Goldman proposes First-in-the-nation "Richmond Unity Council"

Goldman for Mayor - 14 May 2008 - For Immediate Release

Goldman: "While it would admittedly be unique, I predict that whether I win or lose, a Richmond Unity Council will be created next year by the next Mayor"

This Citizen-dominated panel "will turn the page on the old politics of division, and forge the unity we need to make Richmond all it can and should be."

(Richmond) - Paul Goldman, candidate for Mayor, said that the creation of a "Richmond Unity Council" is an idea whose "time has come" here in Richmond "based on the overwhelmingly positive reaction to this forward-looking, admittedly unprecedented plan, that I am getting from citizens going door to door collecting petitions."

"Admittedly it is unique, as best I can tell from my studies of public administration. But the people of Richmond are telling me they are ready for it" Goldman continued.

In a statement, Mr. Goldman said:

"With the leaders of City Hall and City Council continuing to blame each for the constant and hugely expensive bickering, record taxes and fees, many millions in wasteful if not seemingly at times illegal spending, and a laundry list of failed promises, it has become clear we need to turn the page on this old, failed politics.

And we can.

The Richmond Unity Council will consist of 10 citizens chosen on the basis of their work in the private, non-for-profit, business, community, education, environmental, financial, housing, public safety and related sectors, along with 8 of city's top elected or appointed government officials. It will be chaired by the next Mayor. The membership will also consist of the 17 other individuals as listed below, making a total of 18, the same number as the state Council on Virginia's Future.

The Richmond Unity Council will meet every three weeks, at the same time and place, with all meetings open to the public, and in its advisory capacity, review the current policy, plans and operational performance of city government, with the goal of developing better ways for all of us to work together to improve our city. The public will be able to ask the group questions and every such inquiry will be answered either then or not later than the next meeting.

Having now been able to discuss this idea with citizens over the past many weeks, I have taken into consideration their advice and made some revisions in the membership since first announcing the plan this past winter."

The Members of the Richmond Unity Council will be:

Mayor
Chief Administrative Officer
City Council President,
City Council Vice-President
School Board Chair
Superintendent of Richmond Public Schools
A member of Richmond's delegation to the General Assembly appointed by the delegation
The Police Chief/Fire Chief [given their duties, one or the other will attend each meeting]
A citizen representing the Richmond business community appointed by the Mayor
A citizen representing the Richmond small business community appointed by City Council
A citizen representing Richmond higher education community appointed by the Mayor
A citizen with a record of doing volunteer work in our public schools appointed by City Council
A citizen with a background in vocational education appointed by the Unity Council
A citizen representing neighborhood associations appointed by City Council
A citizen with a record of community involvement in affordable housing chosen by the Mayor
A citizen with a record of community involvement in public safety issues chosen by the Richmond Unity Council
A citizen with a record of involvement in "green issues" appointed by the Mayor
A citizen with a record of improving the delivery, and reducing the cost, of government services appointed by the Richmond Unity Council