The president of the Richmond Crusade for Voters will appear today with mayoral candidate Paul Goldman to push for establishment of a charter school in South Richmond.

The creation of the school is personal for Antione M. Green, who serves on the board of directors for the Patrick Henry Charter School of Science and Arts. He is vice president of development for the school.

"It is not a representation of the Richmond Crusade for Voters position relative to charter schools," Green said today.

His appearance with Goldman also does not reflect the Crusade's position on the mayoral race. The Crusade, a longtime political linchpin of the black community, has endorsed Del. Dwight C. Jones in the five-candidate race.

Green and Goldman will discuss the school's prospects at 11 a.m. in front of the former Patrick Henry Elementary School on Semmes Avenue.

The Richmond School Board has not approved a proposed contract to establish the school. The proposed school has been controversial, especially in the black community, where it is viewed with suspicion.

"I do think the charter school has broader support than most people think," Green said.

-- Michael Martz