2nd District Councilman Charles Samuels today released a statement on the Virginia House of Delegates rejection of the judicial nomination of the gay prosecutor Tracy Thorne-Begland (a deputy commonwealth attorney in Richmond):

“While it is rare that I comment about the decisions of other duly elected bodies, the decision to vote down Mr. Thorne-Begland’s sponsorship as judge in the General District Court for the City of Richmond surprises, disappoints and frustrates me.

Mr. Thorne-Begland has worked tirelessly for the benefit of all Richmonders and to suggest that his sexual orientation would in some way negatively affect his ability to perform the duties of a judge is ridiculous.

In my dealings with him, both as a defense attorney and as a city councilman, Mr. Thorne-Begland has always displayed an excellent judicial temperament. He weighs the facts and the law before making any decision. This is the kind of person we want as a judge.

I would like to thank the Richmond Delegation of the Virginia General Assembly and the other delegates who voted in support of Mr. Thorne-Begland.

The Bench’s loss is both the Bar’s and the Commonwealth Attorneys Office’s gain.”

Samuels said he is confident the funds will be secured and when it is, the entire park will still be closed for renovations as originally planned.

That part of the plan doesn’t sit well with some people. Online petitions still circulate to keep a portion of the park open during renovations for those who rely on it daily, like the homeless.

“They need to be quiet, for real,” said one homeless woman who wanted to be identified as Treasure. “They need to cut that out.”

Councilman Charles Samuels released an additional statement today at 11:35AM:

“I’ve had discussions with representatives from Art180 and Venture Richmond and it is my understanding that those two groups have worked together and we have resolution for the murals during Easter on Parade on Monument Avenue. It appears the murals may have to be temporarily moved but the parties are working together to ensure they are still visible.

I appreciate the calls and emails from citizens voicing their position on this matter. It is my belief that the City will honor its commitments and I am sure the Administration is working towards a decision on the issue of permits for this public art display.”

Original

“Like so many Richmonders, I was surprised to hear the issues about the Art 180 displays on Monument Avenue. I have always supported and appreciated the work Art 180 has done around the city — including these great pieces on Monument Avenue.”

“To be clear: City Council has absolutely no authority to issue or revoke any permits within the city.”

The current issues with the permits arose when a constituent recently asked me how long the displays would be on the medians. In looking into the answer for that question, it appears that there were crossed wires within the Administration regarding the permitting procedure as they considered the timing of this art installation and any overlap with next weekend’s Easter on Parade, which uses the same medians that feature the art displays for vendors, children’s activities, and foot traffic.

I want to avoid having any of these great displays lost, damaged, or overlooked while this event is going on.

I support Art 180′s project and I think it is very unfortunate that there has been so much confusion.

I have offered Art180 my services to work with them, the Administration or anyone else to make sure this wonderful art is proudly displayed on Monument Avenue & to ensure we find a resolution to this problem that works for everyone.”

Charles R. Samuels
804-646-6532 (office)
804-690-0898 (cell)

PHOTO via RVA NEWS

City Councilman Charles R. Samuels released the following statement yesterday to the residents of the Second District regarding his re-election plans:

“To My Fellow Second District Residents,

It’s hard to believe it has been almost four years since you put your trust in me to represent you on Richmond’s City Council. I continue to be humbled and grateful every day to work on behalf of my neighbors in making Richmond a first-class city.

During my time in office, I have worked on projects big and small, and I am proud of the work we’ve been able to accomplish. But make no mistake – I know there is so much work left to do.

That’s why today I am announcing my intention to run for re-election to represent you on Richmond’s City Council.

I ran for City Council in 2008, in part, because I believed an ordinary Richmonder like myself could make a difference in our community. I still believe that.

And while we still have challenges to face, I know we can tackle these issues together. Over the past three years, I have focused on improving our quality of life and pushing our core services to the highest possible standard. I will continue to listen to your concerns and pledge to work as hard as I can to do what I feel is the right path forward for our neighborhoods.

We can accomplish anything when concerned citizens work together to serve the needs of our neighborhoods. I ask for your support in the endeavors ahead and the opportunity to work with you in the future.

Very truly yours,
Councilman Charles R. Samuels”

Charlie Diradour announced today that he will be challenging for Charles Samuels’ 2nd District City Council seat:

As many of you know, I have long been an advocate for the continued growth and betterment of our fine City. It is this passion that has led me to a decision, and in recognizing the importance of your friendship and involvement, I wanted you to be the first to know. Earlier today I filed as a candidate for the Second District’s seat on the Richmond City Council.

Charlie Diradour
diradourforcouncil.com / Facebook / @DiradourforRVA

The vast majority of the Fan is in the 2nd District, with the area north of Main Street/Floyd Avenue being in the 5th District. (more 5th District info HERE)

MAYOR

Four years ago, Dwight Jones garnered 39% of the city-wide vote in a split 5 person race to see who would follow Doug Wilder as mayor of Richmond. Bill Pantele rolled up 2nd with 33%, trailed by Robert Grey at 21%. Paul Goldman, Lawrence Williams, and Write-in split the remaining 7% of the vote.

In 2008, then-2nd District Council Representative Pantele grabbed 46% of the 2nd District vote in the mayoral contest. Jones and Grey each managed about 23%.

Mayor Jones has not announced that he will be seeking re-election in 2012, but he has a lot of money on hand and is acting like he will be in the running. No other candidates have yet surfaced.

2ND DISTRICT

2nd District Council Representative Charles Samuels was first elected to the position in 2008 with 45% of the vote, with Tyron Bey and Patrick Kjellberg split the remainder.

2nd District Schoolboard Representative Kim Gray was first elected to the position in 2008 with 63% of the vote, knocking off Lisa Dawson.

The December 2011 issue of Councilman Charles Samuels’ 2nd District News (PDF) is now available.

A statement by The Honorable Charles R. Samuels, Councilman, Richmond City Council, North Central 2nd District

Regarding recent outbreak of Crime in the Carver and Fan District Neighborhoods

(Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) – “I am very troubled by the recent outbreak of crime that is occurring in the Carver, Monroe Ward, VCU and Fan District Neighborhoods. My thoughts and prayers go out to the injured victims of these crimes. I am in regular contact with the Richmond Police Department regarding this issue.

The Richmond Police Department and the VCU Police Department are working together on this and have enhanced Police foot, bicycle and motor vehicle patrols.

I join with Police in asking, inviting and encouraging all citizens to report any activity that is out of the ordinary.”

CONTACT For more information, please contact Councilman Charles R. Samuels, at

804.646.6532; or by email, at charles.samuels@richmondgov.com.

Members of the Wingnut Anarchist Collective walked from the intersection of Broad St. and the Boulevard, winding their way through the fan, all the way to the Mulberry Street home of Richmond City Councilman Charles Samuels, who they blame for the city’s old and and current noise ordinance.

The previous law was declared unconstitutional last year, and has since been replaced by a “sound control” ordinance that council approved back in July. It regulates excessive noise in Richmond’s residential neighborhoods.

It is my intention to introduce this to City Council in a month. I am hopeful this will give the citizens & neighborhood associations a chance to review it and provide feedback prior to it being introduced.

Please find attached the proposed Sound Ordinance for the City of
Richmond. This proposed ordinance was the result of many hours of
meetings, discussions, and legal research.

It is my intention to introduce this to City Council in a month. I am
hopeful this will give the citizens & neighborhood associations a chance
to review it and provide feedback prior to it being introduced. If
there is a need to amend it before it is introduced, I am happy to do
so. While I understand that no ordinance is perfect, and undoubtedly
some will find fault with this ordinance, I am proud of the effort put
forth by the work group who helped craft this ordinance.

I also want to thank the Richmond Criminal Defense Bar, City Attorney
Office, Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, Local Musician’s Union, VCU,
Richmond Police Department, VCU Police Department, Councilman Bruce
Tyler, the Mayor’s Office, and the Virginia Municipal League for their
dedication and guidance as we crafted this ordinance.

If you have comments, please feel free to send them to me via email at
Charles.Samuels@richmondgov.com or you may send them by letter to the
address below.

Charles R. Samuels
2nd District, Richmond City Council
900 East Broad Street, Suite 305
Richmond, Virginia 23219
804-646-6532 (office)
804-690-0898 (cell)

There are several laws the campers are violating, including staying the park overnight, creating an encampment and trespassing. I have been in conversations with the Mayor’s office since last Tuesday strongly encouraging them to enforce the laws currently in place and to not be selective in their enforcement of this law, but to enforce it on anyone who violates it. I have stated I would support their decision to act swiftly to remedy this situation.

I am disappointed that the Administration has not taken any visible action on this matter to date. While I respect the idea of using dialogue over debate, there are times and instances where one must do the right thing and act expeditiously.

In my conversation with Byron Marshall yesterday afternoon, he informed me that the Administration will be providing those violating the law with notice that they are violating the law and that in the next few days they will begin to enforce the law, issuing citations or arresting violators. Mr. Marshall assures me that the unlawful activities will cease before this coming weekend.

I approve of the Administration’s desire to enforce the law and applaud them for doing so. That being said, I am very frustrated by the Administration’s delay. It is my belief that people who violate the valid laws regarding public park usage should not be treated any differently than anyone else.

I have expressed my frustration and disappointment to the Administration that no action was taken for at least 9 days and in their general handling of this issue.

Presentations

Virginia General Assembly Update
The Honorable Jennifer L. McClellan, Delegate
Virginia House of Delegates 71st District

Home Foreclosure Prevention
Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME)

Community Gardens
Dr. Carolyn Graham, Richmond City Deputy Chief Administrative
Officer for Human Services and interim Director of Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities

Leaf and Trash Collection
Richmond Department of Public Works

WHEN Thursday, March 10, 2011
6:00-7:30 p.m.

WHERE Retreat Doctor’s Hospital Classroom
2621 Grove Avenue
Parking is on the 3rd, 4th or 5th floor of the Retreat Doctor’s
Hospital Parking Deck
Richmond, Virginia

WHO The Honorable Charles R. Samuels, Councilman
Richmond City Council, North Central 2nd District

CONTACT For more information, please contact Jan Girardi, at 804.646.6532 or by email, at jan.girardi@richmondgov.com; or visit his personal website, at www.charlesrsamuels.com

“I am very concerned about the recent robberies which are occurring in the Fan District. The Richmond Police Department will be increasing police foot, bicycle and motor vehicle patrols from Stuart Circle to the upper Fan and are working in tandem with the VCU Police Department in covering Stuart Circle going east to the lower Fan, Carver and Oregon Hill Neighborhoods. I join with Police in asking, inviting and encouraging all citizens to report any activity that is out of the ordinary.”

Entire North Central 2nd District invited and encouraged to attend

WHAT The Honorable Charles R. Samuels, Councilman, Richmond
City Council, North Central 2nd District, will hold a meeting in the
North Central 2nd District. Councilman Samuels holds individual meetings
in Richmond’s North Central 2nd District throughout the year that
include information on his goals and accomplishments; a topical agenda
of current interest; and, special guests. These meetings are free and
all North Central 2nd District citizens are invited and encouraged to
attend. Light refreshments are served.

WHEN Thursday, 2 December 2010

6:00-7:30 p.m.

WHERE Richmond Police Department, 4th Police Precinct

2219 Chamberlayne Avenue, Richmond, Virginia

WHO The Honorable Charles R. Samuels, Councilman

Richmond City Council, North Central 2nd District

With advocates for the homeless holding paper-bag signs such as “Parks are for People,” more than 100 Richmond-area residents met last night at the Carillon to discuss what will happen to feeding programs and other services if Monroe Park closes for renovations. [...]

In brief reports, representatives of the groups also suggested moving homeless services to the Virginia War Memorial; scaling back the park improvements; establishing a day-support center for the homeless; and improving transportation between Monroe Park and the Conrad Center, a feeding center east of downtown.

The following is a letter from Councilman Samuels to the community regarding the Community Conversation Meeting:

Dear Friend:

Every day, more than a thousand people in our community experience homelessness. This number includes adults wrestling with addiction and mental health concerns, families with children coping with a job loss, and many others facing a wide array of barriers that impact their ability to get and maintain safe and stable housing. Many times, our faith and community partners are among the first places people reach out to when they are in crisis. We know that this is a need that many of you have been filling for years. Whether it is with a warm meal or dedicated volunteers, Richmond’s faith and community partners have been instrumental in serving the needs of our neighbors experiencing homelessness.

Monroe Park has served as a defacto central location for those seeking to assist our community’s homeless. As the city begins plans to renovate this historic park, I believe it is important to bring together both those needing services and our faith and community partners to discuss ways that we can continue assisting our community’s most vulnerable citizens. I would like your help and leadership to develop a plan to provide continued support for those who depend on the services offered at Monroe Park.

To make certain that we maintain our community’s response to the needs of those seeking assistance, I have invited Homeward, our community’s planning and coordinating agency for homeless services, to partner with my office to facilitate a community conversation about services offered at Monroe Park. The agenda will include an information-sharing session and a discussion of potential strategies for partnership.

We invite you to participate in this community conversation that will be held on Thursday, November 4, 2010 from 5 until 7 p.m. in the auditorium of The Richmond Carillon, 1300 Blanton Avenue at Dogwood Dell. My hope is that it will foster mutual education and identify points of collaboration. I ask for your help so that we, together, can build a plan to truly help people who are homeless and depend on services provided at Monroe Park. We need your leadership, input, support and assistance to shape this plan and these services.

Please register by emailing your name and contact information to Jan Girardi at Jan.Girardi@richmondgov.com by Monday, November 1, 2010. You may also register by phone, by calling 804-646-6532.

We hope you join us for this important discussion, and we appreciate the work you do to improve the lives of our neighbors.

Sincerely, Charles R. Samuels, Councilman