“I’m going to support [raising the meals tax]. It is a decision I have reached after a tremendous amount of thought about all the issues — as everyone knows, I’m not sure this is how we should have funded [the performing arts center]… Things are very rapidly turning a corner [in Richmond]— Mr. City Manager, you should be commended for the work that you’ve done.” —Councilman G. Manoli Loupassi, Richmond City Council, July 2003
Slanted polling funded by Chesterfield developers and business-friendly political hacks didn’t work as expected. Dan Wilkins didn’t roll over. Looks like Beverley “Booty” Armstrong and his “business community” have been making some more phone calls to try and influence the 1st District City Council race and stop Paul Goldman.
They found a more receptive audience this time — a friendly and cooperative one that has never failed to come through for them.
Emphasis Mine:
Loupassi endorses Bruce Tyler in First District Council race
Richmond.com
Monday, October 30, 2006Richmond City Council President G. Manoli Loupassi told Richmond.com Monday afternoon that he was endorsing Bruce Tyler in the First District council race.
“I hadn’t planned on doing it, but I felt like it’s necessary to clarify who I’m voting for and why,” the council president said.
Loupassi, who was first elected to the seat in 2000, is not seeking re-election. In 2007, he plans to run for the 68th District Virginia House of Representatives seat, which is currently held by Delegate Katherine Waddell.
Tyler, a principal at Baskervil architecture firm, is running against four other candidates for Loupassi’s seat: Paul Goldman, Mark Pounders, Dan Wilkins and Tom Vance.
“I think of all the candidates he [Tyler] would do the best job and is most qualified,” Loupassi said. And that’s based on having been in the job for six and a half years, and I know what it requires.”
Loupassi, who has previously described himself as a conservative Republican, said Tyler’s record as a businessman, along with his personality and record of service, are factors that contributed to his decision.
The council president said he had likely heard from as many as 150 people in the last three weeks asking his opinion on the candidates. He also said some of the candidates had put out campaign literature with his name on it, and he didn’t think that was fair.
“It’s led to a tremendous amount of confusion,” he said.
“There came a point in time where I thought it was important for people to know where I am,” the council president continued. “It’s kind of contrary to what would be in my best political interests.”
Tyler, who was pleased with the endorsement, said he believed it was his leadership and clear message that informed Loupassi’s decision. “Manoli has had time to look at all the candidates, and to look at this race,” he said. “He’s studied it more than anybody else.”
“Ol’ Loup” studied it in his usual thoughtful way all right. No doubt about it.