Oct. 28 Newsletter: Gumby, Goldman and Walker duel in the 1st
Weather: Sunny, high of 67
On this date in 1927, the Mosque Theater opened, having been constructed by the Shriners. Now the Altria Theater, the entertainment venue had an underground swimming pool until it was filled during a 2014 renovation.
Mosby's campaign says Selena Cuffee-Glenn won’t return as chief administrative officer
Former City Hall chief administrative officer Selena Cuffee-Glenn is working as a consultant on Michelle Mosby's mayoral campaign, which has raised questions about whether she could potentially return to City Hall if Mosby becomes mayor. But her campaign says no.
- Cuffee-Clenn was fired by Mayor Levar Stoney in 2019 after an investigation revealed several of her relatives had been hired to city jobs.
“The campaign values her time and input, but she is retired,” said Mosby campaign adviser Don Mark. “Michelle will run a comprehensive and inclusive search for a CAO. She will consult with leaders from across the board, including voices from City Council in an open and transparent process.”
At times on the campaign trail, Mosby has seemed to praise Cuffee-Glenn despite the controversial way her tenure at City Hall ended.
“We hired a seasoned CAO, someone that understood local government, who then hired a seasoned finance director,” Mosby said at one mayoral forum when describing how “things got done” during her time as council president.
Read more from Graham Moomaw here.
'Gumby,' Goldman and Walker create an intriguing 1st District council contest
Name recognition is giving an extra boost to a competitive race to represent Richmond's 1st District on City Council.
- Andrew "Gumby" Breton is running with his nickname out front, something he said is spotlighting his positive message.
- Paul Goldman has been in Richmond politics for decades, and said he's the right choice to clean up the "cesspool of corruption" that is City Hall.
- Zac Walker is hoping his focus on hyperlocal neighborhood issues will appeal to those who are tired of political battles.
Read more on all three candidates here.
In other election news...
- Yesterday was the only day early voting was offered on Sunday, and 993 votes were cast, a record high for the event.
- Read Sarah Vogelsong's profile of the 8th District School Board race, where two candidates are running for the seat being vacated by Dawn Paige.
- Check out our voter guide to learn about every local race.
Richmond history: Before the Fall Line Trail, there was the Ashland Electric Railway
Daniel Payne shares some distant Richmond history that's gained a new relevance, as the Fall Line Trail will run along the route of a trolley line that ferried passengers between Richmond and Ashland in the early 1900s.
- Luxury cars were ordered for the route, which lost money from the beginning.
Bus and automobile competition led to the end of the railway in 1937, but Payne says it's easy to find remnants of the trolley line if you know where to look. Read more here.
Richmond Fashion Week cancels fall show, will focus on spring event
Ashley Jefferson reports that Richmond is losing one of its two annual fashion weeks, as the organizing group aims to refocus its efforts.
“By freeing up our fall, I believe this opens up opportunities for other events in the city during that time, such as smaller produced shows and creative projects,” Executive Director Ryan Azia said.
Read more on the decision here.
In other news...
- Hilliard calls for Floyd to exit race, investigation into campaign and tenure as liaison (South Richmond News)
- Fire in Richmond’s Northside impacts multiple businesses (NBC 12)
- How will Richmond’s next mayor approach climate and sustainability? (VPM)
The Editor's Desk
Voting season also extends to Richmond's park department, which is conducting a citizen survey as it prepares to create its first master plan in decades. The survey takes 15-25 minutes, and is available here unti Nov. 8. We'll follow the process as it progresses over the next six months.
Meanwhile, there won't be any voting at City Hall tonight. A special meeting called to decide the real estate tax rate has been canceled, meaning it may not be taken up until after the election.
Michael Phillips, Founding Editor
mphillips@richmonder.org
