Local Elections: Results Reassuring

Election Day has come and gone.

In the wake of November 4, we have been bombarded with non-stop media analysis of a seemingly never-ending Presidential race. It seems that the media does not really know what to cover now that the leading story of two years has finally died.

For the past week, Virginia and Richmond’s spotlight has centered on President-elect Obama, Senator-elect Warner, and the phenomenon of Virginia as a “blue state.”

Yet these national political changes pale in comparison to the daily importance of our local election results.

On Tuesday of last week, several thousand votes determined the future of Richmond City’s government and schools.

In the issues leading up to November 4, the Jabberwock featured in-depth reports on four Richmond City local elections that had some direct tie to MLWGS.

Now that the results of these four elections have been announced, the time has come for some analysis.

Let’s turn to the mayoral election.

We are now faced with Delegate Jones, an interesting yet enigmatic character. Jones’ policies still remain a bit hazy. At one mayoral forum this year, Jones danced around the question of proposed affirmative action for MLWGS, saying “we have got to have the leadership that requires that there is diversity in all places.”

But Reverend Jones is a man of faith, and for the moment he deserves our support.

In Richmond’s Eighth District School Board race, former MLWGS guidance counselor Dawn Page was victorious. Ms. Page should be commended for her hard work, determination, and initiative in this campaign.

Ms. Page will bring strong leadership, fresh ideas, and a beaming smile to City Hall when she takes her post in January. Be sure to send her your congratulations at page4schoolboard@yahoo.com.

Richmond City’s Second District, which encompasses MLWGS, ushered in two new representatives this year. On both the council and school board, two new faces will represent the residents of district two.

We are in good hands with Councilman-elect Charles Samuels. His experience as a legal mediator, an attorney, and a lifelong community leader will serve our city well. Samuels’ close relationship with departing Councilman Bill Pantele will allow for a smooth transition and we can look forward to a productive four years under his leadership.

In January, a new face will also appear on the MLWGS Regional Board. Richmond representative Lisa Dawson, also a MLWGS parent, was unsuccessful in her bid for re-election.

Although not automatically appointed to our Regional School Board, Richmond board member-elect Kim Gray is committed to our community, and she is ready to lead. Gray plans to ask the new Richmond School Board Chairman if she could serve on our Regional Board.

As an Appomattox Regional Governor’s School parent, Ms. Gray knows the benefits of the Governor’s School programs and is looking forward to helping lead our school as well.

In a recent Jabberwock interview, Gray referred to MLWGS as an asset for the city, saying “I wholeheartedly support Maggie Walker.”