For redundancy, I twittered the forum as well, transcript here.

I do know one thing for sure. That Lazarus guy probably shouldn’t be invited back to any panels. I think he thought he was running for mayor.

Jones and Pantele had to at least tie for “best stand up comedian” award, with Roop coming in a close second.

Oh and Scott (Bass), thanks for the clarification on the 290 (instead of 260) days of darkness at a new baseball stadium. That was sooo helpful. We get it dude, you oppose a new baseball stadium.

Don’t forget, he voted for Dominion’s horrible riverfront SUP, despite protests by over 20 different citizen and environmentalist groups.

The guy has put developers before citizens time and time again.

Pantele sounded like he knew what as going on, but at times got a little too caught up in the details. I don’t mind that, but I think it can turn folks off. Then again, if people are coming to a forum like this they are probably looking for more details.

Grey came out strong and swinging and really threw some things out there in terms of experience and what he brought to the table. He did a bit of finger pointing and posturing of his own despite criticizing others for the same, but I think that on performance he was the strongest.

Jones sounded OK but a lot of his talk looked elsewhere for solutions, spoke in platitudes about neighborhoods but seemed to want to look to state and federal assistance on things and I don’t think anyone can bank on that.

Williams sounded like a concession speech for most of the night, but I think he genuinely cares about Richmond (all of these men do) and he sounds to me like a guy who felt the needs of the neighborhoods and small business owners weren’t being addressed so he’s running to be heard. And I think he did a good job presenting his case. But him coming after Grey most of the time, with Grey being as strong as he was, didn’t make him sound well.

I’d say Grey had the best performance but Pantele had the best substance.

great job, blogger brethren…..;)

I haven’t read Sarvay’s account yet, but I’m sure he was sort of hurt when I asked him if “liveblogged trips to the gas station” for fun.

I hate to admit it, but if I had no prior knowledge of the candidates before tonight, I would have to give my vote to Pantele. I also thought Jones did a solid job. Grey didn’t actually answer a question with a direct response, instead relying on huge sweeping statements and Williams seems to know that he stands no chance to win and has given up altogether.

http://vpap.org/committees/profile/home/1600

Jones
* Hasn’t had a race for twelve years.
* Got a lot of endorsements, RIP Goldman
* The mayor of Richmond is highly exaggerated, its people are who will make us a tier one city.

Pantele
* “Let’s go Richmond. Let’s go forward.”
* “Let’s not slide back into the old divisive and separatist politics”

Williams
* Politics as usual or new leadership, a new “professional” leadership
* Downtown master plan is a good example of professional leadership
* Wants to be an Urban Mayor

Grey
* It is time for Richmond to turn a corner
* Need a new face at city hall.
* There are 20 years of experience on the stage, but still lots of problems.

http://vpap.org/committees/profile/home/2368

Jones
* Singing, but would be best leaving that in the shower. Amazing Grace specifically.

Grey
* Play that alto sax, with sunglasses on playing the blues.

Williams
* Also played sax in a dance band in the clubs.

Pantele
* A powerful rendition of Living on a Prayer.

Cheezy!