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

RICHMOND, Va. -- Richmond’s five mayoral candidates took the stage at the Citizens Debate Tuesday, just four weeks from Election Day.

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.

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

Question 1: Tell us why you are the best and most qualified person on this stage to be the next mayor of Richmond.

Question 2: A recent audit of the city finance department found deficient customer service, poor management, and disorganized accounting of taxpayer documents. Please explain what you will do to fix these issues.

Question 3: What steps will you take to improve transparency in municipal government and ensure that citizens have access to public information?

Question 4: SOL pass rates rose in Richmond this year, but are still far below many other school systems in the metro area. What should the mayor’s role be in improving the city school system?

Question 5: Several once-affordable neighborhoods have been rapidly gentrified, increasing the worth of homes, but also making it difficult for long-time residents to afford the taxes that accompany increased assessments. What specific policy do you recommend to buffer the impacts of rising assessments for long-time residents in gentrifying neighborhoods?

Question 6: How do you expect to streamline the city’s permit process and change the perception that nothing gets done with Richmond’s government?

Question 7: Why isn’t more being done to address the number of pedestrians who are being injured or killed on Richmond streets? As mayor, what do you pledge to do first to address the issue?

Question 8: As mayor, how would you see your relationship with the police chief and how would you go about achieving it?

Question 9: What's your sense of the role of VCU in the city?

Question 10: What is your plan for reimagining Monument Avenue if you are elected?

Question 11: 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?

Learn more about the candidates

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.