Dave Snow

As we pass midnight and press into 2024, my time as Mayor comes to an end. I want to thank each and every one of you for making this the most rewarding professional experience of my life. I dreamt of this opportunity since I was in high school, and never imagined how challenging, exhausting, and uplifting it would actually be. It's been an amazing experience that I will carry with me. There are some amazing people I've had the honor to get to know along the way who I am so happy to get to now call a friend, and some who will not be celebrating New Year's today, that I deeply wish were still here.

I want you to know that through it all - the high moments, the stressful days, the dire situations, the celebrations, the milestones, and the losses we all shared - the only thing that always kept things moving forward was you. You bring energy, life, and vibrance to our city that reverberates against the walls and back to the center. I will forever be grateful for this opportunity you have given me, and thankful for the energy you exerted to lift me from the lowest moments. You are my community, my neighbors, my friends, and my family.

Everyone keeps coming up to me and saying "What now?". Here is the best answer I can give you. Nothing changes about me in 2024 except my job title. My love, passion, and belief in this city are as strong as ever. I'm still the same joke-cracking overachiever at heart who runs toward the biggest challenges and tackles them head-on. I intend to keep finding ways to run toward challenges that make Richmond even better. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Thank you, Richmond for an unbelievable experience. I wish you, and our city, the very best in 2024 and the years to come.

Always fight for the beauty and authenticity of our amazing city, and let's keep Richmond rising!

Happy New Year!

I hope your day is filled with family, friends old and new, laughter, and memories. Merry Christmas to you and all those with whom you gather. Have a safe and wonderful holiday.

Today, there are many things for which I am thankful, and so much that we have to be thankful for as a community. I honestly couldn't imagine growing up, getting to know, and working with anyone else other than each of you. Thank you for being an amazing place to call home, Richmond. I hope you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving with family and friends. Today, I'll be starting my day with two favorite traditions. First, serving at Circle U. Then, listening to Alice's Restaurant while I start making a mess in the kitchen. After that, it's basically a free-for-all. Have a great day!

Today we honor our brave veterans who have served America with honor and courage. It is thanks to the sacrifice of our veterans, and their families, that we have the freedoms and rights we have today. Thank you to all who have served, all who are serving today, and those brave citizens who will someday take the oath to serve in our armed forces. Happy Veterans Day!

I've had a lot of people ask me how I'm feeling today. My overwhelming feeling is thankful. I'm so grateful for this community, and everyone who has lifted and inspired me over these past 8 years. I have felt for so long that I'd already been given more than what was my allotted share, and I can't possibly ask for more. This time in office has been a dream job for me, and I have enjoyed every minute I've had to work with such a wonderful team. Every single person that works for our city is passionate about the work they do, and getting to work alongside each of them has been a humbling experience I will carry with me for years to come.

Elections will happen, and elected officials will come and go. What matters is that you showed up and voted in a fair and trustworthy election to make your voice heard. That, in and of itself, is progress.

Always fight for the beauty and authenticity of our amazing city.

Thank you.

-Dave

All four vote centers in Richmond have extended hours until 7 PM this evening due to the widespread power outage this morning. I want to thank the Wayne County Clerk, and all of our poll workers who handled this situation with professionalism, and worked to find a solution that gives everyone the ability to cast a ballot. If you haven’t voted yet – or if you were turned away at the polls this morning – please take advantage of the additional hour of voting to make sure your voice is heard and keep Richmond Rising!

RP&L has informed us that we are back to 100% power in the city.

I’m very grateful for the work of the entire RP&L crew, our police department, and our street department.

Thanks to our County Election Board, the polls will be open for an additional hour until 7 PM. I’ve been informed that all ballots cast after 6 will be provisional ballots which means your vote still counts!

Please take the time to go to the polls and make sure your vote is heard for the future of our city!

I just received an update from RP&L. They continue to investigate this outage, as it did not originate from within RP&L structure. RP&L is slowly restoring power to the city, however it will happen over stages and take some time throughout the day.

Our Street Department will deploy temporary stop signs at some intersections without power. Please be cautious as you navigate traffic this morning.

I have had several people ask me about power at polling stations.
Power is back up at some polling locations, and those without power are working to accept provisional ballots.

Wayne County Clerk, Debra Berry, is determining at this time whether the polls need to be open later than planned to accommodate for lost time. I will stay in contact and try to share that information when it becomes available.

We are experiencing a major power outage. I have been in contact with RP&L and upon their inspection, they've informed me this is not an issue caused by our local power agency. This is a major transmission issue, and it appears as though other power agencies in surrounding cities have also lost power. Power is out South past Richmond, and East into Ohio. I am working with RP&L, our Police Department, and our Street Department to keep traffic moving safely. I will have updates from RP&L as they become available. Please stay safe, and stay tuned for updates.

Tomorrow is an important day for our city. I believe in Richmond, and when I look at this amazing city, I see a place of unmatched potential. I'm asking for your vote to both continue the work of this administration, and show your belief that Richmond can keep rising.

Positive, visionary, and collaborative leadership have been the cornerstones of my time in office, and it is on these pillars we will continue our work.

Here is the info with location and hours to cast your vote. I will be rotating around each polling place throughout the day. I hope to see you!

I’ve said it many times, the opportunity to serve as your Mayor brings out the best in me. I am challenged, lifted, and inspired by everything you do to keep Richmond Rising, and I hope to continue my service and leadership in this role, as well as my partnership with you. I’m working each day to push our beautiful city forward, and guide the next generation of leaders to one day step into this important position.

Every vote counts! As we forge ahead into the next chapter of our city, your voice through voting is an important guide as to how we move forward. You can vote today though Election Day on November 7. If you need more information, please click here: https://tinyurl.com/yc3tbj83

Remember, if you choose to vote straight ticket, you still need to vote for each of your At-Large candidates.

Let’s keep working together to keep Richmond Rising!

Trick or Treat starts tonight at 6p and runs until 8:30p. Please drive slowly, and be on the lookout for little monsters, ghouls, and ghosts. I hope you have a fun and safe evening. Personally, this is one of my favorite times of the year. I love all the great costumes and imagination on display. Have a happy Hallow-weekend, Richmond!

Right now, and through November 7, we have the incredible privilege as Americans to determine the direction of Richmond’s future through voting. This election is a call to action for all of us who see potential in our great city and care about the progress and the unified spirit of our community.

By casting your vote, you’re participating in the positive narrative of Richmond's future. Together, let's keep working toward a city
that is bustling with opportunities, celebrating diversity, and fostering innovation.

I believe in Richmond, and I'm thankful for the work you've done to make this an amazing place to call home.

Learn about all the times and places to vote here:

Early Voting Information Early Voting Information

It was a pleasure to proclaim Sunday, September 24, "Reid Center Day" in the city of Richmond. We are fortunate to have a dedicated group of individuals and organizations that have come together as partners to collaborate on ways to keep this historic site alive and vibrant. This beautiful 120 year old church features 62 Tiffany windows, a one-of-a-kind 1905 Starr concert grand piano, 14 bronze bells of Carillon, and an unbelievable Hook & Hastings organ. If you would like to support the Reid Center, and see this amazing site in person, I would encourage you to attend one of their many upcoming events. https://www.reidcenter.org/events

This is a difficult commemoration for all of us in the city of Richmond. One year ago today, we lost K9 Officer Seara Burton. Her personality and smile remain strong in the halls of our Police Department. As we reflect on her sacrifice and celebrate her life, we must find the fortitude to continue moving forward united, optimistic, and in support of those who choose a career in first response. As her mother relayed at the vigil last Friday, Seara would want us to cherish every moment, travel, seek out new adventures, get the drama out of our lives, and never miss an opportunity to spread kindness in this world. Seara's family has been so gracious with all of us over the last year, so let's give them some space and privacy today to allow them time to reflect. The service and legacy of K9 Officer Seara Burton will live on for many years to come.

22 years have passed since those early morning hours when news was spreading about the attack being perpetrated against Americans, the lives of so many citizens and first responders lost, and the unbelievable acts of heroism from those who fought back. In the days that passed after those attacks, I remember the national conversation about the importance of solidarity. I remember this country coming together in a way I hadn't seen up to that point in my lifetime. As we continue to mark this day, remember those we lost, and find ways to serve, it is my sincere hope we can return to that sense of solidarity and unity. We will always be closer to our aspirations as a society if we march forward united.

It was 5 years ago that Seara Burton was sworn in to the service of the Richmond Police Department. In 4 short years, Officer Burton made quite an impact on our community, and would become Richmond Police Department's first female K9 Officer. On August 10th, we will mark one year since K9 Officer Seara Burton was fatally wounded in service to the City of Richmond. In the ensuing days, we will reflect on her passing. Over the past year, we’ve found many ways to pay honor and respect to Officer Burton. Her legacy is unquestionable and will remain within our Police Department and surrounding community for years to come.

So many of you have reached out, surrounded us, supported us, and lifted us through this unfathomable time. Your support kept us moving and your kindness was always felt and appreciated. We are all so very thankful to be a part of this amazing community. As we continue to heal and move forward, it feels as though we should come together, as we’ve done so many times, and take time to reflect on Officer Burton’s life, her dedication to serving this community, and her ultimate sacrifice.

We will hold a special prayer vigil and time of reflection on Friday, September 8, at 6 pm on the south steps of the Richmond Municipal Building. Let’s take time to be together as a community and continue lifting Seara’s family and legacy. K9 Officer Seara Burton passed away on September 18, 2022. We are having this event on September 8 to give Seara’s family privacy on the 18th. Please join us in honoring K9 Officer Seara Burton and recognizing her life, who she was as a person, and what her service meant to all of us here in Richmond.

Today, we celebrate our independence and the hard-earned freedom of our great nation. Let's take some time today to reflect on the sacrifices that have been made to secure our democracy, and be thankful for the freedoms we enjoy. I hope you have a safe and happy 4th of July!

It's a great day in Richmond! Today, we broke ground on a $115 Million investment from Liberation Labs. This cutting edge plant will provide nearly 50 high-paying jobs and will serve as an industry leader in fermentation/bioengineering. This is yet another vote of confidence in our rising city! We have many more exciting announcements on the horizon! Let's keep going!

I would like you to meet JV, Jamaal, and Zeke. They call themselves "The Lemonade Boyz". I have been so impressed with these young men and their ambition to run a lemonade stand! I've talked to them a few times in the last week, and watched them put in the hours and work. They're raising money to purchase pool passes, then plan to keep working the stand to earn money. This is everything we could hope for in our youth; ambition, hard wok, and tenacity. Everyone talks about problems, and here I see 3 solutions. These guys are just one example of the great youth in Richmond, Let's get over to 18th and West Main and support these fantastic young men as they learn what it means to start and run a small business. The marketing guy in me couldn't help myself, so I took a second and made them a very quick logo. I have no doubt some of you could do a lot better. Let's make them a logo, make some stickers, and put them on their cups. I'll order and pay for the stickers myself. Post your logos here and we'll let The Lemonade Boyz pick their favorite!

On Friday I had a chance to tour Silgan Closures. I was very impressed with everyone at Silgan, the process, and the ingenuity that goes into being an industry leader in the closure business. My father spent his career in manufacturing (Richmond Casting), and growing up watching what he did fostered a lifelong fascination with how things are made. A big thanks to Jim, Rick, and the entire Silgan crew for a wonderful visit. Richmond is a city full of people making things for the whole world to use. I'm so proud to call this city my home!

We had a beautiful morning for our annual ceremony in Veterans Memorial Park to honor those who paid an ultimate sacrifice in service. On this Memorial Day, we also take time to remember the families who gave to us the gift of their loved one's service and sacrifice. Take time to remember all who have served this weekend this weekend and please be safe while you enjoy this amazing weather!

As data analysis continues, I have a team of volunteers here in the city building helping to assemble cleaning kits for residents to use once they return home. These will be available for free at the Health Dept. with details to follow. We have another meeting in the morning to determine the best time to lift the evacuation order.

***UPDATE**

As of 8am this morning, I spoke with Chief Brown and he let me know as a result of trying to clear the site, we are experiencing small flare ups as air hits smoldering material under layers of debris. These flare ups are under control and are causing further smoke and soot to continue to rise from the site. This is normal with any fire, and the overall situation remains well under control.

Just received a very encouraging call from our Fire Chief, Tim Brown. The fire has been fully extinguished ahead of schedule. Our Fire Department is to be highly commended for their swift and brave action. We're now able to turn our attention to collecting air and water samples and determine when the evacuation order can be lifted. Our goal is to get people back into their homes as soon as possible. We'll have more information to share once it becomes available.

Our Fire Department is still battling the blaze at this hour. EPA & IDEM are taking air and water quality samples. Our Sanitation District is sequestering drainage in attempt to keep contaminants from river water.(as well as monitoring down stream). We should have more information to share about all of this tomorrow at our press conference at 2pm. In the meantime, please refer to the reference link here to get updated information and contact info:

My Way Trading Warehouse Fire Information | City of Richmond Information about the My Way Trading Warehouse Fire

We are continuing operations through overnight hours. A bus will remain available for evacuation needs. I am staying in contact with our Fire Department, Police Department, and Wayne County Emergency Management Agency, and will continue to relay information as it is available.

We're awaiting results from EPA & IDEM. We do not expect the evacuation order to be lifted tonight. A bus will remain in place if needed and shelters are ready to accept citizens from the area. We'll share updates as they come in. 983-7580 for a ride - 973-9399 for shelter.