Richard Griffin (Councilmember)

Richard L. Griffin (Born 1949 - August 13th, 2008) was an African-American city councilmember from the city of Richmond, California.

He held a BA in chemistry and biology from SFSU and a MA in education. Griffin was a public school teacher and later principal before moving into politics. Griffin was appointed to the council in 1981 to fill a vacancy. His last term ended in 2006; he also served on his neighborhood council beforehand, that was the Laurel Park council.

He worked as a microbiologist for Schlitz Brewery and was chief chemist for General Dynamics Corporation. He has received three National Science Foundation Scholarships.

He lived in the city of Richmond for 37 years and served in the United States Armed Forces. He had been a union member in the United Administrators of Oakland Schools, Local 83.

He was a Baptist and attended mass at St. John Missionary Baptist Church. In the past he had served as director of both the Richmond Girls Club and Greater Richmond Social Service Corporation. In the past he served as vice-mayor.

Local Greens had criticized his and the council's performance as "abysmal" Fact|date=February 2007. Although he appeared on the ballot for the 2006 election he decided to drop out of the race for undisclosed reasons.

Griffin died August 13th 2008 after a long battle with various health problems. He was 74 years old.

Richard Griffin leaves behind a wife, two sons and three grandchildren.

References

* Voter Information Pamphlet, City of Richmond, 2006
* [http://www.richmondprogressivealliance.net/news_Cty_Council.html Asleep at the Wheel in Richmond] Chip Johnson, "San Francisco Chronicle", July 12, 2004
* [http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_10194137?IADID Longtime Richmond City Council member dies at 74] Katherine Tam, Contra Costa Times August 13, 2008