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Jones endorses Newbille
10/30/2009 3:14 PM by John M
The RTD is reporting that Mayor Jones has endorsed Cynthia Newbille in the race for the City Council 7th District seat:
“I’m very appreciative of the mayor’s support and am looking forward to working with our mayor,” said Newbille, who served as chief of staff to City Manager Calvin D. Jamison before the city switched to an elected-mayor form of government in 2005. Newbille also is supported by Jones allies Del. Delores L. McQuinn and state Sen. Henry L. Marsh III.
Ms. Newbille’s response appear to say that she feels this election is a done deal “am looking forward to working with our Mayor”. Did the Mayor hold a forum or send out questions to all Six candidates in order to make an informed decision that the public doesn’t know about? I know other candidates didn’t know he was inquiring as to their stand on issues so I would say he did not ask the other 5 candidates.
Did our top City elected official do any research to see if he was endorsing the best candidate to help District 7 of the City he has been given temporary care of or did he endorse the candidate he was told to endorse by others?
Since Ms. Newbille’s voter registration in District 7 wasn’t effective until January 2009, I’m not even sure she took part in the election of this Mayor. Was she not a Henrico resident when Mayor Jones was elected? Just asking …………. and Hoping that our Mayor does a bit more research before making other decisions that might directly affect our City ….
I don’t fault him in the least for endorsing Newbille. She is a known quantity who understands the players in city government and how to get things done. She’s a natural political ally to the Mayor and I think any observer should have seen this endorsement telegraphed from a mile away.
I think there’s a mixed metaphor in there somewhere…sorry, it’s been a long day.
I think the endorsement Mayor Jones could be clearly seen for a long while but for great reason. Mrs Newbille is well qualified despite any allies she may have. Her years of service and results makes her a great choice for the mayor I have heard and seen all of the candidates and the mayor made the most responsible choice. He need not interview all of the candidates when he can read their resumes and see the results of years of service. Mrs Newbille is not only promising what she wants to do,that makes her equal to the other candidates (Promises promises). She also talks about what she has done and how the residence of the east end has benifited.. Mayor Jones thank you for a responsible nedorsement that those of who love our country and city can be proud of…
Garry makes a valid point in the article. None of these people endorsing Newbille are interviewing the rest of the candidates.
However, we were all present at last weeks Richmond City Democratic Committee Forum at a church in Fulton. At the end, Ronald Bond posed a question to the panel and asked for the support of his fellow Candidates.
Mr. Bond, pointed out that a member of the RCDC panel was James (JJ) Minor, Vice Chair for Organization and son of Delegate Delores McQuinn, who was also present. He respectfully asked the panel if we, the Candidates, would be permitted to take a vote amongst ourselves as to whether we even wanted their endorsement. We were told that regardless of our collective vote, they would be making an endorsement for the Council seat.
Delegate McQuinn said that she would not vote as she was an elected official and had personally endorsed Ms. Newbille. I respect that.
I asked Mr. Minor if he would recuse himself from voting on the RCDC endorsement citing that he had worked on behalf of Ms. Newbille’s campaign and I believed his vote would be biased. Mr. Minor said, “No”, he would not recuse himself and that he had never worked on Ms. Newbille’s campaign.
What Mr. Minor did not know was that two weeks before, I interviewed with 15 local ministers in that same church who were deciding between endorsing me or Newbille.
One of the ministers (Roc) pulled me aside prior to the meeting and told me he was endorsing Newbille. Odd, as we had never met and he had never interviewed me. The minister said that he was working with Newbille since JJ was let go from her campaign. He then asked me to drop out of the race. To which, I respectfully declined.
Responsible endorsements. Far from it.
And how will Newbille vote on Echo Harbour?
Hmmm…
Inform yourself, there are resources available. I’ve pulled together an election guide that answers the basic questions about the candidates. I’ve got video of the candidates from the CHA forum.
At that forum, all of the candidates except possibly Ronald Bond spoke against Echo Harbor. Newbille said specifically that, “Any project that would preclude the view and/or public access to that valuable resource is not the project for us to consider.”
From the Times-Dispatch: Newbille said she would not take a position on the project until a final proposal is submitted. “Any project that would preclude views or access [to the river] is not the project for us,” she said.
I wouldn’t be suprised if she takes a real liking to whatever is submitted. Whether or not Echo Harbour blocks the view will be in the eye of the beholder.
#7: At that forum, all of the candidates except possibly Ronald Bond spoke against Echo Harbor. Newbille said specifically that, “Any project that would preclude the view and/or public access to that valuable resource is not the project for us to consider.”
Of course, that’s what the candidates are SAYING now…the real clincher is whether they vote for or against Echo after being elected. I suspect, with good reason, that Newbille is saying what she needs to say to get elected. Since she’s a part of the McQuinn/Marsh camp I’m sure she’ll probably do as they have done before and vote for Echo once in office. I would take great pause before voting for her if you don’t want to experience what we went through with McQuinn…
Got a link for that RTD citation?
It’s from the Times-Dispatch article you posted in the interview with Newbille. http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/new…
@SEW – Though we also have the candidates recorded making these direct statements. It will more problematic for anyone to reverse themself after the election or for a different audiance.
A politician “reversing” himself is “problematic”?
Well, sure it is, John, but it still happens all the time. Just like Tim Kaine and Mark Warner supporting tax increases after saying during the campaign that they would oppose them.
Besides, Newbille gives herself plenty of wiggle room when she says “preclude the view.” What EXACTLY does that mean?
guarantee that once elected, Newbille will support EH. I agree with the earlier post that she doesn’t have to backtrack on here statements at the forum. She can just specify what she considers the view to be, the part of the view that is not obstructed by EH is what she means when she says we must protect the view. Just wait and see.
Yesterday Cynthia was accused of sounding as if she has won before the election and each of you posting on Echo Harbor sounds like she has one. Sounds hypocritical. Do candidates deserve a fair shake even if they are not your choice? The problem is we often accuse people without given them a chance. I am really looking for someone to make comments that bring the community together and not over emphasize our speculation and presuppositions
The truth is Cynthia was well known as some one who served and worked in the East End for years. No one who has worked in the East End government or worked at the EDI needed to interview the others. If you seen her results, watch her character, and seen how she works with others leaders and the community at lodge-it would be easy to endorse her without interviewing the other candidates. The only reason Deanna and others are complaining is because they have not done enough noteworthy things that would draw people to consider them. Let us see- you want an interview to tell people what you are going to do. Try serving the best interest of the entire district and people will come to you. Cynthia has shown what she will do by what she has done and she was asked would she be willing to serve this community at the level. That is honorable! Any one can convince you of their passion in a conversation but what have you done to warrant an interview- what get people to sign a petition. Hardly Enough!
I have been really surprised by some candidates who have more ambition than they do community or government service. Each of the six candidates has their challenges.
Ronald Bond enjoys running for the seat. Lacks vision for district
Gary Powell is very astute but virtually unknown seems to be a lone ranger. Would love to see him stay in the public eye if he does not win.
Robert kenny seems to be angry about his job but is not really pointed on issues though he was raised here all his life
Cynthia is qualified with both academic and experience. If she is not strong her association with certain people could be negative
Robin Robinson is very ambitious and a life long residence. She lacks a savvy to dialogue and negotiate with council people from other districts. To much talk about the other candidate. She seems mad about Mr. Marsh or Mrs. McQuinn neither of whom is running for the seat.
Deanna is an ambitious artist who lacks substance and depth. All of her discussions are surface and you get the impression she is trying to sneak in. Next to Ronald Bond she has very little service appeal. She is a newcomer and should let the district incubate a little in her heart.
Hey guys do running for office means you are dishonest? Really because people are saying the candidate is lying about EH when no one really knows what the winner of the 7th will do. The real dishonorable people are those who prosecute you because of who you know. Sometime I wonder what is the real motive behind your comments. I personally searched for a reason not to support but I really have yet to hear a credible reason to change my vote
roc-
just a prediction on my part. i would love for Mrs. Newbille to prove me wrong. my concern is that here statement as posted here is a lot of political speak and leave her a lot of wiggle room to support EH later. Combine that with her statements in the T-D and i will certainly not be surprised one bit if she were to vote in support of EH.
Newbille is undoubtly aware of this thread. If she could give a concrete stand on echo, she would. The republican and democratic parties/organizations seem to endorse the fellows that will cater to the corporations that fund them. Unfortunately the control has trickled down to our neighborhoods. Number one prioty in this country -campaign finance reform.
Newbille is a well groomed politician. Each party grooms and rears it’s candidates. I’d like to see a neighbor win this election.
# 17 – al,
I’ve had a six year career in managing two real estate firms. I was recruited as the business and operations manager of a financial planning firm. In my four years with the firm I dealt with caring for the core issues of peoples lives on a day-to-day basis; getting married, having children, raising families, planning for college, setting up retirement strategies, insurance plans, dealing with financially surviving chronic illnesses, and in some cases, tending to the well-being of the families of our clients that lost loved ones.
On a business level I oversaw the operation of that firm and it’s hundreds of clients, from all walks of life; those with regular 9-5 jobs, business owners, teachers, students, authors, doctors, scientists, Ambassadors & heads of State. I managed the staff, reporting to the NASD and the Securities & Exchange Commission and was responsible for orchestrating the investments of up to $18 million dollars a day.
The most valuable lessons learned in that 10 year career hovered around the planning and caring for the lives and future of others. Lessons learned that will translate well as a member of City Council which controls a budget consisting of your tax dollars. Lessons learned throughout a professional life far from lacking substance and depth.
I retired from the corporate world in 2005 to start my own business. Yes, I am an artist and I also restore classic Richmond homes.
As a Citizen this past July, in ONE email to Ellen Robertson on “Ordinance: 2009-43?”, I pointed out flaws in the structure that could force people to lose their homes in five years and lose much needed tax revenue. In that email I made suggestions that restructured the ordinance to keep half a million dollars of tax revenue already coming into the City, created a graduated tax increase that still encourages new development and new home ownership, bringing much needed revenue into the City and probably saved and average of two hundred and fifty new home owners from losing their homes in five years. I’m incredibly proud to be a part of the shaping that ordnance. That was just by sending ONE email.
Al, One does not need “longevity” here to see the blight, the poverty and what has not been done in this district. One does not need “longevity” here to see what must be accomplished in order for the district and the community to prosper. One just needs to open their eyes. One does need a plan of attack to accomplish it however:
http://deannalewis4council.com/revitalization.html
http://deannalewis4council.com/amorelivabledistrict.html
This district needs new ideas, a new leadership and a new way of doing the business of government.
I am not from this district and I am not voting in this race, but I strongly suggest that candidates’ stances on Echo Harbour be delineated NOW by the voters. Force them to sign written pledges.
When Trani was President of Richmond Renaissance he purposely asked if everyone was for the Dominion’s riverfront SUP (meaning anyone who went against would be going against Richmond Renaissance’s (the ‘business community”s) wishes. The result was that the Council vote was locked up, despite over twenty neighborhood, environmental, and citizens’ groups who spoke against Dominion’s SUP.
This is it, Church Hill. This is the voters’ chance to prevent this from happening:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/deadrichmond/3194098039/
If you miss this chance, the ‘business community’ will later force their wishes upon you through it’s undue influence. Now is not the time to be all coy and polite about things. Southern genteelity does not mean anything in this. The window of control will shut after the candidate is elected.
I urge you to heed my warning. Get specific, written pledges NOW.
You have my vote, my pledge against it – it’s been out there from day one.
http://www.deannalewis4council.com/echoharbor.html
Related:
http://hillsandheights.org/2009/10/24/jewell-charged-with-dui/#comment-10918
#17 Al
I not sure of your connection to the 7th or the two candidates you listed by first name only…and it’s Mr.Kenney Clarence Kenney not Robert. I’m not mad about Mrs. McQuinn or Mr. Marsh but disappointed. Henry and Carolyn Marsh were greater than the President and Mrs. Obama to me as young person growing up just around the corner from their residence and her father’s business. Mrs. Quinn was mentored by my father as Sunday school teacher at Mt.Olivet Baptist Church the church my great grandfather Rev. Dickerson a field minister for Va. Union Seminary mentored the Rev. Kent the first pastor at her church and I would attend with the long standing Cheatham family when I did not attend my own church Mt. Tabor Baptist Church. Mrs. Quinn is the one who seems to be mad going around the neighborhood questioning people about me and what qualifies me to run. As if the citizens of the 7th district don’t realize the job of city council is representative of the people for the people. I stated early in the race I respect Mr. Marsh and his cultivation of Mrs. McQuinn however it’s time for change. I will work with city council and the mayor to make Richmond a great place to live and visit. But I will not let the 7th district become the battered step child. A vote for Robin Robinson is a vote for the Cinderella Story starring the 7th district. I love Church Hill!!!!! Come together on November 3,2009 for real change.
http://chpn.net/news/2009/09/21/meet-the-candidate-robin-d-robinson_9305/
cynthia is totally against it. you call it wiggle room, She has said repeatedly NO! She is a neighbor now she may not be the kind of neighbor you are refering to but the entire district is made up of our neighbor. I live in fulton and you live on broad or 33rd or in creighton we are all ONE 7th DIstrict
We all say no to EH
#16 roc
I want to remind you we pay Ms.Newbille very good salary for the administrative jobs she has and had in the city of Richmond and the 7th district (that paids her taxes in the county of Henrico). I hope that you are not discounting your teachers, police offices, and park supervisors in the city of Richmond who get on an average $29,000.00 – 35,000.00 a year. They are front line public service people that keep children safe on daily basis, give them activities to keep them off the streets, and try to give them a sense of community. They give money and food out their household budget make sure children in the 7th don’t go to bed hungry. I believe Ms. Newbille may have her heart in the right place but closes her eyes after five clock,I also question if she has what it takes to stand up for what’s needed in the 7th district and up until January of this year she most likely ran to her car at five o’clock and her drove off to the henrico with her paycheck. Real citizens of the 7th district eat, sleep and work first hand with the real issues in this district. Search Cynthia Marsh, Cynthia I. Newbille
Hey guys we all disagree about our choice for council. We have today and Monday and then Tuesday and we will have a new council person. It appears that all of us love our community and want quality representation. I think we should start preparing someone who has our values and interest for the next election. Echo harbor is not the only issue for the 7th district although it is very important to my neighbors. Let us craft out a strategic agenda for the next person so we as a whole district can pull together. I am really open to having the best person ready for the next election.
Remember, Newbille does NOT live here. She’s renting that house on 27th st. How in touch can she be if she is going back to the county every night. We do not need another MARSH appointee in office.
We need someone that LIVES in this community. My vote is for Deanna. I’ve met with her, looked at the others. She’s got some great ideas, can speak her mind, hold her own and has the drive to get it done.
http://www.deannalewis4council.com
Carolyn #30, I agreed with you up until you said Deanna. She’s the one who announced here on this blog, on another thread, that one of the first things she wanted to do was abolish the SOLs and raise expectations for school kids, as well as put in a plan for ‘urban renewal’ or something to that effect (she may have called it something else like gentrification). Someone posted that urban renewal won’t sit well with Fulton (no kidding), and SOLs are a state law, she can’t do that. I completely lost faith in her at that point.
My vote goes to Robin Robinson, who is well spoken and a true long-time resident of the 7th district. She reminds me of Viola Baskerville in the early days of her political career, and I’d love to have someone like that representing the 7th. We might finally see some progress that way!
crd #31: What’s wrong with raising expectations for school kids? Granted, SOLs are required but shouldn’t there be more expected of the schools than just the bare minimum? With what we have now, current expectations and SOLs, RPS is still churning out way too many uneducated children. Granted, it is more deeply rooted than just the students and teachers. Teachers can only do so much. There has to be support from the city as a whole and all levels of city government and administration. Getting the vast majority of the uninvolved parents more involved would also be of great benefit.
Higher expectations? Hell yeah!
RE #31 – Respectfully, I would be interested in sourcing for your statements about what another person stated publicly, please. Lots of room for interpretation, as you make clear – especially when thoughts are not fully crystallized. And it seems that yours are not.
For example, some people speak of “teaching to SOLs” and how they would like to broaden the educational experience to get past that idea. I’m not saying that this is what was stated by Deanna, or that it wasn’t. But nuances tend to get lost when folks begin to represent someone else in print without taking the time.
This is one of the reasons that bibliographies are required from 6th grade on, when kids get into more complicated research and writing topics. It tasks the person making statements to be clear about what they are asserting as it pertains to another person’s intellectual property/public opinion, and forces responsibility prior to hitting the “send” button, so to speak.
#32. Explain to me how local government/school board mandates that parents get involved, when frequently even the best of parents and intentions are stressed by holding 2-3 jobs, just to keep the rent paid and food on the table. I’m not a defender of the school bureaucracy…totally inept…but if kids don’t come in with a foundation, they won’t leave with a roof over their heads.
Deanna’s statement on SOLs: “I’ll work with fellow Council members and encourage the School Board to eliminate the current Standards of Learning (SOL) which are set far too low….”
And Deanna’s statement on gentrification: “…I see this district as ripe, a blank slate, with it’s enormous inventory of vacant lots (1500 city wide) for a perfect Urban Gentrification push.”
I’m guessing crd got her info from Deanna’s comment on this thread http://chpn.net/news/2009/10/26/election-guide-2009_10033/ .
To give her the benefit of the doubt, Deanna probably meant something else when she said gentrification and is unaware of the separation of RPS and city council and that SOLs are from the state.
#34: David, I’m sorry but I didn’t mean that the government mandate parental involvement. That would be rather difficult if not impossible. I do mean, though, that if the parents were more involved, I strongly believe one would see a rise in testing levels and reduction drop out rates. Additionally, while I’m sure there are parents out there working 2-3 jobs just to keep food on the table, the vast majority are, in fact, not working multiple jobs.
More working mothers than you think. I haven’t pulled the census data for the East End, but nationally, 63% of women are in the workforce. That creates 2 jobs in the family immediately.
David, perhaps, but I was thinking you meant people with 2-3 jobs in the work force outside the home. Personally I feel part of the job of being a parent is to be involved in your child’s education. That’s both for single working mothers and families with a father who works as well. I don’t necessarily think what happens when you get home from work as an extra job. We all have to do that when we get home. I think of that more as having a life.
After the election in the Times-Dispatch: “She[Newbille] has declined to commit herself on Echo Harbour, one of the most controversial issues facing the 7th District. The proposed high-rise development has drawn fierce opposition over concerns that it would block views of the James River from Libby Hill Park.”
http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/local/article/SEVN041_20091104-001404/303566/
We will see how it goes.
I don’t know where they get that from, the RTD has been running that same basic phrase the entire time. It seems to me that she was very clear: watch the video for yourself. She provides context and then says:
I don’t know either and I understand that what she said on the video is different than what is repeatedly written in the paper. You should ask the paper why and/or Newbille should send in a correction. If the Times-Dispatch is wrong, a correction is a must. Not everyone is logging on to CHPN or watching the video. Some clarity is needed.
Perhaps she had not received the word that the Jones Administration may now favor the project.
John, #41 has a point. I just clicked on the link, it’s a Times Dispatch story that is dated today. Either Sundagger has a point, or the TD knows something that the video does not – to wit, Newbille has declined to take a stand on Echo Harbor at least when interviewed by the TD. Maybe she was just speaking what she thought she should to her audience at the time the video was made, and didn’t want to stretch the truth so much when interviewed by the TD? I dunno….
On a completely unrelated issue, a neighbor (NOT the one in #41) told me that she went to a meet and greet for Newbille last Friday and Newbille was wearing blatently false eyelashes. What the heck is up with that?! LOL
Back to the TD article – it goes on to say that Newbille will quit her job at the Family Resource Center now that she’s been elected, because it receives city funding. I have to wonder how she’s going to make ends meet, what with paying rent here in the 7th, plus maintaining a house in Henrico, all on the $25,000 a year that council pays. I realize that sounds like I’m eating sour grapes, but really I’m not on that particular issue (maybe on others, but not that!) Or does council pay more than I think it does?
Why are y’all trying so hard to make this complex? Newbille clearly and specifically described her take on Echo Harbor, knowing that it was being recorded. Regardless of whatever vague statements in the RTD link, you have the proof in front of you. If you are distrustful of your representative, you have her own words on video to which to hold her accountable.
Also, when I interviewed Ms.Newbille prior to the public forum, she specifically made a point of bringing up Echo Harbor as inappropriate development.
John, I sincerely hope you are right.
Also, when I interviewed Ms.Newbille prior to the public forum, she specifically made a point of bringing up Echo Harbor as inappropriate development
I think she can and will wiggle out of that. A modified proposal, maybe some sweeteners will do the trick. Either way she’s got three more years and the support of a solid political machine. I’m also not sure that Echo Harbor is a high priority for her core constituency.
Sorry it’s taken me so long to write this, but I agree with Scott, I hope John is right.
John, hopefully, your video will be available if necessary in the future. Thanks for all you do.
I’ve gotten to meet Ms. Newbille over the past few weeks and have found her to be a very deliberate, thoughtful, and independent decision maker. I have a feeling her decision regarding Echo Harbour and the myriad of more important issues facing our District (education, economic development, crime, housing, and generational poverty to name a few) will also share those characteristics.
Please at least give her a chance to get settled before trying to trap her in soundbites. We should endeavor to raise the level of discourse here, not just for her sake, but for the sake of our shared neighborhood.
Important issue we are facing now: the need for a new school and school renovations in the 7th district. Should we go with Jones’ new more costly plan of building a new high school on southside or stay with the original plan which includes renovating schools and building a new school in the east end first?
This is being discussed at the School Board meeting *right now*. I’ll have something up later tonight.
Deanna you are truly a liar in reference to the number 5 comment. The committee taped the question and answer period.You asked Mr. Minor if he was Newbille’s campaign manager. He told you that he wasn’t.You really have a way of twisting things around. You should be ashamed of yourself. He never said that he didn’t work on her campaign. But you are truly a liar and that is why you din’t win.Lady get a life and get involved not just in your area.
Ms. Anne #51, I think that was uncalled for. Newbille won, she’s in office, why not let the subject go. Seems a bit late to be bringing it up at this point.
Further, while I can see calling someone names in the heat of an election campaign (not that I condone it unless it’s true, and in this case I don’t believe it is), I think it’s totally useless at this point to call someone a liar. Just my opinion.
Well crd she lost because she lied. Now you let that go buddy.