Local government is tough. No leader is perfect. But Mayor Levar M. Stoney has led us through difficult times and managed government well with the resources available.

He has a vision for our city.

Working with school officials and with support from the electorate, he has moved opportunity

for Richmond’s young people forward. He continues to seek solid economic growth opportunities that will generate the jobs, housing and tax income, which our community needs.

During this COVID-19 crisis, Mayor Stoney has worked diligently with local and regional health leaders to provide needed equipment and services to all in the city, while demonstrating leadership to the community.

With this spring and summer’s historic reckoning with Richmond’s racist past and present, he has been a steady force for truth, for tolerance, for new justice initiatives and for the protection of peaceful protest—not the unlawful behavior of a few.

Mayor Stoney has proven himself an able public servant, one who learns on the job. And the next four years should be even better.

BEN RAGSDALE

Richmond