The Dogtown Dish Mayoral Endorsement Ankle Biter by Michael C. Hild - October 25, 2016October 25, 2016103 Ever since we kicked off our polling for the City of Richmond Mayoral election, we have been solicited for our advice, campaign contributions, and public endorsements related to the race. It’s quite humbling to hear that so many smart folks who we deeply respect actually care what we have to say. So here you go. We hope we don’t disappoint. The Dogtown Dish officially endorses…ANY OF THE CANDIDATES OTHER THAN Joe Morrissey. Regardless of your allegiances, Jack Berry, Levar Stoney, or Jon Baliles would all make decent Mayors. They are all good people. They all love our fine River City. They are all strong public servants. They are people who should be commended for their service. And they all have a chance at capturing a modest percentage of the vote. But here is the problem. None can win in such a crowded field. And by their very existence as candidates, they all but ensure that Joe Morrissey will win. So here is the official call to the RVA Triumvirate: Jack, Levar, & Jon Put Richmond first rather than your political ambition. Your aspirations must come second in order to save RVA from chaos, bribery, maffiose tactics, and a disbarred felon in charge. We survived a civil war 150 years ago that set us back for more than a century and a half. We have finally found our footing again. And our City is hoping you put it first, rather than yourselves. Set up a closed door session. Pick one amongst the three of you. Draw straws if you must. RVA will respect, if not revere you for doing this. It’s time to fall on your sword. It’s what Richmond needs. Strike that, it is what Richmond demands. RVA will be far worse off if you continue to deny the inevitable. While we cannot speak for others, we will never support any of the three of you again for any form of political office if you stay the course and hand this charlatan the keys to our beloved city. We will never forget your betrayal of RVA. We will hold each of you responsible for making Richmond the laughing stock of the world. But it doesn’t have to come to that. All this nastiness can be avoided if you band together. We would gladly act as the negotiators and broker the “consolidation meeting” if you like. Reach out and we will make it happen. Or if you can handle it amongst yourselves, then get it done and let us know what you decide. Or better yet, draw straws in a live, public press conference so everyone can see your honorable act of self sacrifice. It would be international news. You would be championed for your act. And if you aren’t convinced yet, ask yourself one simple question: Would you like to be known as one of the Richmond Three who banded together to save the City, or as one of the three megalomaniacs who failed Richmond? Regardless of how you decide to do it, it needs to happen immediately. The city you love is counting on you. PLEASE DO IT NOW. There is no time to waste.
I’m voting for Levar Stoney, but most of the other candidates do seem to be decent people. The most important thing is to keep that crazy pedophile, Morrissey, out of City Hall! Reply
But that won’t happen if you vote for Levar and I vote for Jon and the girl next door votes for Jack Reply
Levar is the only candidate getting strong black and white support. That’s who should lead RVA. But to TDDs point, whomever can win the 3rd and 5th should stay in. I believe that’s Levar, too, but agree on the #neverjoe sentiment. Reply
If we are left with a runoff election where Morrissey and Berry are the only choices, I will vote Morrissey without hesitation. Warning to Manchester from Oregon Hill: Berry cannot be trusted. http://www.oregonhill.net/2014/03/27/ohhic-press-release-the-city-of-richmond-and-venture-richmond-renege-on-promised-section-106-review-of-the-future-tredegar-green-amphitheater/ Reply
Clicked the link.. scanned, laughed out loud. . I support Jon Baliles. Unfortunately i live about a mile into Henrico County so therefore im not in the voting pool if this election. However I have worked in Manchester at Legend Brewing Company for the past 16+ years, and lived in the city for about 12 of those years.. For ME, he seems like the most experienced and reasonable candidate. But, unfortunately, i cant cast that vote. However, i most CERTAINLY agree with the dish’s endorsement. Reply
a vote for Jon Baliles is a vote towards a sane, logical, productive, and healthy future for our city. A vote for Joe or Jack means we’ll be barking up the same tree as we have been for the past 8 years. Go to FB and check out the a’s, b’s, and c’s of the campaign or go to jonbalilesformayor.com anyway, good on ya RVA, way to get into local politics! Reply
This is the only reason I haven’t sent in my absentee ballot. This NEEDS to happen. Jon Baliles, Jack Berry, Levar M. Stoney– be the Richmond Three! Reply
Richmond is at a turning point right now and we need good leadership. It’s exciting that we have several qualified candidates that will move this city in the right direction and frustrating to think that we may end up with none of them! Reply
@DogtownDish Your reasoning makes sense. I’d also say that those who argue “Joe over Jack Berry” have been drinking the stupid juice. Reply
This is fantastic. We need a primary! I messaged all six of them and said that I sincerely hoped that each of them care enough about the city to drop out in lieu of handing Morrissey the victory. Mosby was the only one to respond. Reply
