As chairman of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, Del. Bagby did an admirable job earlier this year under the national spotlight focused on Virginia’s political scandals. He and caucus members walked a delicate tightrope with integrity.

Local Elections

City of Richmond

Richmond City Council 5th District

We are invigorated by interest shown in the 5th District City Council race, which has drawn seven interesting and viable candidates seeking to serve the remainder of Councilman Parker C. Agelasto’s term through December 2020.

We endorse Stephanie Lynch in the contest.

While Ms. Lynch is a political newcomer, we believe she has the energy, skill and commitment to make a difference not only in the 5th District, but for the city as a whole.

A social worker by training, Ms. Lynch has experience working with people with great needs and understanding the critical role of government and government funding in serving and making a difference in the lives of people.

As director of strategy, development and government affairs at an agency that provides an array of services to those with mental health and developmental disabilities, she also understands budgets, competing priorities, quality service delivery, coalition building and the importance of transparency, all of which are key to serving successfully on City Council.

She is committed to expanding funding for Richmond Public Schools to address equity issues such as a new George Wythe High School and programs to give students options and skill sets for success after graduation; helping to ensure that public housing residents and “legacy” homeowners in Richmond neighborhoods aren’t displaced; and expanding public transit service so that Richmond residents can get to jobs in the counties.

Ms. Lynch also noted that should a vote on the Coli- seum replacement project be taken today, she would vote against it because of the long-term indebtedness it would bring to city taxpayers and because a public survey she has taken shows a majority of those she would represent on City Council are opposed to it.

She also believes the Confederate monuments in Rich- mond are not “beacons and symbols we want” for our city, and should be removed.

While the term of the next 5th District council repre- sentative would be only 13 months, we believe Ms. Lynch has the ability to make a positive impact during that short time. We also hope that she would add to her advisory team Henry W. “Chuck” Richardson, whose institutional knowledge and intrepid style would be an asset in moving the city forward.

Commonwealth’s attorney

We support Colette W. McEachin, who is running unopposed. Ms. McEachin has more than 20 years of experience in the office and was named by former Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael N. Herring to take over the job as top prosecutor when he stepped down on July 1. She knows the ropes, knows what the city needs and we believe she will do the job with fairness and integrity.

Clerk of circuit court

We support Edward F. Jewett, who is running unopposed. He has done a solid job as clerk of the court for many years and strives to serve not only the members of the legal community who depend on the office, but the citizens who may not be as familiar with the court’s workings and proceedings.