Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - Mayor Levar Stoney gave his comments this afternoon on former Richmond Chief Gerald Smith's resignation yesterday. Mayor Stoney insisted that the Chief's decision was his own, but would not directly clarify whether or not he had asked Smith to step down. Since this is a personnel issue, Stoney said his ability to discuss the topic is limited, but he pointed out that he wasn't present at the meeting where Smith tendered his resignation.
Stoney said that the city will do it's "due diligence" to find Smith's replacement, and called this a "new season" for Richmond. He also drew attention to the Richmond Police Department's roughly 150 officer vacancy, suggesting that filling those positions are a top priority.
After Smith resigned as Police Chief on Tuesday, his position was temporarily filled by Major Richard Edwards, who will serve as interim chief until a permanent replacement is found. Edwards was present at Mayor Stoney's cabinet meeting this morning, but Stoney says he hasn't spoken to Smith since the latter submitted his resignation.
Mayor Stoney Said He Wasn't Present At the Meeting Where Smith Resigned
