This is just the second time in modern times in which Richmond voters will directly choose the mayor. Before 2004, it was done by the City Council (which chose Tim Kaine to be mayor in 1998, which was one of the best things it ever did). The races are supposed to be “nonpartisan”, but everyone knows that all the candidates are Democrats, especially Rev. Jones, who has been a longtime delegate from the Southside of Richmond and part of Chesterfield County.

Councilman Pantele represents the district where I grew up. He’s done an “ok” job, but judging by the poor condition of the roads and general infrastructure in my district, I still don’t know about him. Rev. Jones seems like a good man, but he hasn’t really done anything that compels me to vote for him. I also find it a bit funny that in 2004, he opposed voters directly voting for the mayor, citing the Voting Rights Act. Now, he wants to be mayor? That seems a bit odd to me. Williams has good ideas, but seems to have little traction. Grey seems the most promising of them all, but some say he’s too closely tied with Wilder. I think Grey is his own man, but again, I don’t think he has given a compelling reason of why I should be supporting him.

I am a native Richmonder and care deeply about who will lead it, so I am a bit frustrated that I am still undecided at this point. There might be a “Wilder” card phenonemon, but my sense is that most of them will gravitate to Grey. Wilder isn’t too fond of Pantele or Jones. A runoff election will occur in December if none of the candidates wins 5 of the 9 city council districts. With 21 percent of folks undecided, a candidate could surge at the last minute, but the races seems a bit too volatile, even at this late date. Only time will tell who will win.