PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release August 18, 2016
No. 40/16
Contact: Pete Woody
(804) 285-9495 x237
Mayoral Candidates Detail Positions on Pressing City Issues
Candidates differ in responses to ‘Mayorathon’ questionnaires
RICHMOND, VA – The partnership behind Mayorathon, the upcoming Mayoral Forum at the VMFA on September 29th, has compiled a comprehensive showcase of the candidates’ intentions, if elected, to improve public education, transportation, urban planning, and the riverfront.
The James River Association, Richmond Forward, RVA Rapid Transit, Sports Backers, and Storefront for Community Design teamed up with Richmond Magazine to administer five targeted questionnaires to the Mayoral candidates. With 100 percent of candidates responding, the partnership will make the responses public on Monday, August 22nd on Richmond Magazine’s website.
“These are the topics that will define Richmond for years to come and define the next Mayor’s administration,” said Max Hepp-Buchanan, Director of Sports Backers’ Bike Walk RVA program. “Already we’re seeing real contrasts emerge in how these candidates envision themselves tackling pressing urban policy and planning issues facing Richmond today.”
On Monday, August 22nd, www.richmondmag.com/mayorathon2016 will go live, making a digital display of all eight candidates’ responses to the five questionnaires available. The candidates’ positions on a host of issues will be compared, allowing voters, donors, press, and outside observers the opportunity to see the deeper differences and contrasts among the candidates for Richmond’s highest office. The questions covered include generating new revenue for Richmond Public Schools, creating a truly regional transit system, funding for biking and walking projects, the implementation of the Riverfront Plan, and creation of a new downtown master plan, among others.
None of the nonprofits administering the questionnaires will make endorsements in the Mayor’s race. “This is an essential tool for voter education,” said Susan Winiecki, Editorial Director of Richmond Magazine. “If you want to lead this city, you’ve got to have plans and priorities.”
Following the publishing of candidate questionnaire responses, the Mayorathon Forum will be held on September 29, 2016, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the VMFA’s Leslie Cheek Theater. A reception and chance for candidates to mingle with the public will take place from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The forum is free and open to the public.
