When Mayor Doug Wilder Ruled Richmond - by Linwood Norman

About the Book

As recounted by press secretary and historian Linwood Norman, Douglas L. Wilder's bold leadership as "strong mayor" of Richmond turned the status quo on its head.

Book Synopsis

Our nation's first elected Black governor, L. Douglas Wilder, returned to public service in 2005 as the first popularly elected mayor of Richmond, Virginia, in sixty years. Despite his landslide election, voters may have had little idea what they were getting themselves into, as many were ill-prepared for Wilder's strong style of leadership. He had remarkable success in reducing crime, cutting government spending, and boosting economic vitality, but Wilder's relationship with City Council and the School Board-and the disagreements that ensued from both sides-tarnished his record as mayor. Author and former press secretary to the mayor, Linwood Norman, skillfully recounts the turmoil of Richmond's transition to the "strong mayor" model of local government during what was a memorable chapter in Richmond's rich political history that is still deliberated today, more than fifteen years after Wilder's charismatic tenure concluded.

Review Quotes

"Mr. Norman delivers an unapologetically realistic description of former Governor L. Douglas Wilder's career from his humble childhood to becoming Richmond's first dynamic and controversial strong mayor. Norman takes you behind the scenes, giving you a glimpse of the man who defied conventional politics and blazed his own path to establish himself as arguably the most influential politician in the Commonwealth. This is great history!"

-Chris Beschler, director of energy resources, Rocky Mount, North Carolina (former deputy chief administrative officer, City of Richmond, Virginia)

"Linwood Norman's detailed new book provides a clear recounting of the discipline, clarity, and reform that Governor Wilder brought to Richmond, Virginia, following his term as governor. His achievements as mayor were yet another legacy to be remembered. Norman's book recounts this legacy with candor and detail and is not to be missed."

-Eva Teig Hardy, former Virginia secretary of health and human resources

"Provides a candid and informative look at the history-making, distinguished former governor who became mayor of his home city, Richmond, Virginia, a place he loved. He was unafraid to make tough decisions designed to lead a more responsive and effective city government. This book captures Governor Wilder's laser focus on accountability and results. You knew where he stood and where the buck stopped."

-Robert F. McDonnell, former governor of Virginia

"Leadership matters regardless of structures or processes. This enjoyable new book focused on L. Douglas Wilder as the unprecedented and still unequaled 'strong mayor' reveals untold, inside accounts of his admirable challenging of the status quo in Richmond.

"I've always appreciated Doug Wilder's prioritization of 'necessities before niceties.' The stories in this fascinating book give greater understanding of the undaunted, spirited leadership of Mayor Wilder who skillfully instilled accountability and integrity to entrenched, stolid bureaucratic governmental agencies that were failing to effectively and efficiently serve the people.

"This is a must-read for better comprehension of the dynamic responsibilities of essential local government, closest to the people, and in the midst of the historic evolution of governance in the City of Richmond.

"In unvarnished detail, this book provides a compelling look at Mayor Wilder's immense impact on public safety and accountability in education, and how he left the City of Richmond in significantly better condition than he found it. Leadership really does matter!"

-George Allen, former governor of Virginia