News & Features

Meet The Candidates

Who's running for Mayor of Richmond? This week, we meet The Rev. Dwight Clinton Jones

Courtesy of Jonathan Howard

Dionne Waugh
Richmond.com
Thursday, May 01, 2008

There's just over one month 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.

So far, five people have announced their intentions to run, but only two people have formally filed and one of those, Jackie Jackson, has already withdrawn. Incumbent Mayor L. Douglas Wilder still remains coy about whether he will run again.

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

Today, meet The Rev. Dwight Jones, who says he plans to file his paperwork with more than 500 signatures by May 15.

The Rev. Dwight Clinton Jones

Age: 60

Family: I'm a divorced father of three wonderful children, a set of fraternal twins, a boy and girl, and an older son.

Web site: http://www.dwightjonesformayor.com/

Occupation: Minister

Background: Jones graduated from Virginia Union University in 1970 with a B.A. in sociology. He has served in the Virginia House of Delegates since 1994, spending the past 14 years representing the 70th House District, which includes parts of Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield and Henrico. He has also been the chairman of the Richmond School Board.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

People would be surprised to know that I am sometimes shy. I think that would really surprise people. I think that what I do causes me to be extroverted but when I'm not in the public eye, I'm more of an introvert.

What's your favorite Richmond restaurant?

I have several. Davis & Main, Morton's and Bookbinders

Any pets?

I have no pets.

What are your priorities?

Jones' "To Build a Better Richmond" plan includes: developing a world class school system; restoring financial and fiscal accountability; providing health care for children; sustaining the city's reputation as a good place to do business; creating a safety net for less fortunate residents; and creating safe and secure neighborhoods.

Why should people vote for you?

In a sentence, that people should vote to bring about change in Richmond, progress without acrimony and a collaborative leadership.

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

I'm passionate about Richmond and excited about the race.

Coming Up:

May 8: Paul Goldman

May 15: Donnie Corker

May 22: Lawrence E. Williams

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9 comments.

Michael
5/2/2008 at 3:19:18 PM

Richmond.com Article Feedback - Leave your comment today!

Contrary to inuendo,there was no FBI probe into Delegate Jones and his church's revitalization of Hull Street.Why must success suggest scandal? When no one saw any potential in the Hull Street corridor the delegate placed banquet hall and senior citizenz center there over 15 years ago...all of this without much help from the city. Every single transaction is documented if Tom K wants to know how he runs his church just go to 1501 Decatur Street in south richmond and see one of the most vibrant churches in the city that has grown to over 3,000 members during Dwight's tenure. See a church that is financially in the black and see the community surrounding the church alive with hope because of improved infrastucture and access to critical services. If his church is any indication of how he will run the city...Richmond is on the way up.

Tom K
5/2/2008 at 12:19:54 PM

I look forward to hearing more about what he plans to offer to city and how he plans to run the city. While there may not be a current FBI probe there has been. If he has problems running his church, will he be able to handle the people's money?

Tom Stephen
5/2/2008 at 12:07:47 PM

Dwight C. Jones is an extraordinary leader. he has for the past 14 years done a tremendous job leading the 70th District in the House of Delegates which represents portions of the Richmond community. Dwight has led the Southside of Richmond in major economic revitalization projects that have provided jobs for persons in that community. I am excited that we have a choice of candidates. Confused about all of the current candidates and their chances, except for D.C. Jones.

Ron Waters
5/1/2008 at 11:19:20 PM

i think this is a fine gentleman who has given his life to public service. He is the pastor of First Baptist Church of south richmond. He can eat good becasue he works hard and has built a decent life for himself.Progress w/0 acrimony is not avoiding conflict, it simply means getting things done by challenging the status quo, but not putting people down or pushing people away like the present mayor. If jim could read,he could go to dwight jones for mayor .com and see the delegates platform and plans. He has said plenty about public schools and regional cooperation. There is no FBI probe, all of FBC's development is in the open and professionally done. go to the blackwell area of town in South Richmond and see for yourself how Delegate Jones' leadership has transformed an inner city community with affordable housing and mixed income apartments. Get your facts straight before you spit harmful untruths.

Carl
5/1/2008 at 11:15:47 PM

I've been to Dwight's website and read about his announcement. We definitely need some change in leadership of this city. I'm sick and tired of people saying one thing and doing another. Dwight seems like he cares about our city and region.

Peter - Email this User
5/1/2008 at 10:04:43 PM

Mr. Jones is also a Delegate, not just a reverend.

Mark - Email this User
5/1/2008 at 11:56:29 AM

re "progress without acrimony" ... you can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs. I think the current mayor's willingness to push people's buttons has brought real change. I agree that acrimony should be minimized, but let's not be afraid of a little healthy conflict.

Jim - Email this User
5/1/2008 at 9:52:38 AM

He also has said little to nothing about his positions and plans on the issues and has declined to do so. He showed his true colors at a recent forum with business leaders by sidestepping issues from the need to work with our neighbors and cooperate regionally, public transportation, and the mess that is our school systems. He's also having had an FBI investigation into his church's handling of finances and land deals. Why don't you mention that? Do we need someone else who is involved in scandal and is untrustworthy?

Bobby Flay
5/1/2008 at 9:00:40 AM

He sure does have some expensive taste in restaurants for a reverend. What Church does he work for? I am sure all of his parishioners can't afford to eat out like that. Do you think that lavishness will come into play if this guy becomes mayor??? Hey Dwight I will take you to Bookbinders if you do this favor for me…

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