Richmond Telegraph's First Henrico County Board of Supervisors Meeting

I should have mentioned this sooner but Richmond City Council is on Summer Recess for the entire month of August with the exception of a Health, Human Services and Education Committee meeting chaired by Councilman Chris Hilbert [3rd District] to be held Wednesday August 19 at 5 PM in Council Chambers.

A couple of weeks ago, a citizen of Henrico invited me to attend the Board of Supervisor meeting held on Tuesday, August 11 at 7 PM. It was my first time attending a meeting of the County Board of Supervisors. It was different from Richmond City Council's meetings in a number of notable ways. When time permits I will write to discuss the notable differences.

In the meantime, I wanted to post the discussion and adoption of Henrico County's 2026 Comprehensive Plan. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the citizens of Henrico County the plan was modified to preserve the Varina District's rural character and seeks to protect agricultural land.

A Promising New Blog, OneWayRichmond

I am pleased to introduce readers of the Richmond City Council Reporter and Telegraph to a relatively new blog on the Richmond scene www.onewayrichmond.blogspot.com which began on June 21, 2009.

Warning: this recommendation is not for the weak of mind or heart or those easily offended by strong language. The blog is smart, insightful and scathingly humorous. If you are easily offended, you will be easily offended by OneWayRichmond.

I would also like to encourage readers to leave comments on blogs that you read, this one and others. Some times readers' comments are more valuable than the original posts. Blogs create an opportunity for discussion, education, and empowering individuals to contribute to the shape of our society. The freedom to speak one's mind and to defend your beliefs is one of the greatest gifts we can enjoy while we live.

I agree with OneWayRichmond, let's stop calling Richmond the River City. Every city on a river does that. Imagine my horror in October 2007 when I was visiting St. Louis and I learn that they call themselves the River City. I second the call that Richmond be nicknamed the City of Monuments. However, I am open to other suggestions if you've got something better.

Pantele Appointed ABC Commissioner - Is it Cronyism?

Virginia Governor Tim Kaine announced yesterday that he had selected Bill Pantele, former 2nd District City Council President and 2008 candidate for Richmond Mayor, to serve on the Virginia Alcoholic Beverages Control [ABC] Commission. Mr. Pantele will replace Esther H. Vassar from Newport News.

Mr. Pantele, a member of the Democratic Party, was appointed to Richmond City Council on September 24, 2001 to replace Tim Kaine who had resigned on September 10, 2001 to focus on his campaign for Virginia Lieutenant Governor.

In retrospect, Mr. Pantele's quick appointment is a little surprising considering how long the Council recently took to appoint Mrs. Betty Squire to replace Delores McQuinn in the 7th District.

Mr. Pantele also served on the Industrial Development Authority [IDA] of the City of Richmond from October 1996 through July 2005.

On March 27, 2009 Governor Kaine appointed of Former Delegate Frank Hall to the three member ABC Board. Susan R. Swecker of Highland County serves as the Chair of the Board and was appointed by Governor Kaine in March 2006.

The salary for an ABC commissioner is $124,700.

Governor Kaine's Press Release:

August 04, 2009

Governor Kaine Announces ABC Commission Appointment
– William J. Pantele named to state regulatory board –

RICHMOND -Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced the appointment of William J. Pantele to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, effective August 3, 2009. Pantele represented the Second District for three full terms on the Richmond City Council, including a term as president of the council from 2006-2008.

"I have known Bill for many years and know that he will do outstanding work with the ABC Commission," Governor Kaine said. "He has served the people of Richmond with distinction for many years and I know that he will serve the state well in his new role."

Pantele has been an active member of the Richmond community for many years, with particular emphasis on the city's economic development efforts. He has served as the president of Venture Richmond, a member of the Greater Richmond Partnership, the director of the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission, and a member of the Virginia Municipal League.

He was a partner in the law firm of Butler, Williams, Pantele and Skilling, P.C. from 1994 until 2003, when he opened his own firm focused on small business, corporate, and real estate law. Pantele has an undergraduate degree from Hampden-Sydney College and a law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law.

New Contractror Selected for Port of Richmond

Press Release from Mayor Dwight Jones' office:

August 4, 2009

Port of Richmond Selects New Terminal Operator

Richmond, Virginia - The Port of Richmond has selected Port Contractors, Incorporated (PCI) of New Castle, Delaware to serve as Terminal Operator. Upon completion of negotiations, PCI will begin terminal operations for the Port of Richmond on October 1, 2009.

The Port of Richmond Commission interviewed several companies and terminal operators who expressed interest in performing terminal operations at the Port of Richmond facility. The Port of Richmond Commission, at its annual meeting July 29, 2009, approved action to negotiate with PCI.

PCI was established 85 years ago as a container, break bulk, heavy lift, and general stevedore-terminal operating company. PCI is privately held and has several operations in multiple locations on the east coast, including Fairless Hills, PA, Baltimore, MD, Charleston and Georgetown, SC, and Palm Beach, FL. PCI has provided material handling solutions to customers from product delivery to arrival at the final destination.

The Port of Richmond has provided stevedoring and terminal services since 1940 to the domestic and international shipping industry.