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Mayoral candidate Michael Ryan addresses Norrell Elementary concerns

Posted at 11:35 PM, Sep 18, 2012
and last updated 2012-09-19 08:04:00-04

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - A lot of attention has been placed on national politics, but Richmond Crusade for Voters is trying to get voters to focus on the River City.

The group put together a forum, giving those vying for an elected position a chance to speak directly to their local constituents.   

Voters heard from school board candidates, those running for a spot on city council and also from mayoral candidate, Michael Ryan Jr.; who just recently made the ballot.

However, Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones didn’t show up because he attended a similar forum held by the group weeks ago.

Jones’ absence didn’t keep Ryan from challenging the mayor.

Ryan focused on education, specifically, Norrell Elementary School.  The school has been the subject of many recent protests, as it sits on or near a landfill and was re-opened after being shut down because of safety concerns in the past.

Ryan said he wants the mayor to intervene and not leave such a decision in the hands of school board members.

“We today, would not build a school on, let alone, near a landfill. You know that and I know that,” Ryan said. CBS 6 reached out to Jones following the forum, but, so far no response from the mayor.