RICHMOND, Va. — A switch in City Council leadership also ushered in a historic milestone.
Michelle Mosby, who represents the 9th District, was unanimously elected Richmond City Council President on Monday, Jan. 5. She becomes the first African-American elected into this position.
Chris A. Hilbert, Councilman, who represents the Northside 3rd District, was elected Vice President of Council.
Councilwoman Mosby fills the position previously held by Charles R. Samuels, who represents the North-Central 2nd District, and who served as President from 2013-2014.
Councilman Hilbert fills the position previously held by Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, of the 6th District, who served numerous terms as Vice-President.
Both will serve two-year terms.
With Mosby serving as President, there is a consensus that relations are expected to improve between the Mayor and City Council. Mosby was also one of four council members who supported the Mayor’s Shockoe Bottom baseball stadium plan, which was withdrawn in May 2014 when he realized there was not enough support for it.
“Our city has made significant steps forward and experienced tremendous progress over the past six years, to include today’s opening of the first high school built in Richmond in more than 40 years,” Mayor Dwight Jones said in a press release. “As we enter 2015, Richmond is poised for many more great things to include the UCI Road World Cycling Championships in September!”
