Dear Richmond Voter,

Hello, my name is Silver Persinger. I have lived in Richmond, Virginia since 1990. I am 32 years old and running for elected mayor as a write-in candidate. After listening to a forum held at Willow Oaks Country Club on Sept. 9, 2004, I learned that I did not want to vote for any of the candidates. More of the same old politics with no hope for a better future and no discussion of the real economic issues that dominate American life.

I enjoy attending the meetings and learning about what the folks at City Council have in store for the people of Richmond. Things they have done lately that I disagree with include demolishing 2 blocks of historic downtown Richmond and the 6th Street Marketplace, as well their focus on cash intensive projects like the Convention Center, the Canal Walk, the $67 million project to "re-vitalize" Broad Street, and now there's talk of a new Baseball Stadium--all these projects are good business for the construction companies but not much use to the majority of the people who live in Richmond. Meanwhile, assessments year after year steadily grow higher.

I ran for City Council in the 6th District in 2002. Visit my 2002 Campaign website to get a better idea of who I am and where my interests lay. View the literature I created for the campaign of Nov. 5, 2002.

City funds should go toward financing real programs and jobs for citizens of Richmond, and improving the quality of life in Richmond.

If you agree with me, I need your help. I need your vote and I need your help getting my message heard. If you are interested in working on my campaign, would like me to speak to your citizen group, or just have some questions, please give me a call at 804-683-7845 or email me h.

Who is funding your favorite candidate?

Douglas Wilder raised the most money, over half a million dollars, $543,959, 64% of these contributions were over $500. Interesting to note $24,267 donation from Merlin Industries Inc. of Jetersville, Virginia and $5000 contributions from Jim Ukrop (of grocery store fame, the 1% meals tax Performing Arts Foundation) and Beverley Armstrong (also of the Performing Arts Foundation, part-owner of the Jefferson Hotel, member of Richmond Renaissance, and a member of several other local boards of directors). This is the sort of "co-operation" between politicians and business men needs to end.

Click here for more details on Douglas Wilder's contributions.

Click here for details on Mayor McCollum's contributions.

Click here for details on Charles Nance's contributions.

Click here for details on Lawrence E. Williams's contributions.