RECENT COMMENTS
A petition concerning the City Council appointment
An email addressed to the “Citizens of Richmond” and about recent reports of possible shenanigans regarding the upcoming City Council 7th District seat appointment urges folks to sign a petition requesting that council appoint “a bonafide resident of the district” to the soon-to-be-vacant position:
People need to be made aware that Henry Marsh and Delores McQuinn are asking City Council members to appoint a person to the vacant 7th District seat they have moved in from out of the 7th District. The only conclusion one can draw is that they expect this person to support their political agenda better than anyone they can find who actually lives in the district.
This arrogant political power play cannot be allowed to proceed uncontested. Please send a message to anyone you know asking them to sign the petition at:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/Keep_Richmond_Honest/
which asks the City Council to respect the principles of self government by appointed a bonafide resident of the district they are supposed to represent.
This i-petition is very interesting. I went to the site, and clicked on the “Petition Sponsor” button, in an attempt to figure out who the sponsors really are.
Interesting how this button is a dead link. Just who are the “Richmonders for Honest Government”? I’d like to know before I sign the petition.
good point, elaine.
What, you’re not a Richmonder for honest government? A Richmonder for Honest Government is anyone who signs the petition.
What does it matter who started it? The content stands on its own. If you believe that representatives should be chosen from the people they are to represent, sign it. If you think that a select few has the right to anoint whomever they choose, don’t sign it.
There is a long honored history of anonymous authorship. The Federalist Papers were written anonymously. Oftentimes the fear of retribution keeps things quiet that need to be said. It needs to be said that one person has dominated this district, much to its detriment, for far too long.
Yesterday, I sent my own letter/email to City Council members asking that a qualified resident of the 7th district be appointed and I sent a link to the Dotts thread to show them my concerns. I’ve already received responses from two of them.
Here are all the email addresses with the exception of McQuinn b/c she won’t be voting for the appointment and I couldn’t find Charles R. Samuels’ email address:
Kathy.Graziano@Richmondgov.com ; Ellen.Robertson@Richmondgov.com ; Bruce.Tyler@Richmondgov.com ; Chris.Hilbert@Richmondgov.com ; Marty.Jewell@Richmondgov.com ; Reva.Trammell@Richmondgov.com ; Doug.Conner@Richmondgov.com
Just copy and paste addresses if you’re uncomfortable with the petition.
Good point, chgal. Sadly, I understand there seems to be somewhat of a tradition among Richmond politicoes. Find the district you want to run in and rent an apartment there.
Henry Marsh has been accused of doing this for years as was Mayor Wilder. Who actually believes that Wilder’s “official” residence was in Richmond when he has a plantation home in Charles City?
Is there a “minimum” amount of time that someone needs to live in the district in order to be considered for elective office?
I hope the responses indicated that they would be against appointing someone who is not actually a “bonafide” resident of the district.
Joe, it doesn’t appear that the state code has anything about how long the person has lived in the locality, just in the state. Thanks to Ron, on the other related thread, I found the state code and relevant sections, as cut and pasted, below.
§ 24.2-500. Qualification of candidates.
In order to qualify as a candidate for any office of the Commonwealth, or of its governmental units, a person must be qualified to vote for and hold that office. In order to hold any office of the Commonwealth or its governmental units, elective by the people, the candidate must have been a resident of the Commonwealth for one year next preceding his election and be qualified to vote for that office.
(Code 1950, § 24-132; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-167; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 226; 1973, c. 30; 1975, c. 515; 1976, c. 616; 1977, c. 490; 1978, c. 778; 1980, c. 639; 1982, c. 650; 1984, c. 480; 1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1; 1988, c. 469; 1990, cc. 476, 865; 1991, c. 137; 1993, c. 641.)
JoeRichmond, One thanked me for the email and the other said they would appoint the most qualified person and she might of said “resident” but I mistakenly erased my emails during a cyberspace cleaning spree.
Thanks, Gray. I hope that people who have expressed outrage over the idea that Henry Marsh and Delores McQuinn “know better” will sign the petition AND send e-mails to all the Council members.
If the “Marsh Gang” continues to have a stranglehold on the 7th District, we will have no one to blame but ourselves for not standing up to this kind of ridiculous old-school politricking.
There are plenty of good people to choose from who already reside in the District. Henry needs to let go …. God Bless him, but he needs to back off and let the people decide for themselves what is best for the district. And, McQuinn, have mercy please and trust your constituents. We’ve trusted you. You and Henry do not need to hand-pick your successor. Honestly, I think “we the people” can handle it.
Ghee whiz. The Marsh Error of our town’s history is so full of the wit and wisdom of HLM III, why not continue to let the McQuinn?Marsh duo lead?
Look at all the “monuments” to their successful leadership all over the 7th.
Didn’t Chuckie poo Richardson try that “rent” trick to run for the GA Delegate seat back when he was a “heavy
weight”? Is the 7th a “carpetbagger” zone? So glad the people, neighborhoods are standing up and being counted.
chgal,
Writing essays anonymously is one thing, but signing a petition is another. The signatures are worthless if they belong to false identities.
When I signed the petition to support the Downtown Master Plan, I knew EXACTLY who the sponsor was (ACORN). Just like whenever I’ve signed a petition to get a candidate or initiative on the ballot. The sponsors simply need to identify themselves. Plain and simple.
Careful, you’re starting to sound like the people you are accusing of having held power too long in this district.
And whe you accuse me (or anyone else) of not being “a Richmonder for honest government?” That’s like asking the politician “Do you beat your wife?” When he says no, the reporter says “Oh, so you deny it?” You know the rest.
You have a double standard for yourself with the anonymity issue on this petition. You’re encouraging folks to sign a petition, with their real names, yet, the creators of the petition aren’t revealing their own identity???
How do we know the petition sponsor isn’t a personal enemy of Marsh or McQuinn? Are you the petion sponsor? Are you simply using the local constituency’s concerns for justice to carry the battering ram for your own personal vendetta? Oh, so you deny it? You see my point regarding anonymity.
Yes, I want honest government (tho I have to chuckle cause it sounds like an oxymoron.) Who wouldn’t want honest government? That’s like saying “who wants clean air, peace on earth and healthcare for everyone?”
Elaine,
Allow me please to respectfully suggest that what matters most here is not whether someone is a “personal enemy” of Marsh, McQuinn or Dwight Jones.
What matters here is that by moving a “ringer” into the district — no matter how qualified she may or may not be — is wrong. One of the reasons people in Richmond become so apathetic about progressive politics is that this blatant manipulation of the political process appears to insurmountable and entrenched.
And, each time we sit back and let it happen, we lose. We all lose.
The process needs to have integrity and a modicum of honesty. The concern isn’t about backing any one candidate over another as much as it is that the decision has been made behind closed doors and over drinks and dinner somewhere.
Whether the discussions and decisions take place over dinner at the Country Club of Virginia or at the 533 Club, is irrelevant.
Such discussions and decisions disenfranchise the citizens of Richmond of their right to self-determine who should be their representatives.
Joe, I have been wondering for a couple of days, as I’ve watched this thread and the other related one unfold, when someone would use the word ‘disenfranchise.’ Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s absolutely the correct word. Am I the only one who sees an irony in that, considering the source of the problem?
I think you’ve nailed it perfectly in your post #12. I’m in complete agreement with you.
Why do we believe something just because someone wrote a comment on a blog? Does anyone have any so urces for the allegations? Not saying it isn’t true, just saying do we really know?
This is why I really want someone to address these comments in the McQuinn or Marsh camp.
Joe, can we just talk about the petition?
We still don’t know who is the sponsor.
To use your own words, “the process should have integrity and a modicum of honesty”.
Should not this petition live by the same standards you expect for others?
Transparency is all I ask.
This isn’t about what “I” expect of others. You have a need to know who (or what entity) posted the petition. I don’t. I happen to agree with “chgal” who wrote in Post #3 that:
“There is a long honored history of anonymous authorship. The Federalist Papers were written anonymously. Oftentimes the fear of retribution keeps things quiet that need to be said. It needs to be said that one person has dominated this district, much to its detriment, for far too long.”
Watching these threads unfold has given me a greater appreciation of what the Founding Fathers went through when they drafted the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. And, I appreciate “chgal’s” reference to Tom Paine and The Federalist Papers.
The authorship of the petition doesn’t matter as much as the content of what is being asked.
And, Tiny, how about you pick up the phone and call Cynthia Newbille, or Mayor Jones or Henry Marsh? This really isn’t some secret. People all around town have been talking about this. I have heard from several people “off-blog” and many who frequent City Hall that this is the plan.
*** Thanks, “crd” 😉
[accidentally left McQuinn’s name out]
And, Tiny, how about you pick up the phone and call Delores McQuinn, Cynthia Newbille, Mayor Jones or Henry Marsh?
Joe, thanks again for the well-spoken post, you nailed it again. I agree, I don’t think the author of the petition matters, what matters is what it says about the nature of how business is being conducted in the 7th council district. One has to hope that if that petition goes to other members of council, that they care enough to pay attention. Bruce Tyler represents the 1st district, but he used to live up here. Will he pay attention, and get council’s attention?
Tiny, I picked up the phone, but I didn’t bother to call any of those elected folks (McQuinn is famous for not returning phone calls, anyway). I called a friend who usually has her finger on what’s going on. She confirmed: Ms. Newbille has an apartment somewhere down around the tobacco row area; Ms. Newbille has contacted someone up on the hill for support; and JJ Minor, McQuinn’s son, either has been or will be offered a job, at 70k, at City Hall, to keep him happy and out of any council race.
Elaine, if you’re really so worried about the author of the petition, ask around, as Joe said, people are talking. I mean that in a friendly way, and hope it sounds like that.
I believe we do really know. Many people up here have known and spoken about this for years. Even tried putting new canditates up against Young and McQuinn. (Smith, Burton, and Edmonds to name a few) but didn’t stand a chance against the “Marsh Machine” controlling the City. But, then again, that is the shenanigans of Politics, not only in Richmond.
Petition Aims to Block Possible Council Appointee (Style Weekly 1/11/08)
Can anyone name any sources for these rumors? What about the motives of the people circulating these rumors? How can we confirm or at least get a public statement about this whole business?
I really don’t know and the folks involved in the petition (also rumored) seem to have motive to make anyone McQuinn supports to look bad.
Frankly, until someone on either side of this mess can come public about this allegations, I must withhold judgement.
Why do you have to pay to sign the petition? I just went there, and you can’t opt out of donating something…
I want a bona fide resident of our area representing us, but I can’t drop 10 bucks on signing a petition
All Ms. Newbille needs to do is:
1. State what her address is/was and how long she has lived there.
2. State where she is registered to vote and how long she has been registered at that address.
YOU DO NOT NEED TO PAY!
Seriously, YOU DO NOT NEED TO PAY!
Guilty Mom. I don’t believe you do have to pay to sign petition. That is an optional donation after you sign the petition. At least it was for me.
Also, the sponsers of the petition should make come out into the public and state and they should state their sources for these rumors. This way we can judge their motives.
And, if there are negotiations going on for the appointment (which cannot take place for 45 days), the council members involved (including McQuinn) should also make a statement. Remember, McQuinn does appoint a person to fill her seat, the entire council selects the person.
Henry Marsh should have no influence in this other than as an advisor to McQuinn. If there are hard facts that suggest otherwise, this should be made public. And if there are no hard fact, this also should be made public.
Guilty Mom,
You don’t have to pay to sign the petition. I signed earlier today and just closed out on that page. It still registered my signature…
Tiny, I would think their sources are merely hearing the word around the neighborhood and here on the blog and the motive would be to prevent the possible appointment of an outsider to represent the citizens of the 7th district. Style Weekly says it is rumored that West is responsible for the petition.
I know when I wrote my concerns to City Council members, it was based on what I had read on chpn and heard from neighbors.
Citizens simply wanting to be represented by someone who lives in the district is more than fair, it is a right.
The silence from the McQuinn/Marsh/Jones camps is deafening.
You do NOT need to pay to sign the petition. Guilty Mom. I don’t have a clue how you thought you did, but you don’t. Just sign, and if you want, you can click the box so that your actual name won’t show, just the word anonymous. Then close out the next screen.
Tiny, Henry Marsh has had a hand in all elections regarding the 7th council district for years and years, ever since he left council and got elected to the general assemply. He brought in Leonidas Young from New Jersey; when Young went to jail, he brought in McQuinn. McQuinn’s campaign finance statements always reflect his ongoing annual donations. He appears with her in public during campaigns (and was particularly active in doing so when Sharon Burton ran against her). This is a known fact. It’s already public, and has been for years.
I agree that the appointee should come from our district and I think it is very appropriate to express these concerns to our council.
However, I also believe that an anonymous petition that demands transparency from our city council is at least a major contradiction. And, allegations about some form of “pay to play” going on in Richmond should be backed up with facts, not innuendo.
Tiny,
IF Council goes along with this, THEN it logically follows that there will be questions concerning who paid them to let her play. Count on it.
I remain hopeful that the current 8 members of City Council will demonstrate a strong moral center when they must decide. I pray that they will not allow their “body corporate,” or their individual selves to be tainted by this latest attempt to fool some of the people.
Tiny,
The petition does NOT demand transparency from City Council. It simply states:
“We, citizens of the City of Richmond, ask all members of the City Council to respect the integrity of representative democracy by appointing a bonafide resident
of the 7th District to the recently vacated seat of that district.
“We find even the consideration of importing a candidate pledged to support the aims of a political faction — and not the people of the district — offensive not only to the residents of the district, but to all Richmond residents and the principles of government by the people.
No citizens in any district of this city should be deprived the right of self government by having others appointed over them.”
I’m a Richmonder for honest government!!!!
Joe, #32 – Do you really think questions will be asked when Newbille gets the nod?
My reasons for questioning that:
One, Dwight Jones is a crony of Marsh. Yea yea, I know Jones is mayor and not council but council’s already said they want to “work with” this mayor. Marsh and Jones will work together to see that that happens in this case, is my bet.
Two, I’ve lived here for at least 25 years, and worked on at least three campaigns to unseat whoever Marsh had here (Leonidas Young and McQuinn, one against Young and two campaigns against McQuinn). Marsh pulled out all the stops when it came to those campaigns. Noone questioned it then, so why now?
Three, I think Marsh isn’t about to care about any of the petition stuff. He’ll ignore it, same as he and McQuinn are doing now (your other post, about how deafening the silence is). Robertson will, obviously, side with McQ – hey, they’ve stuck together and supported each other in the past.
The only people on council that I can see even agreeing to look into this are Marty Jewell, Reva Trammell, and Bruce Tyler. That’s only three votes out of nine. If you can think of others, I’m curious.
Four, who says there’s anyone being “paid to play?” They don’t need to pay, this is power stuff being worked out. Sure, there’s probably some payments somewhere, but it’s nowhere near so obvious that it can be called pay to play. It’s simply that Marsh won’t let go up here. He’s as entrenched as Jesse Jackson. There was a really interesting article in The New Yorker magazine sometime in the last month or so about why the old guard civil rights folks like Jackson won’t give up the fight and why they so resent the new wave like Obama. And Newbille is surely no Obama, she’s part of the old guard. Hence, they will want her on board.
Sorry, I’m in a really cyncical mood, but I think it’s a done deal. Sure, I’ll fight it, but I don’t expect to win. Tell me why I should, please please. Thanks.
Way to go, Torey!
This town has suffered this turf war between Doug’s Gang and Henry’s Gang for as long as most of us can remember.
They are like these two old Bull elephants — both Napoleonically short and each with long memories — who stomp on everything and everyone with precious little regard for simple common courtesy or basic human decency.
We have endured four very long years of Wilder’s non-stop drama. And, now it appears that Marsh & Possee are hoping that we are all just so tired that we will sigh [heavily] and give them a free pass.
What do you think the public’s response would be if Wilder were the one trying to pull this politrick off?
I don’t know about you, but I think people would be outraged and that the RT-D, Free Press, Style Weekly, Voice, radio and television would be all over this because as a city we have been through so much curse and abuse.
Why should Dwight, Henry and Delores be allowed to get away with this? Because they AREN’T Wilder?
“Comes a time when,” as the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., wrote in his Letter from the Birmingham Jail, “when the cup of endurance runs over.”
This is one of those times. If the people of the 7th District — and others throughout this city — do not stand up and fight back about this now, we are looking at one thing after another for the next four years that will push, shock, use and abuse the public trust.
It is up to the citizens of this city to take “ownership,” as the Preacher/Mayor said. So, I hope we will.
I hope that every person who has signed the petition will find two more people to sign it from different districts in the city and let every council member know that we are sick and tired of black being played against white, poor being played against rich, males against females, children against adults.
As a city we deserve more from our leadership than this kind of mess.
And, for anyone who doubts that we have the power to fight back and win, all I can say to that is: “YES, WE CAN!”
Style has reposted the story today:
Vacant 7th District Council Seat Stirs Controversy, Petition (1/13/08)
JoeRichmond, you know there is more going on than the outside candidate.
Cross-posted from the Jennie Dotts thread:
That is all true… you can’t assume people’s incomes and by chance Church Hill over decades of neglect and abuse became a place for the poor, mainly black, to move. Now it has gained a National Historical status hence the preservation aspect but that is where the rub comes. If you restore homes up and down a block that in turn raises values and taxes which many can’t pay and you get the “being pushed out” syndrome. So where do you find a balance of providing for the poor and elderly while preserving and restoring at the same time (which can not be allowed to simply stop)?
With McQuinn it was all about what she could do for the black community and some of the recent self acclaimed kudos point that way: “McQuinn’s colleagues and residents praised her leadership on Richmond’s slave trail and Slavery Reconciliation Statue projects, as well as its annual back-to-school rally and parade ” (which were black schools). And I am sure there are other examples. Like several have said here, what did she do for EVERYONE both black and white across the board or was her agenda for selfish reasons?
Oh, yes, Steven … there is much more going on than simply moving Cynthia Newbille into the district to satisfy the carpetbagging-control-by-any-mean-necessary of the likes of Henry Marsh, Delores McQuinn and our new Preacher/Mayor Jones. What an unholy triumvirate they are. Too bad this petition cannot be posted in every school, corner store and library.
One reason these “CONSERVATIVE” Black politicians try to play the poor Blacks and Whites off each other is that they fear what will happen when Black and White people start realizing that WE ALL DESERVE BETTER.
One of the reasons that “bully” principals are allowed to be so disrespectful is simply to try to drive out the LIBERAL middle-class White and Black families (and sympathetic teachers) from our schools is that the CONSERVATIVE BLACK POLITICOES fear the fire that can be started when the poor and middle-class LIBERAL families (BLACK & WHITE) unite in the name of our children and demand more respect and better quality in our schools.
I realize this idea might require many to reach beyond the traditional color line, but I humbly ask one and all to close their eyes for a moment and imagine what this city could be like if we were to truly challenge the status quo.
http://books.google.com/books?id=cAMDJoVrzcUC&pg=PA59&lpg….
[pardon the typoe above!]
Please Read the entire chapter: “There is no REFUGE in Conservatismâ€
Especially since the November election, I have noticed that those whose political views are in a minority are apt to cry conspiracy on the part of the current ruling officials. It happens with both liberals and conservatives, depending on which side lost the election.
Tiny, I voted on the winning side this past election and I cried foul regarding the possible appointment of an outsider to the 7th district seat. Political labels, especially at the local level, will block your view like blinders on a horse.
Oh! That was not my point at all!! My point is that the views represented by this petition have do represent the views of the majority of the voters our neighborhood. I was making a comparision.
I mean “do not”!! I have been wasting so much time on this blog that I have gotten behind in my work and have started rushing through my comments. I think I need to give it a rest for awhile.
Tiny,
I, too, voted on the winning side. But, I also know that the labels of Democrat and Republican, liberal and conservative, require analysis and attention to detail. The article/chapter I suggested you read has nothing whatsoever to do with a “conspiracy” of any sort. It is a history lesson, plain and simple. I can tell you didn’t read it. Too many big words, perhaps?
Boy, are you arrogant! And, you are the main push behind the one pushing this Marsh conspiracy theory. Sorry to have offended.
Tiny, Tiny, Tiny,
You are the only one talking “conspiracy.” Facts are, Marsh, McQuinn and Jones are backing Cynthia Newbille for this seat. Cynthia Newbille has moved into the 7th District at their invitation so she can do their bidding. No conspiracy, just facts.
I hear a lot of focus on residency and “politricking”, but I haven’t heard anything about what is being done in the community and what Newbille’s capabilities are in that area. Shouldn’t that be the issue rather than how long she’s lived here? If she grew up in this community and has been working in this community for the past 13 years, that should mean something. Just because the other candidates have lived here longer doesn’t mean they are more qualified to serve the community. It seems to me that you are more concerned with her being endorsed by Henry Marsh and Delores McQuinn than by her abilities to do a good job serving the community.
What does it mean that she grew up in the community, has worked there for the past 13 years and chose to live in Henrico County instead of the City of Richmond?
What does it mean that she worked in Richmond City Hall making decisions about Richmond and lived an paid taxes in Henrico County?
What does it mean that it was on her watch that the PAYGO scandal hit?
City Hall is not the only place Mrs. Newbille has worked. You neglected to mention her work in the “community”, such as her work at East District Center, Vernon Harris Clinic, or at the East District Family Resource Center. You’re concerned about her community residency instead of focusing on her work in the community which is ideally who she will be representing. Also, you need to get your facts straight about Paygo before you go spreading rumors.
Peaches, you asked for some facts.
During 2002 to 2003, Cynthia Newbille was paid $91,500 as Chief of Staff for Calvin Jamison, then City Manager. [Style Weekly, Nov. 5, 2003]
And, an abstract from [Richmond Times-Dispatch, Feb. 24, 2004]states:
“Federal prosecutors say [Gwen C. Hedgepeth] conspired with Robert Evans, a former assistant to City Manager Calvin D. Jamison, to submit phony bills to the city for at least $25,695. The money was allegedly paid from Hedgepeth’s discretionary funds.
* Requiring council votes on all discretionary Paygo expenditures totaling more than $1,000 in general funds. Previously, the council voted on such expenditures totaling more than $2,500. City records show 32 expenditures each totaling $2,500 to various companies in recent years, including payments to Evans’ companies.
Additionally, the new Paygo policy does not prohibit expenditures for catering meetings. City records show 70 catering bills – totaling more than $40,000 – were paid from the council’s Paygo accounts from July 1 of 2000 to Dec. 31 of 2003. One of the bills totaled $2,901 for a Slave Trail Commission banquet featuring smoked salmon, chicken in puff pastry, shrimp cocktail, tenderloin, chocolate-covered strawberries and caviar.”
Finally, from [Richmond Times-Dispatch, Mar 31, 2005]:
“….In January, Deputy City Manager William E. Johnson III and Cynthia I. Newbille, who was chief of staff for former City Manager Calvin D. Jamison, resigned.”
So, it appears that it was indeed on Ms. Newbille’s watch that the Paygo scandal hit. Does this mean she did anything, wrong? No. All it means it that she was there before and after it happened and apparently neither noticed nor did anything to stop it.
Joe, as usual, #53 is well said and researched. There were many more issues with Paygo but you pointed out enough of them to make your point.
I have a question about Ms. Newbille’s involvement with the Vernon J. Harris health center, which Peaches mentioned in post #52. I was not aware that she had had prior involvement with the clinic. Peaches, would you share when and what she did there?
Thank you, crd …. To be sure, there are many more issues. I would like to know if the Robert Evans mentioned above is the same Robert Evans that Ms. Newbille shares/shared the property in Henrico County. Additionally, both Ms. Newbille and a Robert Evans have businesses listed at the same address.
Perhaps, Peaches could provide that information as well. It may just be a coincidence. Then again, maybe not.
Just as you stated, although she was working there when the scandal hit, it does not mean she was involved. And as far as nothing being done about, Gwen Hedgepeth went to jail, as did Robert Evans. They were proscecuted and held accountable for their actions. As for the Robert Evans she shares property with in Henrico, that is her husband and not the same Robert Evans that was involved in the Paygo scandal. There is at least a 20 year age difference between those two gentleman, so they are not the same person. Mrs. Newbille is on the Board of the Vernon J. Harris Clinic and has helped to maintain funding for that facility. She has also helped coordinate the annual health fair that they hold every year and in her position at the East District Family Resource Center she helps to empower the participants that come there to be self-sufficient. When people can make a living wage, have healthcare, be better parents and provide for their families, they become better citizens which ultimately helps to keep the community thriving and not blighted.
Peaches,
Is the Robert Evans who owns the property in Henrico the father of the Robert Evans who went to jail? Or vice versa? What is their familial relationship?
We don’t disagree on the need for a living wage, better parents, better care for children and seniors and to keep our communities thriving and not blighted. Might I add, I long for the day when Black and White people in the City of Richmond will unite and demand quality schools for all children. ALL KIDS MATTER.
What we do disagree on, Peaches, is how someone could live and pay taxes in Henrico County and then move into the City simply to make an attempt at the appointment.
It perverts the Democratic process. It insults the people who live in the 7th District. It sends a bad message to the children and adults who live everyday and night in the district and do not escape to the counties. As in, “I can Pity those folks in the city, but don’t ask me to actually live there…..”
We also apparently disagree on the tactics employed to make this happen and on the accusations that the white and black (yes!) people living in the 7th are to be punished for the sins of the past and that we are all to stupid to be able to choose a qualified and bonafide resident of the 7th District as the representative.
It is a new day in America and the City of Richmond needs to embrace change based on how people think and what people do, instead of what color their skin is. Racial insults and innuendoes help no one.
We actually have a President who is calling for unity and we have old black leadership trying to keep that unity from happening by dividing white against black in the 7th. This has got to stop.
oh ….. and one other thing, I did not state that she was “NOT involved.”
I stated [with punctuation corrections for emphasis and clarity]:
“So, it appears that it was indeed on Ms. Newbille’s watch that the Paygo scandal hit. Does this mean she did anything, wrong? No.
“All it means it that she was there — before, (during) and after it happened –and apparently neither noticed, nor did anything to stop it.”
Peaches –
Do you know if Cynthia Newbille’s husband plans to move into their rental unit in the City or is he just going to keep living in their Henrico home?
We both agree on the change our new President is embarking on and we all need to do our part to make that happen. My biggest concern is that you and so many others on this blog are counting out someone based on misinformation. First of all, there is NO relation between the two Evans men. That is a common name just like John Smith or Joe Brown. There is no relationship between the two at all. Secondly, Mrs. Newbille previously lived in the city of Richmond, she only moved to Henrico when she got married less than five years ago. She is just as invested in improving our schools and the community as we are and she proves it every day when she goes to work. Her work in the community or her ability to serve the 7th District should not be judged by who is endorsing her or on the false assumption that she is someone who “escaped to the county” instead of choosing to live in the city. If her husband had not already had a home in Henrico, she would still be living in the city. She should be given a fair chance to prove her abilities and not be dismissed because of misinformation or assumptions against her character.
Facts are facts, Peaches.
WHY is she moving back to the city?
WHEN did she move back?
WHY didn’t they decide to live in the city as a married couple if her dedication to the city and the 7th district is so great?
HOW is it that you know the age difference between the two Robert Evans if it is just a “common name”?
And, as Ray asked, does her husband plan to live with her in the city or is the rental of the property simply an act to establish an address?
WHAT message does it send that McQuinn and Marsh think so little of those who resided in the 7th District as of Nov. 4th, that they would feel the need to “invite” Ms. Newbille to move into the 7th and ensconce her in a rental property right across the street from Betty Squire, an announced candidate for the appointment, a woman who has lived in the district for more than 25 years and has worked hard to improve life in the 7th, the City and the schools?
Mind you, I mention Mrs. Squire here not as an endorsement [she is qualified], but to point out the unfortunate way this thing is being steamrollered into the community. I intend to remain open to hearing and analyzing what each candidate brings to the table.
True, Ms. Newbille has credentials, but so do the other applicants for the position who have consistently resided in the 7th.
WHY bend the rules and place Ms. Newbille above the rest? You say she is “invested,” but everyone is still waiting to hear some details on what she has actually done.
I was so happy to hear [wrongly it turns out], that she had decided not to seek the appointment, but to run for the seat in November.
For a brief moment, a friend of mine and I cheered and agreed that by showing respect to the concerns of the 7th concerning the residency issue, she was virtually assuring herself a lock on the election. We cheered!
I cannot fully express how disappointing it was to turn around and hear that — no — despite serious citizen concerns over the residency issue, she [and her advisers] were choosing to ignore everyone.
Such actions on her part, and that of her advisers, do make me question her character and her commitment to the Democratic process.
Personal questions about Mrs. Newbille’s and her husband’s living arrangements or decisions about their marital residence will need to be addressed to her. I merely asked you all to have an open mind about her qualifications and her commitment to the community and to not write her off based solely on your concerns about her residency and those who endorsed her.
A small bet…neither Cynthia Newbille nor Jennie Dotts will get two votes from Council for the appointment.
would someone like to make book on the council selection? odds look fair for betty squire
will be Squire, Conrqad or Patterson, odds to Squire.
What about Sharon Burton? I don’t know her really well, but have always enjoyed her presence when I have been in a room with her. She’s also served as a former CHA President and once ran for the 7th district Council seat. She’s a long-time resident, too.
Conrad is on the city Republican committee and has worked on statewide Republican campaigns. As a Republican activist, he doesn’t have a chance.
Why hasn’t Newbill herself posted any rebuttals about claims against her or answer the many questions raised to clear her name? Could it be that everything mentioned is true? I sent an email to her myself directly with no response as far as her standing of issues (and did not ridicule her in it).
If she wants to be part of the 7th then she needs to be open to their questions and concerns EARLY on rather than let things get to where they are now… multiple blogs and newspaper articles raising questions. I guess she doesn’t want the position?
Eric
First, there are republicans on the council, and Conrad worked on Tyler’s campaigns. Second, Burton’s resume is all about what she did for Doug Wilder. Want to bet that this council is not impressed by that? She ran for Council? That means that voters rejected her. Why should Council override the voters decision. Same logic for Kenney.
I wish every candidate would send their resume to John Murden so he can post them. Obviously, the RT-D hasn’t seen fit to give us more than briefest bit of information about each.
I really do want to keep an open mind until I see all the qualifications of each candidate. I thought it was really great the way the community blogs sat down with School Board candidates and the way RVA News has all candidates respond to questions.
In keeping with the spirit of collective community action, I suggest that we come up with a list of questions that could be asked of each candidate and invite the prospective candidates to respond in writing.
This would not be in lieu of a community forum, but perhaps as a prelude to and would let us know who can write a complete and (somehwat) coherent sentence.
For us here in Church Hill, true, this forum is not the “one and only” means to contact residents nor do everyone knows it exist. Yet, candidates surely know it does and have posted in the past. I figure that if a candidate is truly interested in the issues of a district they are running for and their constituents and want to get involved, they need to be accessible. Instead, Newbill has sidestep questions or become a phantom all together when she should visible and answer their questions directly. Be personable and open to ridicule that comes with the territory and correct anything misleading or incorrect. We have yet to hear from Newbill directly – why especially after her name has been dragged all about? Not that I am supporting her but I feel that ALL candidates should “get involved” and seek out all avenues of open dialogue including local forums.
Typoes would be (somewhat) understood and not held against the candidate.
The two sort of kind of Republicans on council who represent closely divided districts are not going to or would they be able to put a white activist Republican in a district that is majority black, 99% Democratic. Just not gonna happen. Burton would be a good possibility. She would offer the delicious chance of saying no to the Marsh team, as well as poking a stick in its eye.
Sharon Burton would be the perfect candidate. She has lived here for years and understands the process. Also, when she pushed for Wilder, I think she, along with most of us, were hoping for change, and better government.
…also, has class and integrity for the process.
Steven,
A candidate who is not answering phone calls or e-mails at this stage of the game doesn’t inspire confidence that should they attain the seat, they would be more responsive.
Sometime someone’s silence can tell you everything you need to know about that person and how much they respect the average citizen. Responses do not need to be long-winded or defensive. An affirmative statement of one’s values can be a powerful to antidote to the nastiest assault.
John Gerner and Carletta Wilson each impress me. They are both smart, even-tempered and bring a special knowledge of schools and the needs of children that would add value to CC knowledge base.
I agree totally with Bob in both posts #74 and #75, and with chgal in #73 (particularly your last sentence, chgal!). Additionally, to Concerned Mom in #76, Sharon is a retired teacher – she spent years and years teaching up here, so she surely knows the needs of the school system. I intend to call and/or email members of council with my opinion, which is just that, my opinion.
Joe, I like your idea about a list of questions. I’m not sure how much council will pay attention to us at this point, since it’s an appointment and not an election, but it would surely give everyone a chance to see who they want to support by way of contacting the other council members.
Steven, Joe’s got a good point about predicting future actions or inactions. McQuinn was famous for ignoring phone calls.
It’s my understanding that council has posed to each applicant an identical list of questions, returnable by the end of the week. Question is whether council interview all candidates, or pare the list based on the written responses. By the way, I am told that the applications are public documents through the clerk’s office, in case anyone wanted to copy and distribute. But there are some members of council who seem determined that this not be a popularity or political faction contest. Others however…
Oh, praise be those mighty paragons of political pomposity, “those members of council who seem determined that this not be a popularity or political faction contest.”
What a hoot-and-a-half that is!
I would love to see a list of their questions. Not only do the residents of the 7th District risk having a nearly non-resident hand-picked and anointed by the Marsh Machine appointed, but now we have eight non-residents solely in charge of the questions that are asked and answered.
Just because we can, I suggest we proffer our own list of questions. Here’s the first one:
1. What do you think about placing a stadium in Shockoe Bottom?
Detail your concerns and which way you intend to vote.
Questions regarding the stadium should be top of the list. If council doesn’t ask potential appointees about the stadium, then we’ll know they are jerks.
And I am much more interested in how a candidate would approach problems, how they work with other members, how they view the council-mayor system. What they do about one issue, especially one that will probably never happen is simply short-sighted.
Here’s the list of OFFICIAL City Council Questions. SARCASM WARNING: There are some real brain-busters here, folks…
1. Why do you feel you are the best candidate for the 7th District appointment? Describe your qualifications.
2. What made you decide to seek the appointment?
3. How long have you been a resident of the City and the 7th District?
4. If appointed, what do you feel to be your greatest duty and/or role as a Councilperson? What do you consider to be your greatest strengths or assets that will assist you in your role as Councilperson?
5. Do you have any intention to run for the 7th District seat in the November 2009 election?
If so, why do you intend to run?
If not, why would you forego running in November?
6. To what extent have you been involved in your community such as civic associations, non profits, etc.?
7. What specific needs do you see in the 7th District? How do you plan to address these issues?
8. What method of constituent outreach will you employ? How do you plan to inform your constituents of major city-wide issues and how will you proceed with their feedback?
9. What are your expectations of the time demands of service on City Council and how will you meet them?
10. What is your understanding of the role of the Mayor, the City Administration, and City Council under this form of government? How will you work with the Administration to see that the needs of your constituents and the needs of the City are met?
Here’s a biggie they should have included:
What potential/real conflicts-of-interest do you have concerning impending votes before City Council?
I agree with Ron #81.
I don’t want a representative that would be so confrontational that he/she cannot accomplish anything. I also want a representative that is would seek out the residents here and get all of their opinions.
JoeRichmond, you seem to have a direct line to the applicants’ email inboxes.
The applicants received that questionnaire via email on Friday, now you’re publishing it here on Monday. That’s faster than any FOIA request I’ve ever seen.
I gotta hand it to ya, if you are a political operative working for one of the candidates (if not a candidate yourself) you’re doing a pretty good job of trashing the competition.
First you went after Newbille now you’re going after…mmm, Ms. Dotts? Better hurry up, you only got about a week left to get em all.
joe richmo, i dont think so, i think that you are thinking too much. you are giving the council too much credit, like they ask themselves those questions. the question that will be asked: will you keep your mouth shut and do what i tell you?
Interesting, because I thought that the quesions were confidential, so that each candidate would have an equal chance to respond into an untainted atmosphere. So much for good intentions.
hey joe i think that you are thinking too much. maybe the only question will be: will you keep your mouth shut and do what i tell you to do? you are giving too much credit to the council.
LOL! UnionHill RVA, you are too funny!
1. I am NOT a political operative working for anyone. The last candidate I volunteered for was Barack Obama, but, heck, so did millions of others.
2. I am NOT a candidate, nor do I ever intend to be.
3. I am NOT for or against any candidate who is a bonafide resident of the district. I have repeatedly stated that I intend to keep an open mind on all candidates who have lived inthe district prior to the November 2008 election.
4. I am FOR the principles of Democracy and consider myself a true-blue American.
5. I do NOT believe that the people of the Seventh District, or the City of Richmond, deserve to have a “ringer” of a representative imported from Henrico County.
6. I am a student of history and political science and I know how to do rudimentary research on the internet.
Further, I think it is utterly ridiculous that anyone would think that THOSE questions should be confidential! Gimme a break …
Once all the candidates have submitted their responses, I think it would be most illuminating to see their responses.
The “Best and Brightest” certainly ought to be willing to post their own responses once all have been turned in to Council.
posted by Ron at January 26, 2009 10:23 am:
“……What they do about one issue, especially one that will probably never happen is simply short-sighted.”
AND, NOW, this just in from the RT-D website (faster than a FOIA, more powerful than leaping to unfounded conclusions) ….
http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/article/COUN27GAT_20090126-200017/189313/
Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones and the Richmond City Council aren’t yet backing a proposed ballpark for Shockoe Bottom, but they do support legislation that would provide some of the project’s financing.
With a show of hands, a majority of the council members today signaled their support for bills introduced by Del. G. Manoli Loupassi, R-Richmond, and Sen. A. Donald McEachin, D-Henrico, that would allow a minor-league ballpark to be built with 5 percent of the state sales tax revenues generated by the facility as well as new private buildings attached to it.
The informal vote was based on the council’s expectation that the bills would be amended to allow the financing to apply to a new facility or to The Diamond, on North Boulevard.
Officials emphasized that their show of hands should not be construed as an endorsement of the $363 million Shockoe Center development, which includes the proposed ballpark.
“This is just letting it go into the marketplace of ideas,” Councilman Chris A. Hilbert said.
In an interview, Jones expressed support for the legislation being approved by the General Assembly, but he said he’s concerned that his administration has had little time to review the proposal for Shockoe Center. The developers are hoping to get a preliminary approval from the city by March 1.
“We will not be rushed into a decision,” Jones said. — Will Jones
Joe, i can say all of the things you enumerate in post #89 about myself and my neighbors.
That still doesn’t explain how you got the list of questions. Was it leaked to you by an applicant or a city council member? If so, that kinda thing happens all the time in politics. It just shows that you’re an insider, not a bystander.
UnionHill,
Oh, Really? Are all your neighbors students of history and political science? Are you and your neighbors skilled at internet research?
One does not need to be an “insider” in order to be an active citizen journalist in this town. “Public documents” cannot, by definition, be “leaked.”
And for you — or anyone — to think that those 10 softball questions are the stuff of a confidential document is laughable.
I am not an “insider,” and I refuse to be a bystander or, God forbid, a “victim.” Being a bystander/victim is so 20th-Century.
For you to carry on like this makes you sound like Barney Fife.
Calling names is generally easier than carrying ideas.
I particularly disliked being called an “insider,” myself.
Joe Richmond, Just because my neighbors don’t publicly broadcast how scholarly they are, how civic-ally involved they are or how talented they are (at such highly valued skills as “internet research” LOL) if doesn’t mean they’re not adept at all those things.
You obviously think you are soooo very, very special. To the point of being self-righteous. How much longer are you going to stomp your feet, screaming “notice me!” and “see how smart I am?”
You’re also really good at evading direct questions by blowing lots of smoke. Certainly not what I’m looking for in a Council rep.
Ron, you’re right, calling names isn’t fun, but I truly believe Joe Richmond is the alter ego of one of the applicants for the council seat (if not a close ally). I don’t like the double standard he has set for this process. Nor do I believe his self-righteous, condescending personality is appropriate for a council person, even if only temporary.
Read the applicant letters posted on this site. You might be able to figure it out, too.
UnionHill, Ron —
You want to play “attack-the-messenger”?
Pathetic. You have each posted comments indicating some inside knowledge of City Hall and the inner workings of the minds of Council members. Hmmmm….
Methinks, you could both be the same person, or perhaps even the author(s)of that list of questions.
Therefore, I am so sorry my sarcastic comments about the list clearly struck a nerve and hurt your feelings. Truly sorry.
For the record, I did not receive that list from either an applicant or a Council member. There, got it?
Also, once again, I am neither aligned with any candidate nor a candidate myself.
I humbly ask that you examine all my posts and show even one in which I have endorsed any particular candidate.
The substance of all my remarks on this blog has been to question why there are some people who find it appropriate to attempt to a “ringer†of a representative from Henrico County.
As to your ad hominem attack on me because I am smart, I confess that I am nothing more than a nerd, with a nose for news and a penchant for politics.
Just a nerd. Born that way.
* to BRING in a “ringer†of a representative from Henrico County.
In the interest of bumping this thread back up, what happened since 10 a.m. on Tuesday morning, or did the thread get abandoned?
Perhaps everyone is stunned nearly speechless by the news about how Ellen Robertson wrote an e-mail to the developers of the baseball stadium informing them that she and Dwight Jones would be the ones deciding whether that stadium project would go forward — never mind the rest of council or the citizens.
Apparently, Mrs. Robertson must be suffering from delusions of grandeur or she is simply just telling us how far back into the past our city has slid in just a few days. We’re are not even through the first month of the Jones Administration and already we have secret backdoor deals happening.
What next?