Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones wants more time to submit his first budget to the City Council. Citing uncertainties about state funding and the federal stimulus package, Jones is asking to deliver his first biennial plan on March 27—three weeks after the March 6 deadline. An ordinance to move the deadline was introduced Monday and is scheduled for a hearing and vote Feb. 23. The request is designed to give Jones, who took office Jan. 1, enough time to review revenue projections that are still in flux as well as departmental spending requests, Press Secretary Tammy D. Hawley said.

The James River Park System gives Richmonders a wild, natural escape in the center of the city. The land would stay pristine forever under an idea that was floated 10 years ago but now is garnering support with the City Council.

Richmond officials aren’t ready to go to bat for a ballpark in Shockoe Bottom, but they are supporting state legislation that could help get it built. With a show of hands, a majority of the Richmond City Council signaled yesterday its support for bills introduced by Del. G. Manoli Loupassi, R-Richmond, and Sen. A. Donald McEachin, D-Henrico.

The singing that broke out at Richmond City Hall yesterday might as well have come from the City Council and Mayor Dwight C. Jones.

There are already plenty of signs marking Riverside Drive as it parallels the south bank of the James River across Richmond. The road could soon be getting more.

There are already plenty of signs marking Riverside Drive as it parallels the south bank of the James River across Richmond. The road could soon be getting more.

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