What is the stormwater utility? How does this benefit me?
Peter Cunningham
Richmond

The Stormwater Utility Program is a tool that the city of Richmond needs to reduce the serious flooding that we see in so many areas of the city following heavy rains. The benefits of a Stormwater Utility include less flooding, reduced sewer back-ups, cleaner and safer streets, cleaner waterfront areas and parks, fewer threats of West Nile virus and a healthier James River and its tributaries.

At a minimal cost of only a few dollars a month per household, the stormwater utility will be offset by an equalization strategy for adjusting residential versus commercial rates, based on actual usage, over the next five years. Having proposed the Stormwater Utility in October 2007, I now call upon the City Council to join with me in moving forward with this very important investment for our future.

With all this talk about the new Master Plan, I would like to know what your feelings are about putting the street car system back in place?
Ben Wright
Jackson Ward

The city and GRTC are moving forward with plans for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) that will serve as a modern-day streetcar system and provides many of its benefits such as reduced pollution and traffic. An economical alternative for commuters, BRT is envisioned to extend from Rocketts Landing through Downtown to Short Pump. Funding through the Federal Transit Administration for fixed rail projects is dependent upon a proven track record of transit need and support.

During the Master Plan meetings last summer, citizens and community leaders provided positive feedback on reintroducing a pedestrian-friendly streetcar system in Richmond that invites a return to a "walkable Downtown" and offers easy access to shops, restaurants and civic centers in the area. BRT will support these community enhancements.

How can you let an AAA baseball team that has been here for over 40 years leave?
Sylvain C.
Richmond

I didn't let them leave. The Diamond is owned and managed by the Richmond Metropolitan Authority, whose members are Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield. Any decisions made relative to the Richmond Braves are made by all three of these jurisdictions.

Everyone, including the Braves, agreed with the timeline when we hired the Staubach Company to develop plans for the North Boulevard area. This includes the revitalization of the 60-plus-acre parcel stretching along The Diamond and Interstate 95 with the vision to demolish the ballpark and replace it with a modern 8,000-seat baseball stadium. At this point, the city and its regional partners are meeting face-to-face monthly to discuss future options for a new team, which we fully expect to have here in 2009.

My neighbor's car window was smashed and they ripped off his iPod. What can we do to stop this?
John Kalopolis
Oregon Hill

The Richmond Police Department urges everyone to "put your junk in your trunk." Lock your cars and remove all items from view -- either take them with you or store them in your trunk or glove box. Don't forget to hide cell phone chargers and iPods, as well as cigarettes and change.

When citizens leave items in plain view inside their cars, they are all but volunteering to be a victim. I don't want anyone to be a victim. Police stress that nothing should be left in the car – thieves don't know that your gym bag only contains clothes. If there are no visible items in your car, then thieves won't have the opportunity to steal.

Mayor Wilder wishes to thank the public for its overwhelming outpouring of concern and support through "Ask the Mayor." Your feedback is important and Mayor Wilder wants you to know that your views will be taken into consideration as issues are examined. Please note that the mayor refrains from responding to specific questions relating to employment, personnel issues, private business proposals or policy matters within the jurisdiction of the state and federal levels of government. Click here to submit your questions to Mayor Wilder.