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ADVOCACY

Accomplishments

  • On Wednesday, October 26, 2011 members of the RFC participated in a CALL 12 at NBC 12. They were there to help citizens with voting questions and locations of polling places. Many individuals had questions as a result of this year's redistricting process - that changed many districts and polling places for citizens.

  • Sponsored a Congressional Candidates' Forum October 11, 2010, for the three candidates for the Seventh Congressional District. Participating were Rick Waugh, Democrat, and Floyd Bayne, Independent. Congressman Eric Cantor declined to appear. About 100 attended the forum at Tuckahoe Public Library in Henrico County. Lou Dean, well-known local broadcaster, was moderator. The program was broadcast on public radio stations WCVE-FM 88.9; WVTF-Radio I. Q. 92.5, and WRIR 97.3, Richmond independent radio. The Richmond League of Women Voters co-sponsored the Forum. This was the only public forum and radio broadcasts held for candidates in the campaign.

  • RFC became a partner in the Virginia Redistricting Coalition in Spring 2010 and worked with organizations such as AARP, League of Women Voters, Virginia League of Conservation Voters, Virginia 21 and business leaders to encourage Governor Bob McDonnell and the Virginia General Assembly to initiate bipartisan redistricting in Virginia in 2011 when the decennial redistricting must occur.

  • With the Coalition, RFC urged the Governor to appoint a bipartisan commission and he did. Public hearings were held by the commission across the state, citizens appeared and politicians were urged to consider citizen input when lines were drawn for new districts for the state Senate, House of Delegates and Congress.

  • RFC continues to work with the Coalition in seeking fair redistricting that is not gerrymandered to protect incumbents after efforts of the Governor's Commission and a college student redistricting competition were ignored.

  • Richmond First Club members hold news conference on redistricting at the General Assembly building then follow up by hand delivering copies of the documentary "Gerrymandering" to each member of the General Assembly. Read more...


  • Sponsored a public forum and radio broadcast of House of Delegates candidates in fall 2009 with the League of Women Voters, Leadership Metro Richmond, Partnership for Housing Affordability and WCVE public radio.


  • Celebrated the 90th year of Richmond First Club with a March 2009 Gala.


  • Advocated for and supported bipartisan or nonpartisan redistricting in the 2010 General Assembly as a member of the Virginia Redistricting Coalition.


  • Produced a Richmond Mayoralty Election Candidates Issues Forum


  • Convened three forums on the Richmond Mayoral at Large ballot initiative in 2003


  • Sought greater voter participation by urging the city to move its elections from May to November


  • Polled local officials to determine the strength of support for relaxing the Dillon Rule to give localities more decision-making authority


  • Conducted comprehensive studies of interlocal relationships in the region as early as 1981 and championed cooperation among political jurisdictions throughout greater Richmond


  • Organized a foundation to support the regional Mathematics & Science Center, a joint venture of six area school divisions


  • Negotiated for improvements in metropolitan area infrastructure projects, including the Richmond International Airport Deep Water Terminal, Richmond Expressway and numerous bridges and parks


  • Advocated changing the structure of Richmond City government in 1948 from a cumbersome thirty-two member bicameral body to a nine member council with a mayor and city manager, and in 2003 to a strong mayor form of government


  • Created the Annual School Partnership Award to recognize local businesses and organizations that developed innovative support programs to assist metropolitan area schools


  • Established the Richmond Region Leadership Award for outstanding leadership and achievement, given to individuals who have made a difference in our community

 

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