Paul Goldman is a candidate for mayor of Richmond.

Hypothetically speaking, Paul Goldman is worried about the future of Richmond's public schools.

The mayoral candidate spelled out his three-part concern during a news conference yesterday outside City Hall.

If local businessman Robert J. Grey Jr. formally announces he's running for mayor.

If Grey sticks by his support of an appointed school board (he was one of 26 business leaders who last summer signed a letter about ways to improve city schools).

And if Grey wins the mayoral election, Goldman is worried that Grey will attempt an off-year referendum to change the system.

"He's taken a confrontational approach to solving our educational problems," Goldman said.

Goldman said his fear is that Grey would take advantage of a state law that allows localities to pursue referendums on their school boards. Unlike the law governing the switch to an elected mayor, the school board referendum would not have to be approved by the General Assembly.

"When it passes, that's it," Goldman said. "It's gone."

Goldman said he supports elected school boards.

Attempts to reach Grey yesterday were unsuccessful.

--Zachary Reid