Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones extended the olive branch of regional cooperation to Chesterfield County leaders today by making an appearance at a board of supervisors meeting.
It was the first time in recent history that a city mayor had crossed the county line to speak with the county's elected leaders.
"It's the first time we know of," said County Administrator James J.L. Stegmaier, who has been with Chesterfield for 23 years.
Jones said he hoped to work with the county closely on a host of regional issues, especially in the areas of education, transportation, community revitalization and use of the James River.
"I'm here today to say that I'm not waiting for anybody to come to me, but I'm coming to you to say we look forward to good relations in the future," he said.
Jones, who represented parts of Henrico and Chesterfield counties in the General Assembly, has talked generally about wanting the city to work more cooperatively with neighboring counties.
City Council members also have seen increased opportunities to work with the counties through a re-energized Richmond Regional Planning District Commission and proposals like the one to establish a regional transportation authority for central Virginia.
Three members of Chesterfield's board of supervisors and other county staff members attended Jones' inaugural ball last month, signaling a new era of cooperation.
Jones said Chesterfield's new board of supervisors -- most of whose members took office last year -- had a reputation for being "open to innovation and perhaps doing things a little bit differently in the future than have been done in the past."
"I certainly represent that mindset," he said.
Midlothian District Supervisor Daniel A. Gecker said Chesterfield leaders plan to return the gesture by attending a City Council meeting.
"In these times, we're looking for ways to cooperate with our neighbors and we're delighted to have had the mayor come here and we look forward to reciprocating," he said, noting a change since Jones took office.
"It's a very different atmosphere," he said.
Early in his term as mayor, L. Douglas Wilder talked about improving regional relations. He set up a commission to look at opportunities, but nothing ever came of it.
Jones, who mentioned looking for regional efficiencies given the economy, said he plans to visit other neighboring counties including Henrico and Hanover.
Also today, the board voted 3-2 to postpone a vote on a contract for a new county comprehensive plan.
The proposed $869,920 contract with Florida-based Renaissance Planning Group was deferred for 60 days to allow more discussion on the plan's scope.
Matoaca District Supervisor Marleen K. Durfee said she was disappointed.
"Quite frankly, I'm tired of hearing from others saying, 'Don't Chesterfield us,'" she said pointing to an imbalance in the ratio of residential to commercial development in the region's largest bedroom community.
"I cannot overemphasize the importance of undertaking this process," she said.
Contact Wesley P. Hester at (804) 649-6976 or whester@timesdispatch.com.
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