Church Hill resident Joshua Williams has announced his candidacy for the 7th District City Council position:
I grew up in Richmond and will continue to grow up in Richmond. I gained experience as a corporate purchaser and an inventory manager at the director level for a local startup. During my time with them, we grew to be an international business. I started a small business in Richmond to work for myself and it is growing successfully. I have served 10 years in the Virginia Army National Guard and I am currently serving as a Company Commander and Blackhawk Aviator.
I am running for City Council because I have the energy, passion and skill set necessary for effective management. I am constantly and continually energized by the amazing neighbors that we have in the District. On my walks through the neighborhood, I have had outstanding conversations with truly concerned and committed people.
I believe that our council person should be responsive, dedicated and most importantly a servant. I will focus on the budget and getting the basics right; all too often the city fails at core functions. This is due to pure and simple mismanagement and a lack of accountability. It is time to get to work and remember who we work for.
The people of the District have been building a wonderful place to live and be a part of. I want to learn from them, develop solutions, and build a long-term plan for re-development and preservation with transparency and with the meeting doors open.
He joins Joe Cook in challenging incumbent Cynthia Newbille for the 7th District City Council seat. Newbille was first elected to the seat in a 6-way contest in a special election in 2009, and ran unopposed in 2012.
The filing deadline for candidates is June 14.
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RT @chpn: Joshua Williams is running for City Council https://t.co/fIj9OS4MA3
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RT @chpn: Joshua Williams is running for City Council https://t.co/fIj9OS4MA3
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Yeah, Newbille ran in a special election in 2009 but did not live in Church Hill when she did. After being outed, rented a house just to meet criteria but never “lived” in it. When you start off with such shady activity, are they to be really trusted?
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John M, do you know if he has a website?
@2 crd, I have been putting together a Facebook page and I am almost done with it. What information would you like to see on there? I don’t want to miss anything that you might be concerned about.
@4, your position seems pretty well articulated here but you could expand on it, plus how to contact you would be good to know. How your military experience (or any other experience) fits with this current ambition….any other elected office(s)….where you live, how long you’ve been there and how that affects your council ambition…. any endorsements at this point…just a few off the cuff thoughts. I can probably come up with others but that’s good for starters. And I think how to contact is important. Start building momentum now for the yard signs in the fall LOL!
Josh, if you were to fulfill every need in the district at once, you would be dead from stress and exhaustion. But, if you can find a good balance that will satisfy a broad spectrum of constituent concerns, would be good. I of course lean towards the preservation, conservation, and restoration in hopes to bringing in those who enjoy history such as tourists. But possibly also draw back the movie industry which has looked elsewhere that have been more accommodating than Richmond has been in more recent years.
@4 crd and @6 Eric,
Thank you very much for the lessons and suggestions.
crd,
I will make sure I get that information on Facebook. For now, folks can reach me at my new email joshrva7@gmail.com or at my personal cell (919)-612-6727. Don’t mind that pesky ‘919’ area code. I am from Richmond I promise. I live on N 24th St.
Eric,
Thank you for articulating my feelings better than I could. While I would love to fulfill all the needs immediately, you’re right, I would be ineffective and further frustrate everyone. WE will develop short, mid and long term goals, identify milestones along the way to measure success and keep us on track (‘WE’ is capitalized on purpose). Some of my short-term goals, which I believe need immediate attention, are the basic services. We get these right and we can stop wasting time and money and build on them. I would love to meet you and CRD and hear your take on a lot of these items.
I unfortunately will not be available for a meeting until after May 28th.
Let me know what you think.
Actually, I cannot tell what your position is on any issues – only that you promise to work hard. Where do you stand on issues like school funding, how would you improve the schools, what improvements/changes would you champion for the bus system, what changes do you think would improve community involvement with the police, what measures would you support to help those in our neighbor that are struggling with poverty, child care expenses, etc.
Josh, between doctor appointments and life in general, I won’t be available until after Memorial Day weekend either but would like to meet with you. I will email you and work with our schedules.
@8 nadine, also all important but problems that have been growing over the years and can’t be fixed overnight nor all at once. At the same time while working on infrastructure and services, the historic fabric of our community can not be overlooked either or it will be lost forever. Something people seem to want to ignore which disturbs me. It is a balancing act.
I agree, Eric. Historic preservation is an important issue with me as well. My point is, folks that just run on small business and real estate are missing the needs of the majority of people in this neighborhood. Small business and real estate already have a voice – the working poor and their families are not represented as well.