Robert Grey
Since most of us don't know the candidates personally, even in local political races, our perception of them and how they stand on the issues of the day is shaped by the media and our conversations with others.
Inevitably, that process tends to simplify the candidates' records and their proposals. In this way, perhaps too many Richmonders' perception of the five mayoral candidates seeking to replace Mayor Doug Wilder is currently based on a few scraps of solid information here, and some rumors there.
Of course, bright, civic-minded voters such as yourself, dear reader, will pay more attention.
At this writing, there are no less than nine debates/forums scheduled to take place at various venues between now and election day (Nov. 4). With those appearances, the candidates will surely do what they can to enlarge on the electorate's perception of who they are and what makes them tick.
As it stands now, the two candidates that haven't raised much money, Paul Goldman and Lawrence Williams , are battling the perception they simply can't win. And, the three candidates who have amassed large war chests must overcome perceptions they are somehow tainted by their connections, however tenuous, to various longstanding squabbles.
Of the five, Robert Grey is seen by some observers as the most connected to Wilder. Whether it's true or not, obviously, that's a knife that could cut either way with voters.
As he presents himself to Richmonders in public appearances and in interviews, such as the one that follows, Grey, will offer his own words to explain who he is and why he is the best candidate.
Robert Grey
Age: 58
Family: Mother, Barbara R. Grey; Brother, Michael R. Grey
Occupation: Attorney [Hunton & Williams partner]
Education: High School: John Marshall High School (1964-1968); Undergraduate: Virginia Commonwealth University - 1973; Law School: Washington and Lee University Law School - 1976
Previous offices: President, Richmond Crusade for Voters; Chairman, Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce; President, American Bar Association; Chairman, Mayor's Committee on the Performing Arts; Chairman, Virginia ABC Board
Richmond.com: What would those who don't know you find most surprising about you?
Grey: That I once acted in plays at the Firehouse Theater on Broad St.
R: What is your favorite restaurant (no more than three)?
G: Buz and Ned's; Edo's Squid; Kuba Kuba
R: If elected, what would be your top priorities?
G: This year we have a great opportunity to not only move this great country forward, but to move our city in a new direction. The old school politics of the past have held our city back for far too long.
Richmond has tremendous potential. But the political posturing and lawsuits -- in addition to the waste and lack of accountability in government -- has kept us from meeting our full potential.
As Mayor, I will rebuild the relationship between the mayor's office and City Council as well as the trust between the citizens and their government. Without this trust, we cannot be successful and cannot truly move forward for positive change.
In my administration, there will not be political posturing, but real dialogue and progress. City Hall is responsible for the delivery of services, and I intend to make sure city services are delivered to the citizens more efficiently and at the lowest cost possible by cutting waste and utilizing efficiencies.
Also, I will ensure that more dollars are spent in the classroom rather than on administrative expenses, and realize the dream of a technical school, because the education of our future workforce is the most solid investment we can make.
Furthermore, I will work to ease the property tax burden to attract businesses and families, and will build upon our progress of reducing crime.
R: Why should someone vote for you?
G: My record of management has brought people together around common goals and Richmond needs that kind of leadership now more than ever. It is going to take more than politics as usual to move this city forward -- it is going to take a commitment and buy-in from everyone who has an interest in our success. Everyone, all the stakeholders, need to sit at our table and be invested in the future of our city and our residents.
I'm the only candidate for Mayor that has worked with virtually every constituency that can contribute to the success of the City. I was Chair of the Department of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board where we reorganized the agency and brought about unprecedented efficiencies to our operations.
As Chair of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, I brought the business community together to raise money and create a program that helps improve life for some of the metro area's neediest children by improving youths' reading skills, teaching parenting skills to their parents and providing safe havens and activities after school.
As President of the American Bar Association, I led an effort to reform the way jury trials are conducted in order to insure that everyone gets a fair trial by jury -- not just those who have the means to hire expensive lawyers or know how to work the system.
As President of the Crusade for Voters, I worked with others in the community to strengthen our political process and promote an educated electorate.
Throughout my career I have worked to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. As Richmond's next Mayor I will work to empower our community to make positive change happen.
Meet the rest of the candidates:
May 1: The Rev. Dwight Clinton Jones
May 8: Lawrence E. Williams
May 29 : Bill Pantele
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