention!
Who is Clarence Kenney? Good question. He is a fifty year old lifetime resident of the 7th District. He also attended schools in the 7th District ( Chimborazo Elementary, East End Jr. High, and Armstrong High School). He attended Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, and North Carolina Central University an Durham, North Carolina..
His current employment is as a recreation supervisor. He is a member of Saint Paul’s Baptist Church. He is a past vice president with the PTA. a past member representing the 7th District on the Council of PTA’s. He is also a past president of the board at the Vernon J. Harris Community Health Center. He is also the founder of NOAH Sports, providing quality activities for children since 1993.
Why is Clarence running?
We need change that will bring this district together. There is a divide.We need new leadership that benefits everyone, there are no losers.Do we want to fix it? “Never get comfortable with your comforts”.
Everyone will say we have have problems such as crime, schools, and econmics, I agree. What is the plan? If you are going to represent a district you should have some ideas of your own not simply rubber stamp others ideas.We need to move from indeffinate to deffinate in our plan.
We want to improve customer service in all of the 7th Disrict, this is the biggest complaint that I have heard from the citizens.
Our schools need a fighting chance. A better education will give our youth better choices to choose from increasing the chance that they will make good choices. Henrico County middle and High School students have had access to laptops for at least six years. What about our children in this age of technology. We need to make this happen by any means.
This loitering on 25th Street, Fairmount Avenue, Nine Mile Road, Goverment Road and others in our district has got to go. This problem is causing our district not to reach it’s economic potential. We need to shop at home in the midst of this gas crisis. I have an idea of how to get rid of this eyesore of a problem.
My campaign will start in July, at that time until the election I will be very visible in the district, and present my ideas for change. I also am asking for ideas from the citizens.
I will be asking you to vote for me not just because of my ideas and creativity, but yours as well
Ahhh… Mr. Kenny, you did not address the issue of the Old and Historic district especially North Church Hill and preservation or CAR issues? Please speak your stance on this. Many here are advocates of this.
Mr . Kenney grew up in the 2800 block of East broad Street, my mother still lives there. I am there on a daily basis. I support the Old and Historic district as long as it is fair in regards to all other 7th district issues.
I’m confused. Is Lamont Kenney, Clarence Kenney? You speak as the candidate sometimes and, other times you speak has a spokesman. Just to clarify who we are listening to. I support a constructive dialogue in the district so I want to make sure we are hearing from the candidate.
Does anyone know McQuinns stance on Echo Harbor?? I haven’t heard anything.
I thought I heard McQuinn said no one should rush to judgement when the issue came to light Jack. Does anyone know where she stands on this issue?
Mr. Kenney #9, spoken like a true politician….avoided a direct answer.
And just how would you support O&H “connected” to other 7th District issues? The CAR guidelines are in place (as they are) along with North Church Hill being a national historical district. So certain things concerning O&H may go against what is already in place for the 7th District. But still like to know what you are for and against with O&H? I know McQuinn is strongly “for” it as I am and others who are involved with preservation and gentrification.
Eric
John Murden hasn’t said he has interviewed the candidate yet nor chimed in to say this Lamont Kenney “is” Clarence Kenney. But if the candidate needs a spokesman for him before even elected, then one wonders just how accessable he will be to his public? In any event… John, have you validated who this peson posting is and should the thread be restarted fresh?
All I know is that this Clarence Kenney was born 5/5/1958 is connected with NOAH Sports (Sporting Goods) and The Kenney Group and married to a Latrice Lomax Kenney, and lives at 900 N 28th Street (all public access info).
I have a feeling it is “the same” person but at the same time he keeps speaking in third party tense and not answering questions openly, directly or completely as a canditate should which makes you wonder?
Eric
BTW… if this Clarence Kenney is the same and the candidate… I can see he would be out of touch about O&H as he lives in a house and on a block in Church Hill that was completely destroyed and rebuilt with 1980s style rancher homes.
Eric
Does anyone know Kenney’s stance on Echo Harbor? Or McQuinn’s stance? They can ignore the issue but it won’t go away.
He has a right to run. He also has the right to be defeated big time.
On the campaign site I se he has no funds yet. Not that McQuinn has a lot in hers but still… Silence from Kenney is not a good thing.
John, any luck getting an interview with what is currently just an average neighbor so should be approachable? Clarence Kenney’s phone number is in the phone book.
Eric
as i see it this Lamont Kenney is Clarance Kenney just talking out the side of his neck he has no clue about CAR or O&H. He is stalling for a response until he do his research or some one educate him.See with get in a political race you are going here all kind of issue. You have to know all kind things it is not a piece of cake. you just can’t walk in and i want to run for office. when he first introduce himself he talks the same old same old. We need a change. Mr. Kenney speak on your plan for the 7th district. Mr. Kenney you talk about Noah sports never heard of tell me about it. What is the meaning of Noah sport’s. a young man was talking about you the other day. How you and your brother took him and other kids to play in a basketball tournament out of town and on your way you got a speeding ticket. Is that responsibility getting a speeding ticket with a van full of children.
Here are a couple questions I had posted on another blog for School Board Candidates:
1) I would like to know from the SB candidates what would be the first specific thing they would want to fix or change in the RPS system?
2) What made them want to run for School Board?
Dear Friends & Citizens,
I need to decide by this coming Wednesday whether to mount a write-in campaign or to sit this one out and allow Norma Murdoch-Kitt to have a “walk-on” to serve as Northside’s School Board member for the next four years.
I have already heard from so many of you who have called, dropped by or sent e-mails urging me to battle on for a multitude of reasons. Many of you have offered to help.
Serving on School Board involves far more than simply representing one’s district, therefore I am asking to hear from citizens throughout the city. I would appreciate it if you could let me know what district you live in when you post a comment.
In addition to asking for your help with this decision, I would most appreciate hearing from citizens across the city concerning their thoughts are on what the SB’s priorities should be during the next few months leading up to election.
Please weigh in with what you think of the Richmond School Board and what you would like to see happen to improve the quality of education in the City of Richmond.
Respectfully,
Carol A.O. Wolf
Third District Member
Co-Chair Student Disciplinary Committee
Member, Finance Committee
Member, Legal, Legislative, Policy and Communications Committee
Personal e-mail: Wolfies@aol.com
“I need to decide by this coming Wednesday whether to mount a write-in campaign….”
Carol Wolf, I hope you decide yes. You have consistently listened to and been the voice of the people. You are a true student advocate.
I have found Carol Wolf to be the most accessible, down to earth, logical school board member. If you don’t do a write-in, Carol, it’s going to be a loss for the schools and the city.
Carol, I’ll support you.
Heaven help us all if Wolf doesn’t mount a write-in campaign. Wolf is the only board member who doesn’t sit there nodding her head up and down with the rest of the “do nothing, say nothing” colleagues.
I admire her courage and tenacity. Until she came along, no one on that board or in that administration advocated for children with special needs.
No one cared that RPS buildings are not ADA accessible.
No one cared where the money was going.
No one remembered that they were elected to serve the people, not the RPS administration.
Wolf is a true citizen. I don’t always agree with her, but she’s got heart and is an excellent SB member.
She has my support. Absolutely. I live in the Third District.
To all those who want Wolf to mount a write-in campaign, email her today –she only has two days to decide.
I saw her at a meeting tonight. Someone asked her how her children handle it when her colleagues are so openly mean and spiteful to her. Ever see her and Braxton clash?! She does not back down one bit.
Her answer impressed me. She said it is better to be hated for the right reasons than to be loved for all the wrong reasons.
We should post on her district’s blog here http://northrichmondnews.com/news/2008/06/22/wolf-will-decide-by-wednesday-about-write-in-campaign-seeks-public-input/ .
Here is an excellent write up on Wolf http://saverichmond.com:80/?p=493 .
Just say NO to Carol Wolf! The time for change has come to the City. Please don’t run Ms. Wolf. You had a chance to get enough signatures, but, as the incumbent, failed to do so. Clearly, that should speak VOLUMES as to what you should do. As a resident of your district, and as a parent, I don’t want you as my representative. My neighbors don’t want you either. JUST DON’T DO IT!Your combative nature and style is something the city clearly no longer needs.
#31 “The time for change has come to the City”
That is why we need more voices like Wolf.
#31 “Your combative nature and style is something the city clearly no longer needs.”
So you’re saying we need more SB members who will roll over for the RPS administration instead of representing the people? Think about it, if Wolf wasn’t combative, the RPS system would continue to “lose” millions of dollars and be fine with the disabled being banned from 45 out 50 schools(the figure is an estimate but close enough).
I don’t know how I feel. I know some people like certain board members because they were able to help them with specific problems or favors to get into the school they want. To be honest, I am not sure where Wolf fell on this one. She is not my representative, so I have not personally turned to her. And why would I – it should be my district’s rep’s responsibility.
The problem with the favor-granters is that is really unfair to the rest of the population that does not seek favors. Albert Hill was unfairly promising spots to parents as a “favor” while not fulfilling the requirements for No Child Left Behind enrollment. That type of activity really unfairly impacts us parents that must rely on school bussing to get our kids to school.
edg, do you know SB members who help students get into schools?
I have heard parents talk about SB members that have helped them with “special permission”.
I am tired of the attack mode. I would like a SB rep who is interested in collaborating. I want a SB rep who will assure the system is fair for everyone. One who will support both in and out of zone bussing, free after school programs, and tutoring/homework help programs. I would like to see more individualized education plans to help meet the needs of our children. I would like to see more variety in elective course in the middle schools. I want a SB rep that supports the community school, assures that class sizes are appropriate, and won’t allow over-crowding. I want SAFE schools with a diverse population.
I would support a SB rep who can pull the above off WITHOUT ranting and raving. I would like to see more tolerance and more dignity. I am tired of defensiveness and the blame game. None of this helps the system one bit. And, I believe, it gives our children the wrong message.
No more tantrums; instead, let’s build on the positives and overcome the challenges.
edg, I hope you’ll go to Buzzy’s this Thursday to meet Coleman and set a time to meet with Edmonds too. It is very important that we vote in a good 7th district rep. I’m unsure who the the other SB candidate is and I haven’t heard anything about him. Hopefully Coleman and Bond will sit down with Murden for an interview so those who are unable to make it to meetings will know the candidates platforms.
edg,
I agree that school board members should comport themselves with dignity and tolerance. But, what should happen when some members of the SB decide to run roughshod over another? What should happen when Wolf fights for a Northside IB (that would benefit children throughout the city) and Lisa Dawson (2nd District) throws a temper tantrum in the meeting and stomps out? Should Wolf sit there silently? When Dawson and Braxton team up to prevent a second IB middle years program from happening because they have decided they don’t want to work with Wolf — who suffers?
Why blame Wolf because she refuses to back down, when the other members of the board display such a lack of emotional intelligence? I have attended plenty of SB meetings and witnessed this behavior.
I have been a teacher and I know that it takes two to make a fight. Contrary to what many think, I have seen Wolf attempt reason and persuasion only to be cut off and dismissed by Braxton and Dawson. Wolf is the only one who understands that parents, teachers and students need real choice and not platitudes about “Good to Great.”
Gray you are Carol Wolf you have the same e-mail as Carol Wolf
Gray is not Carol Wolf – I know this for a fact.
I don’t think Wolf is the martyred saint that you paint, or that “Wolf is the only one who understands that parents, teachers and students need real choice”. I do believe she cares, though, and that she has tried her best to serve her district.
Also, I could care less whether or not she runs. But, there will be NO PROGRESS on anything until the SB and the administration learn to work together towards a common goal. The constant battling is only ensuring failure.
There are ways to productively come to agreement or at least consensus without “sitting quietly” or by being combative. I expect a higher level or professionalism than this.
I am ashamed at the childish behavior of the SB, the Administration, and, yes, even the parents. Come on, enough with the melodrama.
Nope. I’m Gray and I live on the hill. And some blogging here or reading chpn know exactly who I am. John Murden can also verify.
hsfl, your statement is libelous. Your trying to discredit my name by saying I’m someone I’m not, in a sense, cheating. Well, you have written an out write lie, a statement saying I have the same e-mail as Carol Wolf.
John Murden not only knows who I am but he also knows what computer you are writing from.
Thanks edg.
I don’t believe we are looking for a saint but in regards to Carol doing a write in. She has been one of the few school board members who have been responsive to issues in ANY district. She has pushed hard for excellence when others refused to speak up. For the sake of Richmond City School Carol should consider a write in campaign.
Carletta, I know that you didn’t make it on the ballot but I do hope you remain a voice here in the east end. You are an asset to the RPS. It was a pleasure sitting down with you at Captain Buzzy’s a few weeks ago.
Thanks Gray,
I made a commitment to education in the city,particularly in the 7th,and plan to fulfill that commitment even if I’m not on the school board. I just hope we get a school board rep who is willing to work hard for the 7th district and be more of the same. I enjoyed our meeting as well.
hsfl – Gray is my wife, shares my email, and is not Carol Wolf, who does not share this email address. How dumb do you have to be to lie about something like that?
Not so much “dumb” as desperate, it would seem.
“I am Spartacus.”
“No, I am Spartacus.”
Thank you Ramzi and Don.
When folk come on here and lie and bully, you can’t help but be distrustful of the candidate they like or endorse.
post #47 is me, Gray, not Ramzi. Forgot to erase his name. Sorry.
Why don’t you two just leave “Gray/Ramzi” in the response field and put “G” or “R” after your comments? It would be less complicated 🙂
Good suggestion but I blog more often and on other sites unlike my husband. It has replaced my cigarette smoking I gave up last February.
This is my after lunch blog.
I’m so glad to see such a buzz about the school board elections.
Education is the key to a healthy and growing community.
There are quite a few non-profits in the area that have partnered with schools to
help increase performance. CHAT (Church Hill Activities and Tutoring) is a great example. They have worked hard in the Chimbo area.
This kind of community involvement in the schools should be applauded and encouraged.
Not to denigrate the work that CHAT is doing, but have they really partnered with the schools? I’m aware that they are doing educational and cultural work on their own time, but are they actively working *with* any of the local schools?
The only organizations that I’ve seen in the schools are RBHA, CIS, and Art180.
Carletta-
It was good to meet you and your son the other day. I’m glad to hear you will still be active and I would expect nothing less from such a dedicated person such as yourself. Thanks for your work at MLK too.
John,
Don’t overlook the Micah Project that involves over 20 churches in the city. My church has been involved with Woodville for many years.
I should clarify that I’ve only got an idea of what is going on at the middle school, the elementary schools are foreign environments full of much shorter people.
Brandon
It was nice meeting you as well and no thank are needed. You are right “education is the key to a healthy and growing community” and I’ve noticed that our “community leaders” have put very little time into that area beyond talking about it. While community issues as a whole are very important a community is only as strong as it’s weakest link. An education in the 7th is our weakest link. John posed a good question. Have they (CHAT) partnered directly with schools because I would be interested in talking with them to see what could be done with students at MLK.
Carletta-
I’m not sure of specifically the relationship between CHAT and MLK, whether it is formal or informal. I know that a number of the children they tutor go there. I only use them as an example but if your interested I could dig up some contact information.
I know that there is a reading and enrichment program called Freedom School in MLK this summer.
There are others. These are force multipliers for the efforts of hard working teachers, administrators, parents etc…
what is freedom school
Click on Freedom School in post #57 or go here http://www.childrensdefense.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Freedom_Schools .
We all can agree that Carol Wolf has been invaluable on the school board. My question to all of you is are you willing to step up to the plate and be an active participant if she is willing to do a write in campaign in the election.
She cannot do it alone!
There is a lot of mention on this thread of organizations helping those students behind or at high risk, but there is another significantly sized group that needs our help, the kids who are ahead, the kids that are waiting for more. I’ve watched countless IEPs, tutors, aides running around the schools helping to bring students up to passing the SOLs while advance students wait bored out of their minds before yet another multiple choice worksheet, learning to hate learning at the elementary level. (Side note: Accelerated Reader or Sunshine Math would be great programs to have in a school so that the advanced kids could have something challenging and interesting to do).
There were sixteen students in my daughter’s class, approximately 1/3 behind, 1/3 average, 1/3 advanced. The young teacher was stretched in so many directions, she was unable to reach those at top (side note: I know she tried, she just needed support).
To ignore the upper level students is detrimental to the class, the school, the neighborhood…and the nation.
Vicki, what can one do to help Wolf with a write-in campaign?
Gray, not sure what can be done to support Wolf right now. If she does decided to launch a write in campaign it would be good to know how many “soldiers” would be willing to Man the polls, knock on doors etc…
In yesterday’s TD, are “America’s public schools better off five decades after Brown v. Board of Education?” Here are the responses http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/opinion/commentary.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-07-13-0062.html (Can’t say I agree with the two folk suggesting we beat the children and put prayer back in the school…)
This TD question would be a good one for our school board candidates.