There's just over two weeks to go until anyone interested in running for mayor of Richmond must put their money where their mouth is. June 10 is the filing deadline for when mayoral candidates have to submit 500 signatures of support with at least 50 from each city district.

With incumbent Mayor L. Douglas Wilder out of the running, it's anybody's guess who could take the helm. So far, five people have announced their intentions to run, two others -- City Council president Bill Pantele and possible Wilder pick businessman Robert Grey Jr. -- are still considering it.

To keep you informed, Richmond.com will give you the skinny on each candidate every Thursday until the June 10 deadline.

Today, meet candidate Paul Goldman.

Paul Goldman

Age: 62
Family or pets: I have a son, but no pets.
Occupation: lawyer
Background: Better known as the man behind the scenes, Goldman has been involved in Virginia politics for years. He not only helped Mayor L. Douglas Wilder become the first black elected lieutenant governor and governor in 1990, but he also worked with him to become mayor four years ago after leading the charge to change the city charter back to an elected-mayor form of government. He has worked as a political consultant for Gov. Timothy M. Kaine and former Gov. Mark Warner, and he also drafted the City of the Future plan.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

In talking to voters, they're surprised I have a masters in public administation because that would mean I'd be first mayor who actually qualified by education to be chief administrive officer and chief financial officer. They know me from other things.

What's your favorite Richmond restaurant?

Ellwood Thompson is one of my favorite places to go. I've gone there for years. They do a good job, have good food and friendly people. I'm sort of a health foody. Restaurant food tends to be more fiesty. I don't drink. I'm not a big restaurant person.

What are your top priorities?

One, schools. I think right now, Richmond has the oldest public school facilites in the state, which dont' meet (the Americans with Disabilities) standards, and because of that, we are developing what amounts to a separate and unequal system of education that's not serving the community or the children.

Two, I wrote the elected mayor law and led the drive to get the change on the ballot. I want the system of government that I helped to create to be into effect the way it should be, which of course is not now

Three, I think we have the most expensive City Hall, City Council in the state. We've got record high taxes, fees and wasteful spending and that all has to stop because it's overburdening Richmonders and leaving too many things that need to be done undone.

Why should people vote for you?

I'm the only candidate with a proven record, documented in books and stories, who has been willing to lead the fight for fundamental change in Richmond, whether helping to lead the fight to give African-Americans and women a chance to be all they can be in our policitcal system or taking the lead in making sure Richmonders got their right in 2004 to elect their mayor.

I have a proven record of doing it not to help myself get elected to anything but because it was the right thing to do and somebody had to step forward to do it when others wouldn't. That's what's needed today: people who are willing to make the effort for fundamental change that we need in Richmond. That is why I'm only going to serve one term because I don't want there to be any question that I'm focusing strictly on the kinds of things that need to be done. So I want to be free of any political concerns that are involved when seeking election.

What else do you want to say or want people to know?

Eleven years ago, I wrote an article saying that if we went to an elected mayor form of government that we would have a substantial reduction in the crime rate because when you have that system of electing someone, that person feels they are much more accountable for things like the fight against crime so you're going to get a different kind of police chief, like Chief Rodney Monroe, who has a different kind of dedication and willingness to reform things so that they work better.

I think that's one reason I fought hard for the elected mayor and, hopefully, that demonstrates that those who oppose the effort to change just demonstrate they aren't realizing there's a lot of ramifications and needed things so fundamental change is something you shouldn't fear. You should embrace and the proof is in the pudding.

Meet the rest of the candidates:

May 1: The Rev. Dwight Clinton Jones

May 8: Lawrence E. Williams

May 15: Donnie Corker

May 22: Paul Goldman

May 29: Bill Pantele

June 5: Rodney D.C. Barnes