Graziano likely next council leader

The Richmond City Council's next president appears likely to be 4th District representative Kathy C. Graziano.

Graziano, one of three council members with interest in the position, said it's a very strong possibility that she'll get the two-year appointment in January, but she added, "We'll have to see how some things shake out."

Council members Ellen F. Robertson of the 6th District and Bruce W. Tyler of the 1st District also have expressed interest in being president, but nearly all council members interviewed recently predicted Graziano would be picked, with Robertson tapped as vice president.

Graziano, a retired lobbyist who is starting her third term on the council, is "real even-handed," 9th District Councilman Douglas G. Conner Jr. said. "She doesn't get excited. She seems to have a good understanding of people."

"She runs a tight meeting," 3rd District Councilman Chris A. Hilbert said. "I'm impressed that she'll lead us in the right direction."

Robertson could not be reached. Tyler said he had hoped that council members would settle on a president after Monday's meeting of the Organizational Development Committee, which will focus on goals and objectives for the council.

"The strong-arming has been going on. That's the politics of usual," he said. "I was hoping we could rise above that."

The president presides over the council's twice-monthly meetings and assigns proposed ordinances and resolutions to its six standing committees. The president is paid $27,000 per year, compared with $25,000 for the other members.

Of the eight council members reached, four said they're supporting Graziano. Two others stopped short of endorsing her but said she appears to have at least the five votes needed for election. Two others declared themselves undecided.

The council's leadership positions are poised for a shakeup, with current President William J. Pantele having given up his 2nd District seat to run for mayor.

Vice President Delores L. McQuinn is preparing to run in a Jan. 6 special election for the House of Delegates' 70th District seat, which is being vacated by Mayor-elect Dwight Clinton Jones. The filing deadline for candidates is Dec. 8.

McQuinn said Graziano appears to have the votes to be president but said council members should set aside the behind-the-scenes lobbying that has long shaped who their leaders will be. McQuinn suggested the council first discuss goals and then choose leaders.

"That way, you make sure they're carrying out the will of council," she said.

The council's lone newcomer, 2nd District representative Charles R. Samuels, said he hasn't pledged his vote but added he wouldn't be surprised if Graziano is tapped, because she's worked closely with Pantele.

"It would make sense if she was council president because she could hit the ground running," he said.
Contact Will Jones at (804) 649-6911 or .