My 2¢: Richmond City Council Approves Use of Inmate Labor on City-Owned Property from Silver Persinger on Vimeo.
At Richmond City Council's Formal meeting of February 28, 2011, I spoke in opposition to Ordinance 2011-21 which authorizes the use of inmate labor on City-owned property such as rights of way along highways, streets, alleyways, parks, City owned cemeteries and vacant lots. Such work on public property SHOULD be done by City employees paid a LIVING WAGE which is $10.19 an hour adopted by Council in 2008.
In 2006, Richmond City Council approved the use of City Jail inmate labor to clean up neglected PRIVATE property.
The Council approved the ordinance unanimously. Council members Marty Jewell [5th District], Reva Trammel [8th District], and Cynthia Newbille [7th District] offered comments in response to my comments.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Council Approves Use of Inmate Labor on City-Owned Property
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Mayor Dwight Jones sworn-in Dec. 31, 2008
Here is a video of the complete swearing-in of Mayor Dwight Jones. According to the Times-Dispatch [01/01/08] it had initially been planned to be "invitation-only" and held in the Clerk's office. Instead it was moved to the Council Chambers and opened to the public. Following the swearing in, Mayor Jones took five minutes of questions from the assembled newspaper and television reporters. The mayor reiterated his support for a 1.5% increase in the Cost of Living Allowance [COLA] for retired City employees.
The ceremony was attended by friends, family, and supporters of Mayor Jones and Congressman Robert "Bobby" Scott, Virginia Senator Henry Marsh, Virginia Delegates Frank Hall, Kenneth Alexander, and Jennifer McClellan. Ellen Robertson was the only member of Richmond City Council to be present. The oath was administered by Judge Marilyn C. Goss, 13th Judicial District-Richmond, Virginia.