Was there ever any doubt at what I would be covering election day? You know i’ll be chasing down the 7th district council race. There are six candidates vying for the seat originally vacated by Delores McQuinn earlier this year. Tomorrow is a special election to fill the remainder of the term. So, here goes… all you need to know about the 7th District Council Race.
The Candidates: (in alphabetical order)
Ronald Bond: Life and Health insurance field underwriter. Says he will listen to residents about Echo Harbour. **(see below)
Clarence Kenney: Former city parks employee. Says he will seek a compromise on Echo Harbour saving the view and allowing development.
Deanne Lewis: Buys and restores old homes. Vocal opponents to the Oakwood Heights project in Church Hill. She says she’s against the proposed site for Echo Harbour.
Cynthia Newbille: Manages City’s East End Initiative. Acting Director of the non-profit Family Resources Center. She says she will not take a position on Echo Harbour until the final proposal is submitted but she’s opposed anything that blocks the view.
Garry Powell: Human Resources coordinator for Patient First. Believes Echo Harbour site should be publically owned to preserve the view.
Robin Robinson: Instructional Assistant at the Metropolitan Day School. She out right opposes Echo Harbour.
**Echo Harbour is a controversial development that will be the first big test for the 7th District Representative on the Richmond City Council.
Analysis:
I’m hearing you can’t overlook Cynthia Newbille. She has the money and the major supporters… Dwight Jones, State Senator Henry Marsh and former 7th district council woman Delores McQuinn. Local political analysts tell me Robin Robinson might be the dark horse in the race, but if Newbille makes a strong showing in the Church Hill precincts she will most likely run away with the race.
Stats on the 7th District:
According to the US Census:
86% of voters are African-American
54% are women
74% are over the age of 18 ——– 13% are over the age of 65
70% make $50,000 or less
The average household income is $47,000
The district includes: Church Hill, Union Hill, Tobacco Row, East End, portions of Shockoe Bottom
1 Comment
November 2, 2009 at 10:03 pm
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