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

"A fascinating account of one of America's most remarkable political figures. Linwood Norman reminds us in these pages that while all politics may be local, certain politicians make an impact far beyond their constituencies - and Doug Wilder was certainly one of them."

-Jonathan Eig, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of the biography, King: A Life.

"What makes Norman's book stand out is its storytelling style. Part history, part thriller, and part cautionary tale about the dangers of power. Norman's writing makes you feel like you're right there in the smoky backrooms where decisions are made ..."

-Loralyn Mears, PhD, editor of the substack,"Success Redefined"

"Norman, Wilder's City Hall press secretary, knows where the bodies are buried (figuratively!), and ... gives readers an inside look, in a clear, engaging voice, at this tumultuous, still-

controversial chapter of city history." -VCU Magazine

"Linwood Norman has written a marvelous, surprisingly unbiased account of When Mayor Doug Wilder Ruled Richmond: Strong-arm Politics in Virginia's Capital City."

- Wilford Kale, The Virginia Gazette

"Compelling, fast-paced and well-written study of those roller-coaster years ..."

- Stephen J. Farnsworth, PhD, University of Mary Washington

"An attention grabber chock full of nuggets to which only an insider would have access ..."

- Judson L. Jeffries, PhD, author of Virginia's Native Son: The Election and Administration of Governor L. Douglas Wilder

"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

"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

"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. Norman's book recounts this legacy with candor and detail and is not to be missed."