1ST DISTRICT
A millennial incumbent is looking to hold on to the West End seat, but in order to do so, he must hold off his millennial opponent.
Dawson Boyer, a real estate agent and co-owner of a small business, was appointed to the 1st District seat in February after Glen Sturtevant was elected to the state Senate. The Richmond Education Association endorsed Boyer in September. What does he offer that his opponent does not? “The biggest thing is, I’ve been involved for the last six years with our schools,” he says in an interview. “I’ve been a presence in the past, and I’m obviously committed to the future with my kids about to enter the public school system.”
Liz Doerr applied for the West End seat that Sturtevant was set to vacate, but was not chosen for the job. The Richmond City Democratic Committee endorsed Doerr, who has split her career between the nonprofit and corporate worlds. Her finance and organizing experience makes her a good fit for the position, she says. “I think I have a proven track record of bringing together people from very diverse, disparate backgrounds and perspectives and uniting them toward a common goal,” she says in an interview.
5TH DISTRICT
An outspoken incumbent could be on the outs as local interest groups line up behind her challenger.
Patrick Sapini, a podiatrist, is a first-time candidate for office. He has received endorsements from the Richmond Education Association and Richmond City Democratic Committee. He says raising teacher pay and increasing the number of opportunities for professional development are his priorities. What sets him apart from the incumbent? “I bring about a totally different mindset,” he says. “I think she’s very passionate, but I’m not sure how well she works with others.”
Mamie Taylor won her School Board seat in 2012. During her stint, she has been a thorn in the side of superintendent Dana Bedden, frequently challenging his administration’s proposals and voting against them. She also requested an emergency protective order against a board colleague. What does she offer the district’s voters that her challenger does not? “I would have to say that I offer full-time commitment. I do this all day, every day,” she says in an interview. “And I offer oversight through governance that I think my opponent won’t have the time or flexibility to do so.”
6TH DISTRICT
A former employee of the school division is threatening to unseat a precarious incumbent who has fallen out of favor with the local establishment.
Felicia Cosby is a former Richmond Public Schools spokeswoman who in 2014 was put on administrative leave because of an allegation that she served wine to an intern years earlier, according to media reports (she says the allegation is “false and unsubstantiated”). Her contract was not renewed, and Cosby sued school officials, but decided to drop the suit. She has earned the Richmond City Democratic Committee endorsement. If elected, Cosby says hiring effective teachers and principals will be her top priority.
Shonda Harris-Muhammed, a Petersburg public school teacher, was elected to the board in 2012. Her term has been tumultuous. In 2013, a TV news station exposed that she had lied about attaining a doctorate. Months later, her husband was arrested on drug charges. What does she have to offer that her opponent does not? “Consistency,” she says in an interview. “I do not waver on decisions. I’m running for reelection for the same reason I ran four years ago … I have a solid understanding and grip of public education.”
Correction: This article has been updated to reflect that Patrick Sapini did not receive an endorsement from the Richmond Home Building Association.
