We asked business and community leaders what attributes they are looking for in a mayor and what issues they would like to see emphasized.

Beverley W. 'Booty' Armstrong Vice president of CCA Industries in Richmond, whose holdings include The Jefferson Hotel: "Clean up the gross inefficiency and gross incompetency in City Hall. I don't think that has been done. If at all, it's only been scratched." He also said whoever is the next mayor should work toward a "respectful" relationship with the School Board and City Council.

James Dunn President and chief executive of Greater Richmond Chamber: "Tremendous gains have been made in the area of crime and public safety. You don't want to take your eye off the ball," said Dunn, adding that the next administration also needs to focus on "getting this educational issue resolved," including school construction, truancy and academic performance.

Marleen K. Durfee Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors member: "It's very important that we strengthen our relationships, from the city going to the counties and the counties going to the city. . . . What you have to have, obviously, in a leader is someone who will reach out, unite, work with business and community leaders."

David A. Kaechele Chairman of the Henrico County Board of Supervisors: "I think you ought to ask City Council first. . . . Part of the agenda needs to be regional cooperation and regional programs that are already in place."

King Salim Khalfani Executive director, Virginia State Conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People: "Someone with some vision, who is people-oriented, who people can access. . . . Less strife and antagonism. Someone who's going to be honest and have integrity." He wants an emphasis on affordable housing and awarding city contracts to black-owned businesses.

Benjamin J. Lambert III Former state senator: "Work together with all the leaders in the city and not be a dictator. I'm not calling anyone a dictator." Education, transportation and health care figure prominently for Lambert.

Del. Jennifer L. McClellan D-Richmond: "Someone who's looking for constructive solutions. . . . Confrontation is sometimes good, but too much of it is not productive." McClellan said she looks to a mayor to be a partner on issues, especially regarding public schools and safety.

Aubrey M. Stanley Chairman of the Hanover County Board of Supervisors: "When we're looking to attract new companies, we want the crime rate [in Richmond] to be low. We would like someone strong on that, which I think this mayor has been." He also said he would like to see continued regional cooperation.