Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - The five candidates to be the next mayor of Richmond got to speak last night at the first mayoral forum of the year.
Held at Virginia Union University’s chapel and hosted by the Urban League and community partners, the five hoping to replace Mayor Levar Stoney are: Andreas Addison, Michelle Mosby, Danny Avula, Harrison Roday, and Maurice Neblett.
Each seemed to have similar priorities.
Andreas Addison, who is the current 1st District Councilman, said respect for history should be part of revitalization efforts.
“It starts with revitalizing every single block and corridor and respecting history while also building anew. That’s the plan we got to focus on is putting investments where it matters most,” Addison said.
Community activist Maurice Neblett said, “When it comes to one Richmond, I’m looking forward to pursuing that future as mayor next fiscal year.”
Harrison Roday, a Richmond businessman and non-profit leader, said the city needs a mayor who is “a champion of reproductive rights.”
With the election just five months away, Monday night’s forum provided a chance for voters to engage with the candidates and get answers on questions pertaining to education, childcare, the economy, health care and several other issues.
“I’m running for mayor because I love our city. I love the people of Richmond,” said candidate Michelle Mosby. “I’m running for mayor because our young people need to see a Black woman as mayor.”
Candidate Danny Avula said he recognizes that health is “just one aspect of our wellbeing” and that “public health and wellbeing is about economic investment.”
Under city rules, Mayor Levar Stoney cannot run for a third consecutive term. He is currently running for the lieutenant governor’s seat. The mayoral election is Nov. 5.
Click here to watch the 2024 Richmond Mayoral Forum.
