Richmond mayoral candidates discuss recommendations of City Charter Review Commission

RICHMOND, Va. -- All five mayoral candidates took the stage at the Citizens' Debate Tuesday.

The debate, held at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture (VMHC), was co-sponsored by Richmond First, the VMHC’s John Marshall Center, the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and WTVR CBS 6.

Moderator Greg McQuade and panelists Bob Holsworth, Chris Coates and Reba Hollingsworth asked 11 questions to the candidates — Andreas Addison, Danny Avula, Michelle Mosby, Maurice Neblett, and Harrison Roday.

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Citizens' Debate Recap: Where Richmond's mayoral candidates stand on key issues

WTVR CBS 6 Web Staff

The eleventh and final question of the debate was: What is your position on the recommendations of the Richmond City Charter Review Commission? Which specific parts do you support and which do you not support?

Andreas Addison

I think the charter review was a very thorough evaluation. There are many recommendations. I think we do need to look at how we are structured for our election cycle. More importantly, the positions.

We should look at large options as well to make sure we're representing the entire city as a whole.

But also, I think there's some changes we could look at to making sure the structures between City Council, the mayor's office and the administration are seamless, but more importantly, clearly defined.

That is one thing I've struggled with, and I want to make sure we understand how to work together more cohesively for your benefit to improve the city of Richmond.

Danny Avula

I think there's a lot of really good work that the charter Review Commission has done. I've already committed to doing some of those recommendations, which are showing up to City Council meetings and answering questions in a public forum.

I also think the most important part of how we move forward as a government is that the mayor and City Council work together in a genuine partnership that will help solve a lot of the issues.

But if the people of Richmond continue to feel like a structural change is made, I won't stand in the way of that.

I will absolutely work with council to make sure that we build city government the way that the people want it.

Maurice Neblett

So no matter which charter is in place, it won't amount to anything if we don't have integrity, transparency and accountability.

That's the core of what we do. So whatever change we make is not going to matter at the end of the day.

A lot of what we heard today is what candidates have done when they were in seats and what they would do now. It's just what I hear is failure after failure after failure. I'm tired of losing. If they were so great, you know, we would be in a position of not having these discussions today. So that's my answer to the charter change.

Harrison Roday

I'm really proud of the vision that I've set forward for City Hall, and it's why I'm honored to have earned the endorsements of so many groups that represent a diverse cross-section of Richmond.

We're building a broad coalition, and as I've talked to those people and listened to them, the charter, we can change it. We can make small modifications. What we need leaders who stand up for what's right. I'm a proven Democrat who's ready to start doing this job and getting the work done on day one, and I look forward to earning your support, too.

Michelle Mosby

The charter has a lot of different changes that as a mayor, I was going to do anyway. I've been on council so I understand the importance between a mayor and a council and that working relationship.

So being there quarterly to ensure that I am a part of the council dais as our residents come before us.

But let me be clear, I have more council, more school board, more state legislative and more regional endorsements than anyone up here. Why? Because what they know is that I am committed to Richmond, whether the charter says it or not, I'm committed to Richmond.

They know I'm committed to win wins, and they know I'm committed to a Richmond that's going to work for all of us, and that is why these different legislators have decided to endorse Michelle Mosby for mayor, so that they can work with a candidate that's going to work for you all.

Learn more about the candidates

We recapped every debate question here:

• Question 1: Why you want to be mayor
• Question 2: Finance department
• Question 3: Government transparency
• Question 4: School system
• Question 5: Real estate tax rate
• Question 6: Government efficiency
• Question 7: Pedestrian safety
• Question 8: Police
• Question 9: VCU
• Question 10: Monument Avenue
• Question 11: City Charter Review Commission

Watch the full debate here or on our YouTube channel.

CBS 6 interviewed each candidate ahead of the debate, which you can find here:

• Harrison Roday (Sept. 9)
• Michelle Mosby (Sept. 10)
• Maurice Neblett (Sept. 11)
• Danny Avula (Sept. 18)
• Andreas Addison (Sept. 23)

For more information on this year’s election — and how to cast your ballot in the City of Richmond or the surrounding areas — visit WTVR’s Virginia Voter’s Guide.

You can check your voter registration here. The last day to register to vote is Oct. 15.

What hopes do you have for Richmond's next mayor? Email the CBS 6 Newsroom and let us know.

Note: WTVR used AI software to transcribe the debate and newsroom staff to edit for clarity.