Richmonders might want to think twice before they choose their candidates for the City Council next month.

For the first time, council members will serve four-year terms, rather than the two-year stints that were the norm before the switch to an elected-mayor form of government.

On Nov. 4, voters will tap at least one new council member, in addition to a new mayor.

In the 2nd District, three candidates are vying to fill the seat being vacated by Council President William J. Pantele, who is running for mayor.

Tyron K. Bey, Patrick D. Kjellberg and Charles R. Samuels are jockeying to represent the district that stretches from Jackson Ward and the Fan District to the Boulevard.

Bey said he's running to ensure all residents benefit from the city's progress. He wants residents of Gilpin Court to have new homes before any of the public-housing units are demolished. He also wants to start a business incubator program to help minorities start businesses.

He proposes redeveloping the area around The Diamond as a family entertainment district, with sports facilities.

"We're trying to build a Richmond that we can all live in," he said.

Kjellberg, who lost to Pantele in 2006, said the city needs to focus on boosting its population and addressing problems associated with vacant buildings and lots. He envisions urban-style redevelopment along the Boulevard, with a new stadium and a trolley connecting residents to the attractions.

He said council members need to become more assertive.

"I think you need a big voice on council, saying this is the direction that the city needs to go in," he said.

Samuels emphasizes his experience as an attorney and mediator. He says he is committed to listening to what residents want.

Samuels, who is supported by Pantele, said Richmond needs to focus on giving residents a better return on their tax dollars, improving middle schools and reducing nonviolent crimes.

In the 3rd District, incumbent Chris A. Hilbert is being challenged by Jonathan Davis.

Hilbert, who is seeking a third term, said the city is making progress in reducing crime, and improving schools and neighborhoods. He said his experience on council would be an asset as a new mayor, new police chief and new schools superintendent take office.

"With the changes that are coming, to have someone with experience and the passion for the issues that are important" is vital, he said.

Davis said Richmond needs to continue to focus on improving its neighborhoods and infrastructure.

"We need to aggressively move forward with upgrading our aging sewer system, building new schools and improving our mass-transit system for the entire region," he said.

In the 5th District, incumbent E. Martin Jewell goes against challengers Mark E. Brandon and S. Lee Shewmake. Jewell took office in 2005 after winning a three-way race that included Brandon.

Jewell said the city school system must continue to be pushed to spend tax dollars more efficiently and he advocates reinvestment in recreational programs and greater emphasis on neighborhood revitalization.

Brandon said residents question whether Jewell has been too much of a follower of Mayor L. Douglas Wilder, and he pledged to focus on constituents' needs, such as getting sidewalks improved, planting street trees and filling potholes.

Shewmake found herself at odds with Jewell over a 200-unit residential complex approved near the south end of the Lee Bridge. She said development needs to be respectful of old and historic neighborhoods.

In the 7th District, incumbent Delores L. McQuinn is being challenged by Clarence Kenney.

McQuinn, a council member since 1999, said the council has done a good job making the city spend tax dollars more efficiently. She said the crime-fighting efforts should be expanded to curb substance abuse.

Kenney said residents find McQuinn inaccessible and the district continues to suffer from a lack of businesses, affordable housing and recreational facilities. He proposes eliminating real-estate taxes for senior citizens and to assign laptop computers to middle and high school students.

In the 8th District, incumbent Reva M. Trammell is facing challengers Eric W. Hunter Sr. and C. Allen Barrett.

Trammell, a council member since 2007 who also served from 1998 to 2002, said revitalization of neighborhoods is a key to the city's success and that efforts in the district are paying off with investments in a new hotel and a headquarters for GRTC Transit System.

Hunter said he supports ongoing audits to make city spending more efficient, community roundtables to address crime and education, and infrastructure improvements to keep stormwater out of yards and streets.

Barrett said he wants tighter budget controls, attention to roads and other infrastructure before there's a problem, as well as more policing initiatives.

In the 9th District, incumbent Douglas G. Conner Jr. is running against two challengers, former City Councilman Eugene A. Mason Jr. and Adrian R. Preston.

Conner, completing his first term after defeating Mason two years ago, said the high costs of gas and food mean the city must continue to cut wasteful spending and look to deliver services more efficiently. He said the city must promote residential and business development, and continue to improve drainage in South Richmond.

Mason, a council member from 2005 to 2006, promised to hold the city accountable for how tax dollars are spent and said it needs to focus on reducing blight, deconcentrating poverty, and increasing jobs and affordable housing.

Preston said the city's most important responsibility is maintaining its roads, drainage system and other infrastructure. Preston also endorsed the City of the Future plan to reinvest in schools and other public facilities but also advocated for a new city jail with improved medical and rehabilitation programs.

Running unopposed are incumbents Bruce W. Tyler in the 1st District, Kathy C. Graziano in the 4th District and Ellen F. Robertson in the 6th District.
Contact Will Jones at (804) 649-6911 or wjones@timesdispatch.com.