BY WILL JONES

Times-Dispatch Staff Writer

Richmond Mayor L. Douglas Wilder today accused two of his would-be successors of wanting "to return to that old form of government."

Wilder did not appear in person and was not available for questions, but in a 3½-minute video news release, the mayor offered a blistering attack that appeared to be aimed at two mayoral candidates: Del. Dwight Clinton Jones, D-Richmond, and City Council President William J. Pantele.

The video and a written statement that accompanied it were released one day after the council met in closed session to discuss possible legal action in the fight over whether Council's budget or Wilder's will be in force this year. Wilder has declared the council's budget invalid, saying it missed a statutory deadline.

Council has said it met requirements in passing its budget.

In the video, Wilder says one of the candidates for mayor "repeatedly opposed the switch to this new form of government. Another candidate for mayor is saying that the City Council's failure to meet a statutory charter deadline is contrived and the council is still in charge and the city employees should do as they did before."

Jones has said he voted to change the city's form of government to a popularly elected mayor, despite concerns about the "completeness of the legislation." Pantele was quoted yesterday on Richmond.com as saying that the budget dispute involved "needless conflict on an issue that's being contrived." Both candidates have been critical of Wilder's actions on the budget.

Pantele and Jones could not be reached and their campaigns had no immediate comment. Candidate Robert J. Grey Jr., who is closely associated with Wilder, did not return a message left for him.

Candidates Lawrence E. Williams Sr. and Paul Goldman said yesterday that the budget impasse underscores the need for new leadership in City Hall.

The budget matter boiled over this week after the city administration refused to release money for a cost-of-living increase for retirees that was included in the council's -- but not Wilder's -- budget. Wilder said the fight is not about raises but who controls the city. He said he would propose $6 million in cuts to bring his budget in line with the council's decision to cut the real-estate tax rate to $1.20.

The mayor also said it's possible that his amendments also could include a cost-of-living increase for retirees.

Contact Will Jones at wjones@timesdispatch.com