Lacey Putney, Lacey Putney - Virginia Capitol Connections

Transcription

VIRGINIA
Q U A R T E R L Y
Lacey
Putney,
Virginia
Gentleman
M A G A Z I N E
INSIDE
Our Gentleman of Virginia—page 4
The Gentleman from Bedford—page 7
Congressman Frank Wolf —page 12
New to the Senate & House —page 18
Winter 2012
VIRGINIA
Our Gentleman
from Virginia
4
Q U A R T E R L Y
M A G A Z I N E
Winter 2012 Issue
Lacey Putney, Our Gentleman of Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
The Gentleman From Bedford
Mr. Putney Virginia’s #1 Independent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
The Honorable Lacey E. Putney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
The Gentleman
from Bedford
7
Congressman Frank Wolf
Remarks at Commonwealth Prayer Breakfast . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Visions of the Capitol
The Photography of Wanda Judd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
New to the Senate & House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
How Did They Do It? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
EpiPens Enforced in Virginia Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Congressman
Frank Wolf
12
An Interview with Jeffrey A. Brauch
Dean of Regent University Law School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Around Capitol Square . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Association and Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
On The Web www.vccqm.org
New to the
Senate
and House
18
Volume 18 Number 1
Issue Editor–Brennan Long
Editors–Kristen Bailey-Hardy and Shirley Pappalardo
Publisher–David Bailey • Art Director–John Sours
School Distribution–Kristen Bailey-Hardy
Advertising–Ads@CapitolSquare.com • Printer–Clinch Valley Printing
Virginia Capitol Connections Quarterly Magazine
(ISSN 1076-4577) is published by:
Virginia Capitol Connections • 1001 East Broad Street • Suite 215
Richmond, Virginia 23219 • (804) 643-5554
Copyright 2012,Virginia Capitol Connections, Inc. All rights reserved.
The views expressed in the articles of Virginia Capitol Connections Quarterly Magazine,
a non-partisan publication, are not necessarily those of the editors or publisher.
Virginia Capitol Connections, Winter 2012
3
Lacey
Putney
Our Gentleman
of Virginia
By Mike Belefski
Fifteen years ago we called Lacey Putney—
The Gentleman from Bedford—
Today He’s Our Gentleman of Virginia
1. In our VCC July 1997 interview, you
were the most senior member and the
only independent. What makes you keep
your independent label today?
Good question. Going back a little
bit beyond that. The Democrat Party
moved too far to the left especially at the
Federal level and the last time I voted for
a Democrat was Senator Harry Byrd, Sr.
The only election that fall was our U.S.
Senate and our sixth congressional district.
Our Congressman Dick Poff, who was elected on Eisenhower’s
coattails. Prior to that, the sixth district, which is now split, was
very, very strongly Democrat. A gentleman from Roanoke ran
as a democrat. A little bit more liberal than I thought we needed.
So I called the attorney general and asked if I vote democrat in
all the elections in which I participate am I eligible to run in the
primary next year and he said yes. So I voted for Senator Byrd and
I didn’t participate in that congressional. I knew it was going to be
a blowout anyway. As an aside, the guy who ran against Dick Poff,
came down from Roanoke, was a former councilman, I think, and
was campaigning on Bridge Street in Bedford with a yellow sport
coat, green slacks and funny color shoes and he did about as well as
I thought he would.
Well, when I go to file for the primary, the chairman said did
you vote for so and so and I said Morton I voted for democrats
4
for all the elections in which I participated. Well, he shoved my
petition, and he said, “Well you can take this, you are not going to
run in the Democrat Primary.” I said, “Let me just hand them right
back to you and you can put them wherever you want them. I am
going to run and I’ll run as an independent and I have ever since.”
If the Watergate incident had not come along there were two
or three other Democrats, I won’t call their names, and several of
us were going to join the Republican Party. I’m supporting them
financially, anyway. I have been urged to declare myself as a
Republican and many of my old friends in Bedford County have
urged me to come back and run as a Democrat.
The voters do not like candidates who change political parties.
I saw it so graphically when Mills Godwin decided in his second
go-round not to run as he did in his first but to run as a Republican.
He ran against Henry Howell. Many, many people in my area,
conservatives, didn’t vote for him because they don’t like somebody
that switches party. The Republican philosophy generally, not on
all issues by any means, is more in line with mine: social issues,
fiscal issues and what have you. And I decided, every year I’ve
decided to quit for over thirty-some years, and I didn’t want to
alienate any[one], didn’t want to make any more political enemies.
So without any political party organized help or fundraising I have
continued to run as an independent. In several of the elections, I
have had the endorsement of the Republican Party, but knowing
that I should be quitting, retiring and somebody else would take this
thing I just did not switch parties. That’s the biggest reason.
2. How has the Bedford area changed since in the last 15 years?
Tremendous changes. We were one county with about 20,000
population. Since then the redistrictings have put Bedford with the city
of Lexington, Rockbridge, city of Buena Vista and Franklin County for
several years. Then in 1991, I don’t remember if a piece of Rockbridge
or a portion of Botetourt and Bedford County has made up the 19th. I
have had parts of the city of Lynchburg, Rockbridge County, Lexington,
Bedford City, and Bedford County. Anyway, and the last one last year
was the addition to my district of the city of Covington and Alleghany
County. All new territory to me. I’m not sure that’s a good answer as
to why I’ve continued to run as an independent. The voters in the 19th
and Franklin in most parts of Virginia, there a few exceptions where
the party label dominates, but my experience shows me that the voters
in my area vote for the candidate and are not members of or active
in either political party and while the party has been a help to some
candidates certain of the Republican Party has done much better in my
area than the Democrat Party but the beauty of it for me, I guess I
was fortunate, that so many of my colleagues went to bat for me when
the Democrats for years attempted to remove me from my important
committees, Appropriations, P & E and on several occasions it was a
close vote I am told.
3. I’d like to address the issues that VCC asked you 15 years ago and
see if you had any changes in your views—
Most Prestigious House Committee
No different, that’s historic. When I came here John Warren
Cooke, was Speaker of the House. His father was on Robert E. Lee’s
staff and at Appomattox with him when he surrendered. So he had
some connections with history. He was the chairman of P&E. The
first meeting of every session was to tell every new member, I guess
every member, that it was the most prestigious committee, the only
committee that had its roots in the House of Commons. Privileges and
Perks in Parliament for the most part were reserved for the Lords, MPs
had very few but inch by inch they acquired more of them. I have a
paper done by a graduate student at UVA some 15 or 20 years ago on
the history of the Privileges and Elections Committee. P&E was listed
first in the rules as the order in which a member becomes Speaker in
the event that there is a vacancy in the Speaker’s chair. That’s why
I became the Speaker in 2002 when Vance Wilkins resigned.
It’s an interesting paper to read. The Privileges and
Elections Committee was the forum that heard and tried and
decided contested elections all over the Commonwealth.
I remember reading a couple of articles about how they
almost had fistfights during election for sheriff in southwest
Virginia. That controversy was decided by P&E. The
jurisdiction was quite broad. It still is. When the committee
handles all constitutional amendments, all matters involving
election laws, reapportionment, confirmation of gubernatorial
appointees, and it handles very significant pieces of legislation
and I still refer to it as the most prestigious committee.
Virginia Governor’s One Term Limit
If I can find a reason to support it I would. Most of the
governors who have been drummed out of office and sent to jail,
I think you will find that most of them were in the second terms.
In attending legislative conferences across the country without
exception, legislators in every state with whom I’ve discussed it
say don’t every let gubernatorial succession come to your state. I
say why? Because once they are there they will do what they are
supposed to do and they will spend the
next two years making appointments
and campaigning for another
term. The Framers of our
Constitution
had
more
insight in human nature than
you can believe. They knew
the lust for power of man,
they thought the chief executive should do his thing in a four-year
term and move on. And as former Delegate Vince Callahan used to say
governors come and go.
Legislators are the reason we have AAA bond ratings and the best
state to do business. The bill got out of committee once when Governor
Mark Warner was here and I remember when it passed the first step in
the House, the governor was outside the door. All of the news media
folks were there and the Governor was beaming from ear to ear. Next
day when we reversed it, it was no long news worthy for some reason.
Governor Warner and I chatted about it very amicably and he said to
me one day, “Lacey, does it bother you that the other 49 states permit
gubernatorial succession and Virginia doesn’t?” I said, “Governor, it
bothers me that that many, all 49, are out of step”. More and more
members of the P&E committee who agreed with that view got stronger
and stronger and they killed it almost every time.
When Delegate Bob Purkey came before the committee, we were
meeting in the Speaker’s Conference Room, I was chairman, we were
standing close to the chairman’s chair, and ticked off all of the cogent
reasons why Virginia should adopt gubernatorial succession - all of our
manufacturing had gone off shore, all of our textile industry had left
America, many, many other things. Near the bottom he cited the increase
in unwed mothers in Virginia and I interrupted him and said, “Are you
suggesting to this group (and the press was all over the place) that the
increase in unwed mothers in Virginia is directly related to gubernatorial
succession?” Everybody was laughing and there were a lot of red faces
but anyway I never saw a thing about that in the press. More and more
the P &E members said no, no dice. A number of legislators who were
warm to the idea of doing a six year term instead of a four, for some
reason more and more of them became disenamored with it.
Most Effective Virginia Governor
Mills Godwin. Clearly. Both terms. I think he was a leader. He
saw that Virginia was not addressing core services particularly public
education and higher education. This prompted him to push for the
sales tax. He also was in office when we created the Community
College System. He was a staunch believer that education is
a great equalizer of our civilization and was a good orator. I
would call him conservative and the legislators were more
conservative then.
Gerry Baliles, in my opinion, was a leader. When you
can talk Lacey Putney into voting for the taxes that we
raised in 1986 you need to be a pretty convincing guy.
I think George Allen was a good governor, I don’t
think he has received nearly the credit because he had
a story to tell in welfare reform and the criminal justice
world, abolishing parole and it is amazing to think that
the use of the word “macaca” can do that to a guy that is
reasonably popular.
I think Bob McDonnell is a man of integrity that he
is really anxious to do what he promised and what is
right.
I’ve gotten along well, I hope I have, with all of the
governors. Virginia has been blessed that we have not
had any governors go to jail.
Issue of Abolishing Parole
I am probably one of the conservatives who had some
reservations about it but supported it. On balance I thought
it was a good idea. I thought we had too many recidivism
instances where they were let out too early, committed a
crime and brought back in.
The part that bothered
me the most and I
have not done any
checking
recently
was when you abolSee Lacey Putney,
continued on page 6
5
Lacey Putney from page 5
ish parole you are going to create a prison system of long-term inmates. Those who never think they will see the light at the end of the
day, when you have not anything to live for I think you are going to
be housing a group of unmanageable people and I do think to some
extent there is a little bit of a downside to that.
Proposal for a Sales Tax Increase—
Why do you think that’s the way to go in Virginia?
As far as I know all 40 members of the Senate and all 100 members
of the House feel that transportation is grossly under funded. I don’t
know of any of them with whom I’ve discussed it who don’t feel that
our roads are deteriorating, we are not building roads where we need.
I probably would be more consistent in my philosophy focusing on
the gas tax which is clearly there is a nexus those who use they pay.
I am equally convinced that those who don’t own a vehicle benefit
greatly from a first class transportation system.
During the Baliles special session in the 1980’s I took my elderly
mother to the supermarket. She said do I notice in the Lynchburg
paper that you ought to think about increasing the sales tax? I said,
yes ma’am. She said you mean I am going to have to pay more from
my little dab of social security retirement money? I said yes ma’am.
Look at the shelves, tell me how that stuff got there, it came over the
highways. You do not have to own a car to benefit. I don’t have any
children in the Bedford County School System but I have no problem
of paying reasonable taxes to have a quality system of education.
There is the crowd that you should never use general fund money
for transportation, which is one of the silliest arguments I’ve heard.
We are financing highway 58, completely paying off the bond with
the recordation tax. That is general fund revenue. Baliles started
earmarking ½ cent of the sales tax for transportation. My leaning
toward the sales tax may have been partly because many of my
friends here who like to vote by polls tell me that they gas tax polls
worse than any tax on the books.
I had no illusions about it passing. I talked to the Speaker ahead
of time and to the Governor. I asked nobody to sign on, I asked no
one to come to the subcommittee hearing. I thought it ought to be
on the radar screen and on the table for discussion because I can tell
you in my area we have secondary roads that no school bus should
be passing on. And if we all know we need them I guess it’s like
everybody wants them but nobody wants to pay for them. Everybody
wants to go to heaven and nobody wants to die to get there. The thing
that has really impressed me has been the editorials, It is amazing
some of the remarks I have gotten, one from a college president, They
say look we are going to organize, get behind this thing and get it out
of here next year. Now, I don’t know whether I will live to come back
but we will wait and see what happens.
Have you taken any vacation trips recently?
Carmela and I have been going to Wimbledon. We went to The
U.S. Open from 2007 to 2010. We have been to Israel for about ten
days. Spent two-three weeks on a honeymoon in the Greek Islands.
We just came back from about 18 days about 100 miles south of
Cancun called Playa Del Carmen. Most beautiful place I have ever
stayed in my life. Carmela is so crazy about the sun we have to go
somewhere. We don’t do a lot of big stuff because we don’t have a lot
of money. We live a very modest life out in the quiet country and like
it. The beauty of it is Carmela likes it.
Michael E. Belefski, is President of CPC Corporation, a
Communications and Marketing Firm specializing in Performance
Management Analysis in Business, Law and Political Systems. He
can be reached at cpccorp@verizon.net.V
SM
6
I
Reprinted from Virginia Capitol Connections Quarterly Magazine, Fall of 1997
The
Gentleman
From
Bedford,
Mr. Putney Virginia’s #1 Independent
by David Bailey
Virginia Capitol Connections appreciates delegate Lacey
Putney’s willingness to share his thoughts with the people of
Virginia through an interview at his General Assembly office
in July 1997. Lacey is the most senior member of the House
of Delegates and the legislature’s only “Independent.” As you
listen you will hear “vintage” Putney.
presume that much of our interview will
focus on the changes which have occurred
since I was elected 36 years ago, so let
me say at the outset that these changes have
been so numerous and sweeping it is difficult
to know just where to start.
It has been a rare privilege to have
served with 9 Governors-Harrison, Godwin,
Holton, Godwin, Dalton, Robb, Balilies,
Wilder and Allen, and when I recently
announced for re-election, a reporter from
the Lynchburg News & Advance pointed out
that if reelected for one more two-year term
my years of service would tie former speaker
John Warren Cooke for the longest term of
service in the history of the Virginia General
Assembly-38 years.
When I arrived here in 1962, members
had no offices, no secretaries, and the term
“legislative assistant” had not yet been
coined. The one secretary who was assigned
to the entire 6th Congressional District
would come to the member’s desk in the hall
of the House, when she could be located,
and with some degree of luck a member
might dictate two or three letters in a week.
There were 4 or 5 telephones for our use in
the Capitol and members would grab themfirst come, first served.
The Assembly convened in regular
session only every two years-the even
numbered years-for 60 days. There was
no “carry over” provision in the legislative
process and, therefore, any bill not passed
was dead for at least two years.
In my first session, 1962, there were
95 Democrats and 5 Republicans in the
House-1 woman, and no minorities. From
a philosophical point of view, the 2 parties
were the 2 wings of the Democratic Party-the
so-called Byrd Conservative Majority and
the other more progressive liberal members
of that party.
Looking back at the committee system the
most prestigious committee was Privileges
and Elections. Major policy decisions were
made by this committee, which consisted of
only 13 members and the Chairman of P &
E was the floor leader, who in the normal
course of things advanced from that position
to the Speaker’s chair.
The division of legislative services
was housed on the 3rd floor of the Capitol
opposite the Governor’s office-then
designated as the Division of Statutory
Research and Drafting. One of our more
colorful colleagues regularly referred to it as
“Statutory Search and Redrafting.”
The
Appropriations
Committee
room was on the 4th floor of the Capitol
(Remember, there was no General
Assembly Building). Budget deliberations
were conducted by a 5 member sub
committee called the Executive Committee,
along with the Budget Director and certain
representatives of the Executive Branch.
See Lacey Putney, continued on page 8
7
“
Putney’s Colleagues Speak in 1997
LACEY PUTNEY
from page 7
We junior committee members were
not permitted in the committee room while
the Budget Bill was being developed.
Capitol police were stationed at both doors
to the committee room to ensure that only
authorized persons were allowed to enter.
Other committees frequently met and
voted in closed sessions and often there
were no records of committee votes. The
committee chairmen did pretty much what
they chose to do when they chose to do it, and
a junior member didn’t dare to challenge the
chair! I remember one instance when a bill
to weaken the Virginia Right to Work Law
was placed in the pocket of the committee
chairman, and it remained there until the
session was concluded without any hearing
or official action being taken. Except for
the Appropriations Committee, legislation
was discussed and voted on by the entire
committee membership. There were no
standing subcommittees. One of the most significant changes to
occur in recent years was the very drastic
move to annual sessions in 1971. I opposed
this change because of the tremendous cost to
the Virginia taxpayers and also because it was
a giant step away from the so-called “citizen”
legislature toward a full-time one.
Moreover, there is less stability in the law
by reason of annual session. Laws become
effective on July 1 and no sooner than they
are being understood, implemented and
enforced, the General Assembly is back in
Richmond changing them again.
After a few years experience with
annual sessions, efforts were made to change
the Constitution and return to the biennial
schedule. This proposal, which was sponsored
by former Senator Howard Anderson from
Halifax County, passed the Senate once or
twice but died in the House Privileges and
Elections Committee on a very close vote.
This was primarily because of the influence of
Speaker John Warren Cooke, who genuinely
The conservative independent or the independent conservative;
or is he even a conservative? The only legislator who can
advocate an increase in the sales tax and get away with it.
Former Delegate Vincent F. Callahan, Jr.
The Democrats want him. The Republicans want him.
But the people of Virginia have him!
Senator Chuck Colgan
Senator Walter A. Stosch
believed that the legislative business of the
people of Virginia just could not be thoroughly
and efficiently transacted by meeting only
every two years. Later, I sponsored a similar
proposal in the House and, again, the influence
of the Speaker Cooke played a major role in its
defeat. Although I am still of the opinion that
the change to annual sessions was not in the
best interests of the people of Virginia, I am
no dreamer-I would predict that we will return
to biennial sessions about the same time the
legislature approves riverboat gambling-and I
hope that never occurs.
Question: When did you
become an Independent?
I was elected in 1961 as a Democrat
and reelected in 1963 and 1965. In 1967
local party leaders presented to me a loyalty
oath, of which I had never heard nor seen
before, calling for me to take an oath that I
had supported all Democrats in the previous
general election and that I would support all
Democratic candidates in future elections
from the Courthouse to the White House. At
this time the Liberal Wing was gaining more
control of the Democratic Party at the national
level and, because of this, I declined to sign
FutureLaw, L.L.C.
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Martin K. Johnson
Susan S. Gaston
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Roger G. Bowers
823 East Main Street • Suite 1801 • Richmond, Virginia 23219
Phone: 804-836-1980 • 888-252-6299 • Fax: 804-225-5508
Website: www.futurelaw.net • E-mail: martin@futurelaw.net
8
”
Lacey Putney is the finest example of a public servant.
A strong guardian of the public funds appropriated by the
state government and a fellow champion of the rights and
compensation of state employees.
the loyalty oath and ran as an Independent.
Shortly thereafter, U.S. Senator Harry F. Byrd,
Jr. ran and was elected as an Independent and,
in the aftermath of the McGovern nomination,
a number of Democratic incumbents in the
House of Delegates also ran and were elected
as Independents. Although I have not checked
the records on this, I do recall several who
ran and were elected as Independents-most
of whom immediately returned to the party
to avoid losing seniority. Those I recall
without looking back in the records are Lewis
Parker, Mecklenburg County; Ray Ashworth,
Sussex County; French Slaughter, Culpeper;
Calvin Fowler, Danville; all three delegates
from Prince William, Stanley Owens, Ken
Rollins and Bill Murphy. Delegate Owens
lost his Chairmanship of the House Finance
Committee, but Delegate Murphy returned
to the party and later became a judge, from
which he is now retired. Others include
Claude Anderson, Buckingham County, who
later became Chairman of Privileges and
Elections; Dick Bagley, Hampton, Virginia,
who also became Chairman of Privileges
and Elections; Norman Sisisky, Petersburg,
Virginia, who is now a member of Congress;
Charles W. Gunn, Jr., Rockbridge County;
and Eva Scott, Amelia, who later was elected
to the Senate and became a Republican.
Being an Independent is not easy. There
have been many lonely moments in recent
years, being the only remaining Independent
(I am frequently asked by my colleagues
which phone booth in the Capitol has been
designated for “Independent” Caucus
meetings); however, I have been fortunate
to enjoy an unusually good and cordial
relationship with Speakers of the House,
including Blackie Moore, John Warren
Cooke, A.L. Philpott and now Speaker
Tom Moss. I have also enjoyed an equally
warm relationship with the leaders in the
Republican Party.
Question: In the Gubernatorial election coming up,
Virginia is the only state where a governor cannot
succeed himself. Will we stay that way?
You have asked a very pertinent question as well as an interesting
one. I have not supported the proposed Constitutional change to
permit gubernatorial succession and, based on polls which I have
taken in my district, the overwhelming majority of my constituents
support me in this position. In view of the fact that Virginia is the
only state which does not permit gubernatorial succession, I predict
that this matter will be placed on the ballot for the voters of Virginia
to decide in the very near future.
Question: What do you see as challenges for the next
generation as we come to the end of the century?
Well, I believe the greatest challenges will be in the areas of
public education, higher education, transportation, and public safety.
Finding adequate funding for public education, both for instruction
costs as well as building and maintenance, will be no simple task.
Each day seems to bring something new in communications
and information technology which presents the potential for
improvements in the teaching and learning process, which I believe
will continue to be driven more and more by computer technology.
The electronic classroom with two-way communications — both
audio and video — will revolutionize instructional procedures and,
hopefully, provide the same learning opportunities in the poorer
school divisions as in the more affluent ones.
The heart and soul of higher education is found in the quality of
instruction. If Virginia is to be competitive in attracting the very best
professors, it is absolutely
imperative that a substantial increase in general
fund support be provided
without delay. As one of
few remaining members
who worked to create the
Tuition Assistance Grant
(TAG) Program for resident Virginia students who
attend nonsectarian private
colleges and universities
in Virginia, I think it is
acey dward utney,
also imperative that this
19th
House District.
program be continued and
strengthened.
Born: Big Island, Virginia,
As a member of the
June 27, 1928
Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Educa- Education: Washington and Lee
tion, I have become firmly University, B.A., LL.B.
convinced that our overall
system of higher educa- Occupation: Lawyer
tion in Virginia-public and
private combined is second Married: Carmela C. Bills
to none in the nation, and it Children: Susan Powers and
would be a travesty to relax
our commitment in this vi- L. Edward, Jr.
tal area.
Military Service: USAF (1950-54).
When we look at
needs in the area of Houses committee assignments:
transportation, we see Appropriations (Chairman);
conditions very similar Privileges and Elections; Rules
to those which prompted
Governor Baliles in 1985 The member of the House who
to call an historic special has served the longest, having
session of the General been elected in 1961, serving
Assembly to address the
critical shortage of high- continuously since 1962.
See Lacey Putney, Updated 2012
continued on page 10
L
E
P
9
LACEY PUTNEY
from page 9
way funds. Action taken during that twoweek session resulted in the largest tax increase in the history of Virginia. It included
an increase in the gasoline tax as well as
the titling tax, but the most important part
of the package was the increase in the sales
tax form 4% to 4.5% with the new half cent
allocated to transportation. This was the
first time in modern history that general
fund revenues were allocated to highway
construction and maintenance. I know of
no other initiative during my 36 years in
the General Assembly which has contributed so greatly to economic development
all across Virginia, and Governor Baliles
deserves great credit for his leadership in
bringing this about. I might add that I supported this largest tax increase in Virginia’s
history and, interestingly, not one constituent ever complained to me about my support for it.
Governor Allen, in my judgment, was
right on target with his initiative to abolish
parole during the special session in the Fall
of 1994. Although I strongly supported the
measure, I believe now, as I did then, that
more funds will eventually be needed for
professionally trained correctional officers
as well as adequate facilities. The impact of
this sweeping reform has not yet been felt in
its entirety because it applies only to felonies
committed beginning January 1, 1995. With
inmates receiving long sentences, even
young ones, knowing that they will most
likely die behind the prison walls, I believe
we can expect a substantial rise in the level
of violence in our prisons. This will require
more and better trained officers to deal with
a tremendously stressful work place.
As I see the fiscal picture today, we
have reached a very critical crossroad-a
point in the history of Virginia that calls for
political courage and leadership, especially
in the areas of transportation and higher
education, two of the important cornerstones
of our economic strength. While I am not
advocating a tax increase, I would support
increasing the sales tax from 45.% to 5%
with the additional funds earmarked for
education and transportation, subject to
voter approval in a referendum.
Virginia taxpayers will support this
modest increase if they know in advance
what they are getting. They know so well
the need for highway improvements, for
replacing thousands of unsafe bridges, and
they also know that something is wrong
in higher education when they can send
their children to out-of-state colleges for
less than it costs at our public colleges
and universities in Virginia. Frankly, I
don’t see this being accomplished without
the support and leadership from the
Governor’s Office.
Question: How about an
Independent for governor?
How about Lacey Putney?
Lacey Putney has made a lot of
concessions to the shortness of life. One
of those is not learning how to operate a
computer, and another is a decision to seek
no other elective office.
Question: What could you say
about the quality of members
of the General Assembly?
This is a very subjective determination,
and I like to think that those of us who
have been privileged to serve in the
oldest, continuous, law-making body in
the western world are men and women of
honesty and integrity. I must say, however,
that more recently some members seem
to vote along the lines of special interests
rather that what they genuinely believe
to be in the best interests of the people
of Virginia. Also, as the two political
parties become more equal in number the
desire to retain control versus the desire
to obtain control for the first time has
brought about a higher level of competition,
more campaign spending, and much
of what the news media likes to call
“negative” campaigning.
In recent years
there have been signs
that some in positions
of power seem to find
enjoyment in the use of
that power without regard to whether it best
Donald L. Ratliff
serves the CommonVP–Virginia Government and External Affairs
wealth. It has long been
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likely to be measured by
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10
“
Putney’s Colleagues
Speak in 1997
A wealth on Institutional
Knowledge- Lacey has
heard every argument
that exists on most of our
perennial favorites.
Delegate John C. Watkins
Truly a southern gentleman;
always there to help anyone.
Delegate Riley Ingram
Lacey Putney is one of the
few truly original public
servants remaining in the
Commonwealth of Virginia.
Delegate R. Steven Landes
A legislator that always puts
the best interest of the citizens
of the Commonwealth at the
center of his legislative goals.
He is known and respected
for his fairness, frankness
and compassion. Best put, it
can be said that his word is
his bond, his character and
integrity cannot
be questioned.
”
Delegate Joseph P. Johnson, Jr.
exercise of power rather than the extent to
which it is used and flaunted. By following
this course, the long distinguished history
and heritage of the General Assembly will
be preserved.
Through the years I have had an
opportunity to meet and speak with
legislators from other states, and I firmly
believe that no legislative body in this
country is composed of men and women of
higher moral character and integrity than
the General Assembly of Virginia.V
Reprinted from Virginia Capitol Connections Quarterly Magazine, Fall of 1997
The Honorable
Lacey E. Putney
LACEY PUTNEY
By Charles W. Gunn, Jr.
Some forty-two years ago I first met Lacey Putney, the
country gentleman from Big Island, Virginia. This young man was
different from most in his comfortable approach to strangers in
that he assisted them while thanking them for helping him. I never
saw him ask for help, but I saw him carefully seek out those who
needed help.
His deep compassion for his fellow man was quite unique and
so needed in our world today. He is a man of action with many
personal accomplishments of assisting the most needy without
seeking public acknowledgment. When he hears of a need, he
responds either in person or else contacts the person or agency
who can best address the problem. He is tough and thorough, while
coupled with a soft heart. If you decide to debate him, be certain
you are well prepared, for he seldom uses all of his ammunition but
saves some for the rebuttal. He rarely loses!
During his 36 years of selfless service, thousands of citizens
have been helped by his legislative actions. Equally, thousands
have been helped by his personal involvement or intervention. He
is an Independent by choice (officially since 1967) but has always
been independent in making decisions in our government. If it’s a
matter of principle, Lacey will take his stand even if he is alone.
That’s integrity at it’s best.
I am grateful to Lacey’s wonderful wife, Elizabeth, and
his children, Susan and Edward, for their sacrifice in giving
Lacey their sincere support during
these thirty-six years of service to
all Virginians.
In the re-apportionment of
1971, Lacey and I were placed in a
two member District consisting of
Bedford, Rockbridge and Franklin
County and the cities of Bedford,
Lexington, Buena Vista and a
part of Lynchburg. We had almost
identical philosophies, spiritual
and moral values and positions in
the past; therefore, we ran as a team
using a dual poster, news releases,
advertisements, bumper stickers
and pamphlets. We were re-elected
in 1971, 1973, 1975 and 1977 as
a team. We never differed on a
vital measure by our votes. They
were consistent with our promises.
Lacey deserves the credit for our
team working so well. He has the
expertise in dozens of fields where
I had expertise in two or three.
Lacey touched my personal
life and family in ways that were
miraculous as he did in dozens of
lives that I am personally aware
of. His private nature and extreme
humility prevent me from detailing these “personal blessings” that
he made possible for many of us.
I am honored to have the privilege of sharing with you some
of the contributions made by the country boy from Big Island; that
man of great integrity, wisdom, faith, compassion and humility;
the gentleman form Bedford, the Honorable Lacey E. Putney,
House of Delegates member, Nineteenth District, with thirty-six
years of distinction.
The Honorable Charles W. “Bunny” Gunn died January 13, 2009.V
11
Remarks at Commonwealth Prayer Breakfast
Richmond, Virginia • January 11, 2012
On the day my wife, Carolyn, and I visited Independence Hall
more resembles a termite hill than an Egyptian pyramid. Such
with one of our grandsons, our guide shared a story I will never
systems can appear to operate quite stably for some time. But there
forget—and it is a story that has particular relevance today.
comes a moment when complex systems ‘go critical.’ A very small
She told us that in September of 1787, on the final day of the
trigger can set off a ‘phase transition’ from a benign equilibrium to a
Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, eighty-one-year-old
crisis. A single grain of sand causes a whole pile to collapse.”
Benjamin Franklin is said to have wept when he signed the document.
Ferguson points to empires from ancient Rome to the Ming
James Madison, in a letter to Thomas Jefferson describing the
Dynasty to the Bourbon Monarchy to the former Soviet Union, all of
scene at that historic gathering, wrote: “Whilst the last members
which collapsed suddenly. Oftentimes their collapse was preceded
were signing it, Dr. Franklin motions toward the president’s chair
by out of control debt and in many cases moral decay.
(George Washington), at the back of which a rising sun happened
Consider the words of Norm Augustine, the former chairman
to be painted, [and] observed to a few members near him, that
and CEO of Lockheed Martin who since retiring has devoted a great
painters had found it difficult to distinguish in their art a rising
deal of time trying to get business leaders and others to focus on the
from a setting sun.”
critical issue at hand. He said: “In the technologyAnd then Franklin commented that during the
driven economy in which we live, Americans
course of the session he had “often looked at the
have come to accept leadership as the natural and
painting behind the president without being able
enduring state of affairs. But leadership is highly
to tell whether it was a rising or setting sun.”
persishable. It must be constantly re-earned. In
Franklin concluded: “Now at length I have the
the 16th century, the citizens of Spain no doubt
happiness to know that it is indeed a rising, not a
thought they would remain the world leader. In
setting sun.”
the 17th century it was France. In the 19th century,
History proved Franklin right. He was
Great Britain. And in the 20th century it was the
witnessing the dawn of a new nation.
United States. Unless we do things dramatically
It seems that every politician since has
different, including strengthening our investments
relished giving speeches in which they say that
in research and education, the 21st century will
the sun has barely begun to rise on our country
belong to China and India.”
and that America’s best days are ahead. As much
With these historic realities as our backdrop,
as I long for that to be true, I can’t help but wonder
we have to wonder whether we’re headed down a
if America’s best days are behind us. And I don’t
similar road. A sobering thought to be sure, but if
think I’m alone.
our nation’s leaders aren’t asking these questions,
There is a palpable national anxiety born of
who will?
certain realities which contribute to this sense
So today, as we begin a new year, with so
of foreboding—exploding debt and deficits,
much at stake in the life of our nation, I want to
shuttered factories, an acrimonious tenor to our
focus on what kind of leaders we should strive to
national discourse and a feeling that we’ve lost
be—and humbly exhort us to pray that we might
our moral and spiritual bearing as a country. Just
lead with excellence during these perilous times,
look at the debate in Congress the last few months.
with the profound hope that the sun will once again
People fear—and I fear—that these stark
rise on this land. I want the sun to rise, not set.
domestic realities have broader implications—that
We should aim first and foremost to be men and
America’s influence is waning globally and that
women of character. We can begin by examining
and women
our “shining city on the hill,” “the last best hope of
our own hearts and asking ourselves the question,
man on earth,” is dimming. I personally have never
what kind of person do I want to be? What kind of
of character.
been more concerned about our country’s future.
leader do I want to be?
We are $15 trillion in debt and that debt is
Author Steven Covey, who has written a
rapidly growing. It is projected to hit 17 trillion at
number of self help books, has observed that in
the end of this year. And our biggest bankers are countries like China
the first 150 years of our country, character—honesty, integrity,
and Saudi Arabia. Do we really want to be beholden to the likes of
courage—were the things we measured a person by.
these governments?
But in the last 50 years, our measure of a person is largely
America’s fiscal crisis has implications today but it also has
personality traits. Is she a good communicator? Is he a nice guy?
a direct bearing on future generations of Americans. At his 1796
If these are our measures, is it any wonder that it often feels as if
farewell address, our greatest president, George Washington,
the “giants” of industry, government and even religion have left the
admonished his fellow countrymen, “We should avoid ungenerously
field?
throwing upon posterity the burden of which we ourselves ought
Who are the giants of today? We would be well served to return
to bear.”
to our roots; to expect more of our leaders than charm or even
An appropriate charge for today’s political leadership.
eloquence.
Niall Ferguson, the noted British historian writes: “While most
The name of Moses is carved in the wall across from the
historians see the collapse of empires in ‘cyclical and gradual terms’
Speaker’s rostrum in the House of Representatives. When Moses
the reality is that they tend to collapse rapidly.”
was choosing helpers to lead Israel, his father-in-law, Jethro, gave
He goes on to say: “Great powers and empires are complex
him this advice in Exodus chapter 18: 21, “Select capable men
systems, made up of a very large number of interacting components
from all the people, men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate
that are asymmetrically organized, which means their construction
dishonest gain.”
“
We should aim
first and foremost
to be men
12
”
Isaiah chapter 1:17 says: “Learn to do right, seek justice,
encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless. Plead
the case of the widow.”
And Micah chapter 6: 8 says: “And what does the Lord require
of you? To act justly and to have mercy and to walk humbly with
your God.”
I challenge myself—and you—to follow these guidelines: to
be a person who fears God, to be trustworthy, to be a person of
integrity who pursues justice, and to do all of these things in a spirit
of humility.
We must seek to know our own hearts; our
weaknesses and imperfections, and be vigilant in
guarding against such failings, even as we pursue
these worthy ends.
I must continually ask myself: Do I want to
be a man of excellence or a man of expedience; a
man of principle or one who seeks to be popular;
a man who looks for the right thing to do and
does it, or a man who finds the easy way around
whatever I’m facing.
One of my favorite plays is “A Man for All
Seasons by Robert Bolt.” It is a historical account
of one chapter in the life of Sir Thomas More. In
one of the most convicting scenes, More is asked
by the Duke of Norfolk to go along with him and
others for the sake of fellowship and publicly
agree with King Henry VIII.
More says, “And when we stand before God,
and you are sent to paradise for doing according
to your conscience, and I am damned for not
doing according to mine, will you come with me for fellowship?”
Sometimes we may find ourselves standing alone on difficult
issues.
Such situations will test our character, for the words of Bobby
Kennedy, “Few men are willing to brave the disapproval of their
fellows, the censure of their colleagues, the wrath of their society.”
Kennedy continues: “Moral courage is a rarer commodity than
bravery in battle or great intelligence. Yet it is the one essential,
vital quality of those who seek to change a world that yields most
painfully to change.”
May we be men and women of moral courage and character.
Secondly, we must seek to foster reconciliation within our
“
country. Being men and women of reconciliation is a difficult but
critical task in today’s environment. At times the divides between us
seem insurmountable. The Congress has never been more divided.
But what we need in our country and world is reconciliation—
reconciliation between races, religions, countries, spouses, between
children and parents, between neighbors and between political
parties.
Today, regardless of your religious views, consider the teaching
of Jesus who is one of the greatest authorities on reconciliation.
Jesus stressed the importance of forgiveness and
of loving one’s enemies.
In Matthew chapter 18: 21 and 22, Peter asks
Jesus, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my
brother when he sins against me? Up to seven
times? Jesus answered, I tell you, not seven times,
but seventy times seven.”
When I think of reconciliation in the
political arena, William Wilberforce comes to
mind. Wilberforce brought together a group of
British parliamentarians from across the political
spectrum committed to abolishing the slave
trade in England at a time when the country’s
economy was dependent on this injustice. The
elimination of the slave trade is what Wilberforce
is most known for, but he and his friends were
active in at least 69 different projects focusing
on issues such as prison reform, education, child
labor conditions, and the reformation of culture,
including anti-gambling.
Almost 30 years ago I joined a small group
in the U.S. Congress modeled after the Wilberforce group. We meet
together weekly in the House Chapel for fellowship, Bible study and
accountability and encouragement.
Hebrews 10:25 tells us, “Let us not give up meeting together,
as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another.”
Indeed this group has been a source of strength and encouragement
for me.
When my hands are hanging down and my eyes burn, this
fellowship group has provided a place of refuge and support. In the
group, my best friend is former member of Congress Tony Hall, a
Democrat from Ohio. Tony and I disagree on many issues, and it was
See Congressman Frank Wolf continued on page 14
I believe that if
we can come
together in a
spirit of civility
and reconciliation,
finding common
cause on issues
of shared concern,
we can help
transform the
country.
”
See Congressman Frank Wolf, continued on page 14
13
from page 13
virtue, virtue requires religious faith, faith requires freedom.
not uncommon for us to leave the chapel to vote and one of us would
George Washington knew that religion—I would say faith—
vote yes and one would vote no.
and morality are the most important sources of character and are
But our relationship transcends party. Tony and I have traveled
necessary for the maintenance of public justice, order and prosperity.
together. Our families are close. Tony has even contributed financially
As such, in our political activity we should focus on creating a
to my campaigns. In fact, Tony was asked to speak along with me
national climate where conscience is cultivated and character
today and would have been here, if he weren’t out of the country.
flourishes. It is to that end that public policy, political and social,
Our friendship is a testament to the fact that when people
must be directed.
meet together respectfully and begin to listen to each other and
Is our country close to a tipping point or a turning point? Many
work toward reconciliation, it changes the nature of the way they
times people don’t want to hear the truth. As it says in the Simon and
conduct their business on the floor of the House and in committee
Garfunkel song “The Boxer,” “Man hears what he wants to hear and
meetings. If you pray with and for someone, and they pray for you,
disregards the rest.”
it is hard to then turn around and attack them, and much easier to
Decline is a choice. Conservative Washington Post columnist,
work with them.
Charles Krauthammer, recently wrote: “For America today, decline
My relationship with Tony has shaped my time in Congress.
When Tony was in Congress we worked together
on many issues of the day: human rights, hunger,
religious freedom, blood diamonds. And we still
work together.
I believe that if we can come together in
a spirit of civility and reconciliation, finding
common cause on issues of shared concern,
we can help transform the country. While most
of us operate in the political realm, I think it is
important to recognize that the problems facing
our country are not purely political, or even
mostly political, as such the solutions will not
ultimately come from government.
That is not to say we who are in government
cannot improve things greatly, because we can.
But we do our nation a disservice if we assume
that we can solve all of our problems politically.
For I would argue there is something far greater
that is ailing our country, something that is
profoundly moral in nature.
There is an insidious relativism that teaches
that concepts of right and wrong are oldfashioned, antiquated and even judgmental.
Vices are elevated, virtues are mocked. Faith is
squeezed out of the public square. Our culture
is coarsened as a result. These seemingly
intangible realities have profound implications.
More than 150 years ago, French statesman
Alexis de Tocqueville came to these shores
seeking to understand the secret of America’s
greatness.
De Tocqueville wrote: “I sought for
Extended Dinner Hours During Session
the greatness and genius of America in her
commodious harbors and her ample rivers—
and it was not there … In her fertile fields and
Open for Dinner
boundless forests—and it was not there … In her
Monday - Saturday
pm- pm
rich mines and her vast world commerce—and it
Private
space
available.
was not there…In her democratic Congress and
her matchless Constitution, and it was not there…
Not until I went into the churches of America and
heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I
understand the secret of her genius and power.
America is great because she is good, and if
America ever ceases to be good, America will
cease to be great.”
De Tocqueville’s observations were in
keeping with our founding fathers’ understanding
804 -377- 3968
of what would be necessary for this experiment
in self-governance to flourish. They believed in
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the triangle of first principles: freedom requires
Where Southern Hospitality Still Exists
Dinner at Julep’s,
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Virginia
apitol Connections
juleps
CapitolCconnection.indd
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10
1/11/11 1:34 PM
is not a condition. Decline is a choice. Two decades into the unipolar
world that came about with the fall of the Soviet Union, America is
in the position of deciding whether to abdicate or retain its dominance. Decline—or ascendancy—is in our hands.”
You and I, we the people, get to determine whether the sun
is rising or setting on America. Indeed there is much that is in
our hands. We can choose to be men and women of integrity and
character. We can make difficult decisions even if it means standing
alone. We can lead with humility and seek to foster reconciliation.
We can acknowledge the moral dimension of our problems, and fight
to make America good so that she may remain great. And perhaps
most importantly, we can pray.
You have come to this prayer breakfast presumably because you
believe in the power of prayer. I am reminded of an experience I
had years ago. I was at restaurant in my district—the Marco Polo in
Vienna—when an elderly woman with an eastern European accent
asked me why I thought the Soviet Union had collapsed. I gave a
reliable Republican response. I talked about Ronald Reagan, and
Margaret Thatcher, and Pope John Paul II, all of whom came on
the world scene at the same time. I talked about the arms race and
the evil empire speech. She let me finish and then told me that she
believed that USSR had collapsed because people of faith all over
the world, including those suffering behind the Iron Curtain, had
been praying for decades for that to happen.
I was struck by her answer, and reminded anew that I too had
prayed for the collapse of the Soviet Union from the time I was a
child. Likely not an explanation that would resonate at the State
Department, or the Defense Department or the NSC. But I believe it
to be true. And so in that spirit, believing that God answers prayers,
we have gathered today.
In 1 Timothy 2:2 we are urged to pray for “all those in authority,
that we may live peaceable and quiet lives in all godliness and
holiness.”
Indeed we should be praying for those in authority in every area
of life—government, business, religious institutions, the military,
family, education, media and culture.
In John 12:42-43, John says many of the leaders of the time
“loved the praise from men more than praise from God.”
They were concerned with their popularity. What about us? Each
of us needs to examine our own heart. We must lift up our leaders
and pray for them to have the wisdom and the courage to make sound
decisions that are good for the future of our Commonwealth, our
country and our world, even if doing so is difficult or unpopular at
the time.
So we return to our original question: Is the sun still rising over
America? Or is it about to set? If we are indifferent to the signs of
economic and moral collapse, then Niall Ferguson’s prediction will
come true: America will rapidly decline. And then we, and everyone
else, will live in a more dangerous world.
In returning to his farewell address, George Washington said
“Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity,
religion and morality are indispensable supports.” The general was
right. Will we remember and act on his warning? If we do, then
America’s best days will still be ahead and the sun will truly have
just begun to rise on this country.
Finally, we should pray that God’s favor would rest on this land,
that a new dawn would break and America’s best days would be our
legacy to our children and grandchildren.
May God continue to bless America.V
At Alpha, it’s not about pats on the back.
It’s about watching each other’s back.
At Alpha Natural Resources, we call it “Running Right.” It means watching
out for each other and speaking openly about safety issues. When you have
each other’s back, the rest is simple. www.alphanr.com
We power the world through the energy of our people.
15
Visions of the Capitol
The photography of Wanda Judd
w w w. w a n d a j u d d . c o m
16
17
Senator Bill Carrico
40th District
New to the Senate
Senator Dick Black
13th District
Republican Delegate Dick Black
represented the 32nd District in Loudoun
County, Virginia, for eight years. He was
born near his mother’s farm in Maryland.
He and Barbara have been married for 42
years. They have three children and nine
grandchildren.
He enlisted in the Marines in 1963. By age 21, Black became
a second lieutenant and was among the Marines’ youngest aircraft
carrier-qualified pilots. He flew 269 combat helicopter missions in
Vietnam. Ground fire struck his aircraft on four different occasions.
Black also engaged in bitter ground combat with the 1st Marine
Regiment. His radiomen were killed and he was wounded during
an attack against enemy positions across the Hoi An River. Black
served in small-unit actions where two fellow Marines—PFC Gary
Martini and SSgt. Jimmie Howard—each won the Medal of Honor.
After the war, he served as a flight instructor and later attended
engineer school. Dick left the Marines to attend the University of
Florida. He graduated with honors in 1973 and earned a law degree
in 1976. He later accepted a commission as a Major in the U.S.
Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps.
He supervised 40 attorneys at Ft. Lewis, Washington. There, he
executed one of the most complex federal land transactions in recent
years. He negotiated and developed legislation protecting competing
interests of state and federal agencies, environmental groups,
ranchers, and the Yakima Indian Nation. His efforts preserved the
hunting and fishing rights of the Indian people, and provided for the
eventual return of the vast, 63,000-acre tract to them.
Black headed the Army’s Criminal Law Division at the Pentagon.
He developed Executive Orders for the President’s signature, and
laws that were enacted by Congress. He advised senior government
officials on issues of national significance. He testified four times
before the U.S. Congress, representing the U.S. Army.
In 1994, Colonel Dick Black retired from military service to
become a partner in a law firm. In addition to operating a successful
law practice, Dick Black was a frequent media guest who appeared
over 30 times on CNN and other national networks discussing
foreign and military affairs.
He is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court and
the Supreme Court of Virginia. He has held a Top Secret security
clearance. His special interests include chemistry, herpetology,
foreign and military affairs, construction engineering and his
nine grandchildren.
18
I am honored to begin my first term in
the Virginia Senate, representing the 40th
District in the Southwest region of the
Commonwealth. My district includes my
home county of Grayson, as well as Lee,
Scott, and Washington counties, and parts of Smyth, Wise and Wythe
counties. It encompasses most of the 5th House District, which I was
blessed to represent as a Delegate for a decade.
Those years in the House provided me with invaluable legislative
experience that will serve me well in the State Senate. I was able
to chair several subcommittees and carry important legislation for
my constituents; I developed relationships in state government and
tried to build a reputation based on honor and integrity. I worked hard
alongside my mentor, Del. Terry Kilgore, and developed working
partnerships and close friendships with members across the aisle, like
Del. Joe Johnson. My years in the House of Delegates were some of
the most rewarding, challenging, and enriching moments of my life.
Having the opportunity to start a new chapter in my legislative
career in the Virginia Senate is an incredible experience. It is a
blessing to continue to represent thousands of the same constituents
I represented in the House, but I am eager to build those same
relationships with thousands of new citizens who now look to me for
representation in Richmond. It is also incredibly humbling to assume
the seat held by Sen. William Wampler for so long. He is a dear friend,
and I will always consider him to be my Senator.
Anyone who knows me is well aware of the fact that my faith and
my family are the driving forces in my life. Without the support and
sacrifice of my wife, Paula, and children Willie and Emily, my service in
the General Assembly would not be possible. They inspire me every day.
Senator Adam P. Ebbin
30th District
In 1968 in Commack, New York, I
remember chanting “Humphrey! Humphrey!
Humphrey!” while the other kids yelled
“Nixon! Nixon! Nixon!”at the flagpole.
After a brief flirtation with the American
University College Republicans, I became a
Democrat and never looked back.
After twenty years of work in the Democratic Party, then Governor
Mark Warner appointed me to serve as Chief Deputy Commissioner
of the Department of Labor and Industry. I left in 2003 to join a
crowded Democratic primary field for the House of Delegates in the
49th District, winning with a 43-vote margin.
This past November, I was elected Senator of the 30th District,
succeeding Patsy Ticer and representing parts of Alexandria,
Arlington and Fairfax County, including Pentagon City, Reagan
National Airport, Old Town and George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Estate.
Two of my major accomplishments are appearing on the David
Letterman Show and having a photo taken with Lenny Kravitz. Friend
me on Facebook to see!
Senator
Barbara A. Favola
31st District
Senator Barbara A. Favola represents
Virginia’s 31st district, which stretches
from Fort Myer and Arlington, up the
Potomac River and into Loudon County.
She served on the Arlington County
Board for fourteen years and chaired that
body three times. During her service with the county, Senator Favola
was the board’s leading advocate for children, youth and families,
and her contributions to the community include establishing mental
health services in the public schools. As a senator, Barbara is focusing
her legislative efforts on safety net protections for families, access to
healthcare, foster children and domestic violence issues.
In local government, the Senator championed land-use and
transportation policies designed to encourage smart growth along
metro corridors, meanwhile protecting surrounding neighborhoods
from encroachment. Today a member of the Senate Transportation
Committee, Barbara remains committed to smart growth values.
Senator Favola served as an officer for several years in the Virginia
Association of Counties, a statewide organization with 95 local
governments participating. Now on the Senate Local Government
Committee, Barbara is a voice for localities in state government.
Senator Favola is a vigorous supporter of universal human rights
and now serves on the Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee.
During Senator Favola’s tenure on the Arlington County
Board, she fought to clean up the Chesapeake Bay and bring green
technologies to communities by encouraging sustainable office
buildings. Senator Favola remains dedicated to environmental
stewardship and keeping the ban on uranium mining.
Senator Favola and her husband Douglas Weik have been
residents of Arlington and the 31st district since 1982. Their son,
Donald P. Weik, is a senior at George Mason University.
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Senator Tom Garrett
Available for private events
22nd District
What a year! 2011 was a roller coaster
ride filled with incredible ups and downs that
I still can’t fully fathom. From the Primary
Election that began in May, through the
General Election in the Fall and the passing
of my best friend and mentor, my father,
in December, to our arrival at the General
Assembly in January, it seems if I blinked, I would have missed any
number of life-changing moments. I have been truly blessed to have
family, good friends, and supporters to help me through it all.
We decided to adopt a modest amount of legislation in my
freshman year. Even so, the bills that I introduced conformed to
the basic principles that I campaigned on and promised to my
constituents. Those principles are to protect individual rights, limit
government interference and regulations, hold the line on taxes, tackle
unfunded mandates on local governments, and target the unintended
consequences of our laws. Together, these goals promote business
and jobs in the Commonwealth and the 22nd District.
I have learned quickly the challenges of legislating. Although
my principles and goals are clear, applying them to the myriad of
bills that have been introduced by my colleagues is not always so
clear. A great many bills can be discerned fairly easily and my stance
See New to the Senate, continued on page 20
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on them is consistent with the desires of my constituents. Several,
though, have not been so clear, with the constituents expressing their
opinions on both sides of issues. When that happens, my staff and I
go into high gear. We re-examine all the papers that we have received
on the issue. We talk to our colleagues. We call constituents. And, we
find ways to the modify bills to increase the number of “winners” and
decrease the number of “losers”. In the end, if all else fails, I cast my
vote consistent with the Constitution of the United States. It is the
unyielding guide that never fails.
I don’t know what the remainder of 2012 will bring, but with
the continued support of trusted family, friends, and constituents,
when I look back on 2011, I feel that I can face whatever comes.
Senator Bryce Reeves
17th District
I am honored to be serving in the
General Assembly on the Courts of Justice,
General Laws and Technology, Privileges
and Elections, and Rehabilitation and
Social Services committees. Every day
offers new bills to consider and multiple
opinions to evaluate. I look forward to the
daily emails and phone calls from everyone back in the district telling
me their thoughts on bills, and their reasoning behind those thoughts.
The office visits from friendly faces help me to stay in touch with my
constituents and allow us to stay grounded in what is needed back
home.
While the hours are long with numerous bills to consider, there
are many laughs and good times along the way. The first time I
had a bill up to pass on the Senate floor, the senior members of the
Senate decided they wanted to throw me for a loop. My formerly
uncontested bill was pulled from the voting block and I was asked to
speak on it. I knew I was able to present it, but the thought that there
was any opposition to my bill, that would provide more claims agents
to veterans, shocked me for a moment. After stumbling over the right
procedure to address my bill, I presented the merits of it and left it
up for voting. On the screen in the chamber the votes were going
crazy, from yays to nays and back again. Eventually it all settled
down and my bill passed unanimously. It was then that I realized that
the members of the Senate had a lot better sense of humor than I had
imagined.
I am grateful to be serving as the 17th District’s state senator and
I appreciate all of the support I have received so far. PARHAM CHAPEL
1771 Parham Road
(804) 288-3013
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1020 Hueguenot Road
(804) 794-1000
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
BERNIE HENDERSON
Director for Family and
Community Relations
20
ATLEE CHAPEL
9271 Shady Grove Road
(804) 730-0035
New to the House
Delegate
Mark Dudenhefer
2nd District
Delegate Mark Dudenhefer’s time on
the Stafford County Board of Supervisors
has set the tone for his first term in the
General Assembly. “People joked that the
moment I got sworn in that I would forget where I came from,”
Dudenhefer said. However, his legislative agenda suggests the
contrary. Of the 10 pieces of legislation he is carrying, 8 were per the
request of the counties he represents.
Having spent 6 years in local government, Delegate Dudenhefer’s
motivation is giving localities the proper tools to govern more
efficiently. His philosophy is one of less restriction and fewer
mandates.
A top priority on the Delegate’s agenda is halting unfunded
mandates. He has put forth a Joint resolution urging his colleagues in
the General Assembly to acknowledge the difficulties that unfunded
mandates place on localities and refrain from the practice.
While Delegate Dudenhefer continues to champion causes on the
local level, he is excited to have an instrumental role in another issue
of importance to him and the citizens of the 2nd House of Delegates
District: transportation. Delegate Dudenhefer currently serves as a
member of the House Transportation Committee under the leadership
of Delegate Joe May. The 2nd District is a unique constituency to
represent on such a committee, as it is split between Northern and
Central Virginia. The infrastructure differences between Stafford
and Prince William Counties place Delegate Dudenhefer in what
some may see as a precarious situation. Instead, he views it as an
opportunity to act as an ambassador between the two regions.
“I’m honored to be representing the interests of my area here
in Richmond,” Dudenhefer said, “it’s a truly humbling experience.”
Delegate Matt Fariss
59th District
Farmer, cattleman, logger, father,
husband and “good son” are all terms that
describe the newly elected delegate for the
59th district, Matt Fariss. Matt is a seventh
generation native of Campbell County with
a desire for all of those who reside in the region and their future
generations to continue to enjoy the type of life he has enjoyed.
His wife, Crystal, and their three boys Hunter, 13, Bobby, 6, and
Harrison, 3, are the reason Matt entered this campaign. His passion
and reason for stepping into the political arena is the hope that he
can make a difference so that his children and grandchildren can
continue to enjoy the same rights and freedoms that he grew up with.
As a “common-sense conservative,” Matt has vowed to stand against
liberal policies that will put those liberties in jeopardy. Despite his
various successes, he is first and foremost a Christian family man
committed to serving his family and community.
Matt truly feels blessed to have grown up in rural Virginia.
Matt has employed the values of hard work that he’s learned since
he was a child. At a young age, with the guidance of his father, he
began purchasing cattle and learning the cattle business. Through
the years, in addition to raising cattle, Matt has operated a country
store, managed large amounts of real estate and farming operations,
and most recently, has acquired a large organic, free range egg farm
in Nelson County boasting 60,000 laying hens. He is currently coowner and Vice President of the Lynchburg Livestock Market, the
largest livestock market center in Virginia. Matt has mastered many
business ventures, and always has multiple projects going on at one
time. As delegate, he will apply that business savvy towards serving
his constituents in Richmond.
After being approached by Watkins Abbitt, who served the 59th
district for 26 years, about running for the seat he would vacate upon
retirement, Matt had to do a lot of soul-searching to decide whether or
not to throw his hat in the ring. Seeking political office is not something
that Matt ever planned or envisioned for himself. As a result, his work
will be focused solely on serving his constituents. He understands that
times like these require sacrifices and commitments of those capable
of leading. Matt knows that Richmond is in need of a common-sense
conservative approach for the Central Virginia area that he represents
and, as a businessman, he feels capable of bringing that much-needed
attitude to the House of Delegates. With deep roots in the district, he
understands how to create jobs and make common-sense decisions.
As delegate, Matt will never become an “ivory tower” leader. Instead,
he will remain committed to being a citizen-legislator fighting for the
economy, values and future of rural Virginia.
Delegate Chris Head
17th District
Delegate Chris Head is beginning his
first term in the General Assembly serving
the Roanoke Valley from the 17th District.
Chris is a conservative who practices what
he preaches every day. Chris and his wife
Betsy run a successful family business, Home Instead Senior Care,
which focuses on keeping families together and helping loved ones
live independently. The business provides non-medical in-home care
to seniors in Roanoke and Lynchburg.
Over 2,000 seniors have counted on Chris to help them live
independently and he has not failed them. Thousands of families in the
Roanoke area have trusted and depended on Chris and Betsy with their
loved ones. Home Instead Senior Care was awarded Small Business of
the Year from the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce in 2009.
Chris brings the same attitude of success to Richmond to work for the
people that have given him the privilege to serve. Chris knows how
to balance a budget during hard economic times based on his years of
experience running a successful small business.
Chris Head’s personal and business life is about keeping
families together and making them stronger. As a deacon at Bonsack
Baptist Church, Chris volunteers his time to strengthen his church
and community.
Delegate Keith Hodges
98th District
As the new delegate for the 98th District,
I have big shoes to fill. Harvey Morgan
was the Delegate for 32 years and created
a legacy matched by very few legislators.
Like Harvey, when he first became a
Delegate, I am a practicing pharmacist and
See New to the House, continued on page 22
V
21
New to the House
a small business owner. I have been involved for a number of years
with healthcare issues at both the state and the national level. I look
forward to continue working on these issues on the legislative side.
My appointment to the Health, Welfare and Institutions and the
Counties, Cities and Towns committees will enable me to hit the ground
running and work on legislation near and dear to me. I hope to add much
to these discussions while making sure that the needs of not only the
constituents of the 98th but that of the Commonwealth are met.
The folks in the General Assembly are fantastic. From the first days
of orientation, to presenting my first bill on the House floor, the entire
process has been unbelievable. I look forward each day to hustle and
bustle in the General Assembly building and meeting with constituents.
One of the highlights in my first session would have to be the
Commemorative Session at the Colonial Capitol in Williamsburg.
The event was surreal. The magnitude of the importance and history
of this governing body was so clear at that moment. It is an honor to
follow in the footsteps of our Founding Fathers and to be a part of the
oldest elected governing body in the Western Hemisphere.
Delegate Alfonso Lopez
49th District
My father was born in a small town in
the Andes mountains region of Venezuela.
He was one of twenty-two brothers and
sisters from the same parents. At the age
of 19 he came to this country with $260 in
his pocket and the dream of a better life. He
worked as a bus boy and waiter, learned English, and went to school.
He graduated from Northern Virginia Community College when I
was five years old. He then took one class each semester, every year
at George Mason University, until he graduated from college one
month before I graduated from Robinson High School in Fairfax. As
a result of his achieving the American Dream, my father was able to
change the lives of my entire family in Latin America.
My mother was a teacher and guidance counselor in Arlington
Public Schools for over 20 years. For most of her career she worked
with ESL and immigrant children at Washington and Lee High
School. As a direct result of her efforts, over 1,000 children, who
might have otherwise fallen through the cracks, were able to continue
their education after high school and graduate from college.
Throughout my life, my parents reminded me of the value of public
service and taught me that if you have the opportunity, you should always
give back to your community. My father also never hesitated to remind
me that in the U.S. it is possible for the son of an immigrant to have
the opportunity to work for a governor of Virginia, or as a Presidential
political appointee, or to be elected to the General Assembly. My mother and father touched the lives of countless people
in our community. Every day I hope to honor them and live by
their example.
W W W. V C C Q M . O R G
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22
Delegate
J. Randall Minchew
from page 21
10th District
It is an honor to serve as a member of
the House of Delegates to the 10th District
in the Commonwealth of Virginia. I have
found my first session in the General
Assembly to be highly rewarding and
exhilarating. To be able to impact public policy for my constituents
and the good citizens of the Commonwealth is a privilege and a
responsibility that I take very seriously.
My core principle for serving in the General Assembly stems
directly from Article 1, Section 2 of our Virginia Constitution,
“People are the source of power.” This provision holds “That all
power is vested in, and consequently derived from, the people,”
and that “magistrates are their trustees and servants, and at all times
amenable to them.” This provision, written by George Mason in
1776 in the Virginia Declaration of Rights embodies my belief in
servant leadership.
I also believe that liberty and governmental power often work in
countervailing ways and for that reason, my inclination is always to
be extremely wary of new governmental mandates and regulations
that affect the lives of our citizens.
I have deep roots in Virginia, having lived and worked in the
new 10th District for nearly 20 years. Earlier in life, I studied public
policy and economics at Duke University, and later studied law at
Washington & Lee University and theology at Virginia Theological
Seminary. In my community, I have had the honor of chairing both the
Loudoun County Economic Development Commission and the Rural
Economic Development Task Force and I understand the importance
of achieving community-planning goals by working with, rather than
against, free-market opportunities.
I am also an avid outdoorsman and conservationist, which stems
from my days as a Boy Scout. I enjoy hiking, skiing, mountain
climbing and a good game of rugby, both as a player and as a referee.
I have remained active with the Boy Scouts, and have had the great
opportunity to serve as a Scoutmaster both in my son’s home troop in
Leesburg, Virginia and at the 2010 National Scout Jamboree.
As an Eagle Scout myself, I believe that American Boy Scouting
is the most successful youth leadership movement in the history of
the world. Scouting teaches self-reliance, the importance of applied
values and moral principles, patriotism, honor and duty to others. I
will use these great tenets to the best of my ability in the General
Assembly as a freshman member of the House of Delegates.
Delegate Rick Morris
64th District
As a new Delegate, I wanted to make
sure that the students in my district had
exposure to the legislative process. In
December of 2011 I began contacting the
school superintendents in my district to
see if they would like to participate in my
“Delegate-For-A-Day” program.
The Delegate-For-A-Day program is designed so that the
principals of participating high schools and middle schools select a
student who is interested in the legislative process, and exhibits a
high degree of professionalism and leadership to shadow me for the
day. After the student is selected, my office coordinates a specific
day for the student to come to the General Assembly. After he or she
completes the program the student must create and present a report to
their class about their experience.
The student begins the day when I do. Sometimes this means the
“Delegate for the Day” is with me at my subcommittee or caucus
meetings as early as 7:30 AM. The student then joins me for all my
constituent meetings and watches session when the House convenes.
I provide each student with a copy of the constitution and information
on how a bill becomes a law. I then try and explain the various duties
that I perform to the student and answer any questions they may have
throughout the day.
I have been very pleased with the response I have received from
this program. Thus far, students from King’s Fork High School,
Smithfield Middle School, Windsor High School, Lakeland High
School and two home school students from Isle of Wight County have
participated. Getting to know these students has truly been a highlight
of my time in office so far. I am encouraged to see the enthusiasm
of students in their quest to obtain a deeper understanding of the
legislative process.
I am very grateful for the interest and participation of all those
involved. I look forward to meeting more students, providing insight
into the inner workings of state government and growing this program.
hen it comes to events no one
throws a party like David Napier.
Known throughout Central Virginia for his
wonderful food and hospitality, David is
Delegate
Israel O’Quinn
delighted to have opened his catering facility in
the heart of Shockoe Bottom. No event is too
5th District
My time in the General Assembly has
been a blur, the exact description I suspect
you will hear from each of the 16 freshmen
in our [House of Delegates] class. However,
the honor of serving here in this vaunted legislative body has not
been lost during all the rush. To think of serving in the same house
as Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry is truly humbling and quickly
makes me realize how fortunate I am to be here.
Speaking of Patrick Henry, he is actually a big part of who I
am and how I got here. I attended Patrick Henry High School in
Glade Spring, Virginia. Mr. Henry actually owned the land where
Patrick Henry High School sits today and the school was named in
his honor.
After graduating from high school I attended Emory & Henry
College, which is also aptly named for Patrick Henry. He remains
an icon in Virginia, and United States history and I am hopeful that
I, along with my fellow House members, will strive to be like him.
I grew up in a small community called Hayter’s Gap in
Southwest Virginia. Hayter’s Gap is a community of approximately
100 folks. That in and of itself isn’t particularly noteworthy.
However, out of 100 House members, the tiny community of
Hayter’s Gap is now the home of two House members. That’s
right; a community of 100 now has 2% of the representation in
the House of Delegates. Delegate Joe Johnson also grew up in
Hayter’s Gap. As a matter of fact, my great grandfather used to cut
Delegate Johnson’s hair many years ago. My grandparents were
also next door neighbors of Delegate Johnson’s. We’ve both since
moved into other parts of Washington County, but our roots are
still there and we’re both quite proud to be from the little tightknit community of Hayter’s Gap.
It truly is an honor to be serving in the Virginia House of
Delegates and I am grateful to residents of the 5th House District for
the opportunity.
See New to the House, continued on page 24
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23
New to the House
from page 23
Delegate
David Ramadan
87th District
David Ramadan has been a resident of
Northern Virginia for over 22 years. He is
married to Christie Wray of Franklin County,
VA. They have lived in Loudoun County for
over 11 years. David is a Republican and
was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in November 2011
to represent the newly created 87th District—Eastern Loudoun
County and parts of Prince William County. David serves on two
committees: Privileges and Election and Science and Technology.
David understands the challenges facing our Commonwealth and
continues to focus his efforts on creating jobs, finding transportation
solutions, strengthening education, lowering taxes and protecting our
constitutional rights and liberties.
David immigrated to the United States from Lebanon in 1989.
He is a graduate of George Mason University with a Masters of Arts
degree in International Trade and Transactions and a Bachelor of Arts
degree in Governments and Politics. He completed graduate studies at
Oxford University (Oxford, England), the American Graduate School
of Business (Geneva, Switzerland), Johns Hopkins University and
Georgetown University. He completed his high school at International
College in Beirut, Lebanon. Governor McDonnell appointed David
to serve on the Board of Visitors of George Mason University. He
formerly served as an adjunct professor at his alma mater where he
taught a course titled, Middle East Realities: Past and Present.
David is an experienced international consultant, executive
and entrepreneur in diverse areas such as franchising, immigration,
intellectual property, management and retail with extensive knowledge
of the U.S., Middle East and Indian markets. He understands how
jobs are created and what it takes to make our economy strong. In
2001, David founded RAMA International Inc., an international
consulting company dedicated to servicing a small number of
clients with customized solutions internationally. RAMA is based in
Northern Virginia with offices in India, Lebanon and the United Arab
Emirates. David is actively involved in several other corporations and
ventures including RAMA Legal, Curves for Women (Middle East
& India), Expand to America, and DRZ Jewelers and consults with
clients in diverse industries internationally.
Delegate
Margaret Ransone
99th District
It is an honor to serve the 99th District
in the Virginia House of Delegates. I grew
up in Westmoreland County and now,
my husband and I currently live in my
hometown where we are raising our two wonderful children. I have a
strong connection with the people and culture of our rural district and
it is a privilege to serve them.
For the 2012 Session I have been appointed to serve on three
committees: the Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources
Committee, the Committee on Health, Welfare, and Institutions as
well as the Committee on Privileges and Elections.
24
So far the session has been extremely busy. I have several
bills which have passed the House and some that are still working
their way through committees. I am also supporting bills that are
supportive to job creation, vocational trades, veteran services, and
bills that give localities more authority. I have been fortunate to have
many of my constituents visit our Richmond office. It is always nice
to see familiar faces from back home and to hear their concerns.
I have found the folks in Richmond very welcoming and helpful
and I feel as if I am making my way just fine through the historic
halls of my forefathers and hope to represent our historic district in a
positive, respectful manner.
Delegate Nick Rush
7th District
Delegate Nick Rush was elected to the
Virginia House of Delegates in 2011 to
represent the 7th House District of Virginia.
His ties to the 7th District are strong and
his roots in the New River Valley go back
generations. He was born and raised in
Christiansburg and attended Christiansburg High School.
After graduating from Christiansburg High School, Rush served
the US Army as a paratrooper in the elite 82nd Airborne Division. Nick
left active duty as a non-commissioned officer in 1989. Nick’s record of
leadership in the Army inspired him to seek a leadership position in his
community. At 23 years old, he was elected to the Montgomery County
Board of Supervisors as the youngest member in history. Rush served
for 12 years on the board and is a former Chairman and Vice Chairman.
In 2002, he left public service to raise his family.
Nick and his wife, Jennifer Whitaker Rush, reside in
Christiansburg, Virginia. His oldest son Cody graduated from Virginia
Tech with a degree in Political Science and was also commissioned
as a 2LT in the United States Army in May 2011. Cody and his
new wife, Tiffany, recently moved to Ft. Benning, Georgia to begin
his training as an Officer. His youngest son, Forrest, is currently a
sophomore year at Virginia Tech and is a cadet in the Army ROTC.
His daughter, Lilly, is a first grader at Pathway Christian Academy.
Delegate Rush currently serves on the Committee on General
Laws and the Committee on Militia, Police and Public Safety. He
represents the 7th House District of Virginia, which covers Floyd
County, part of Montgomery County, and part of Pulaski County.
Delegate
Michael Webert
18th District
I came into this job as a farmer and will
leave a legislator and farmer. My supporters
asked me to run because they felt that through
my business and history in the area, I would
represent the entire district not just a small portion. I take this into mind
as I pour through the legislation that comes before the General Assembly.
I also take my convictions and my character into account when I push
the voting button. While being a representative is a great honor, it is also
a great responsibility. With all of the hustle and distractions away from
home, it can be easy to forget why we are here. We are here because we
are leaders who believe in the power of the people whose trust we have
gained as they voted us into office. We are here because our duty beckons
Continued on next page
us to lead where others would rather follow. We are here because many
of us overcame the fear of being criticized to do what we believe is
right. Thus we are granted the power to make decisions on behalf of
the people and this responsibility must never be forgotten. There is no
freedom without sacrifice, however small or large that sacrifice might
be. There are many that have walked these halls before us and many
lessons we must learn as legislators. I look at every day as a test and the
source of knowledge is my district, my colleagues and the many that
have walked the halls of Jefferson’s temple. It is our past that defines
our future and for the Commonwealth our future is bright. Whether we
are democrat or republican, we all share a love for the Commonwealth,
and it is this lovable pride that I cherish most of all.
Two
Great
Events!
Shad Planking
Wakefield, April 18th
Delegate David Yancey
94th District
As a new Delegate, I expected long
days in the General Assembly and numerous
committee meetings where either I present
bills that I’ve patroned or vote on bills from
other members. I knew I would be reading
legislation and supporting bills that are
good for citizens of the 94th and throughout the Commonwealth. No
surprises there.
I’ve been thrilled that so many citizens from back home travel to
Richmond to share their views on pending legislation. It’s been one
of the best parts of the job. I have had many public forums and teletown halls and I mailed a constituent survey throughout the district to
maintain a grasp of public priorities, but when folks make the trip to
the General Assembly, it really does have an impact.
Both students and teachers come to my office, and we are working
to help young people prepare for the future. It is one of the best parts
of being a legislator. I’ve been visited by the Newport News 4-H
Club, the Healthy Families Initiative and other fine organizations to
discuss various issues in Newport News. As a Delegate, I represent
and listen to everybody.
As they say, there is nothing like success, and it was wonderful
to patron a bill to allow veterans with a disability to purchase a
discounted hunting and fishing lifetime license with an option to
choose either hunting or fishing for a lower cost. It was an honor
to work with Governor McDonnell and gain a unanimous 98-0 vote
in the House of Delegates for this excellent legislation. A few days
earlier, one of my bills passed 97-1, so it was nice to even that out.
Unfortunately, the reality is that not all my legislation will be a race
between 97 or 98 votes, but we can hope, can’t we?V
Sponsored by the Wakefield Ruritan Club
www.shadplanking.com
Poormans Dinner
Galax, August 11th
The largest gathering of
elected officials in SWVA
Sponsored by the Twin County
Regional Chamber of Commerce
Felts Park, overlooking the
77th Annual Fiddlers Convention
Coming in the
Spring Issue —
Senator Chuck Colgan begins his 10th Term
2012 General Assembly Leadership
Virginia’s Girl Scouts at the Capitol
2012 Redbook
now on Droid and Air!
www.dbava.com/redbook_app/index.html
Virginia Capitol Connections has created an app in
Android and Adobe Air formats for their 2012 Redbook,
a nonpartisan annual publication dedicated to a more
informed electorate. These apps give citizens
the chance to reach their representatives
easily from their phones or computers, with
simple access to email addresses, phone
numbers and websites.
25
How Did They Do It?
By Charles Todd
Many state employees and teachers in
Virginia are happy with recent information
provided by the Virginia Retirement System.
In its winter “Retiree News,” VRS reported
that it had experienced a 19.1 percent return
on its investment portfolio for the fiscal
year 2011, ending the year with $54.6
billion in assets. “We are pleased with last
year’s results, especially in light of steps
taken in recent years to better diversify the
fund. On a risk-adjusted basis, last year’s
performance was outstanding,” said former
VRS chief investment officer Charles W. Grant.
If Grant was pleased, 156,165 retirees, including state employees,
teachers, law enforcement officers, judges, and some municipal
employees are also overjoyed and delighted.
VRS Board Chairman Diana F. Cantor said in the newsletter,
“The investment staff did a remarkable job by achieving these results
after the board reduced the portfolio’s risks to better protect the trust
fund from big market swings. Moreover, it marks the point at which
the investment program earned back all the losses previously incurred
during the market collapse in 2008 and 2009.”
The big question among retirees, financial advisors, and state
workers, is, “How did they do it?” With “safe” investments in
certificates of deposit paying a measly .4 percent and with a jittery
stock market and a failing real estate situation, it is a wonder to those
of us who deal with financial matters on a small scale how they made
remarkable profits.
EpiPens Enforced
in Virginia Schools
Part of the credit for the amazing success certainly goes to Ronald
D. Schmitz, who became the VRS chief investment officer on Oct. 31
after serving the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System for
eight years.
Again, how did Grant and Schmitz produce such startling results?
Pension funds in several other states are in deep trouble. The Wall
Street Journal reported in January 2012 that pension forecasts are
way too sunny, and most of target-date funds used by young investors
in 401(k) plans actually lost money in 2011.
The VRS Newsletter said that during the fiscal year, the fund’s
public equity program returned 27.2 percent and the real estate
program returned 23.2 percent. The private equity program returned
17.6 percent and the credit strategies program returned 14.7 percent,
while fixed income returned 5.8 percent. Jeanne Chenault, director of public relations for VRS, said she
could not tell us how the profit was made but she said that “The
success was due to the diversity of the portfolio, the diligence of the
investment team, and the market conditions.”
Last year in order to balance its budget without raising taxes,
the state borrowed $620,000,000 from VRS at 7.5 percent, making
that one of the retirement system’s poorer investments. Otherwise,
we commend the two investment officers as well as the VRS Board
for selecting such outstanding and successful portfolio managers,
and hope that their remarkable work will result in a Cost-of-Living
Adjustment this year. And, how did the board pick these special
investment officers? It takes a year or two for some churches to find
a minister. It can take months to find a school superintendent. It takes
years to produce a President. How did the VRS Board make such
good choices? We commend their good work.
Dr. Charles Todd is a retired Virginia teacher, principal,
and school superintendent.V
By Etta Carter
The 2012 session began and Capitol
Square is busy with excitement, with
hundreds of new bills introduced to the
General Assembly each day. Since this is
my first session here in Richmond I am
very excited that I have had the chance to
follow a bill that is very important right now.
After a seven-year-old student died from
an anaphylactic reaction while in school,
several delegates and senators have created
or supported actions to have epinephrine pens
(EpiPens) available in each Virginia school.
“Tragically it’s unfortunate that that is the way that it was brought
to a lot of our attention. Some mothers of children with food allergies
in our district called me in response to her death saying ‘Please, we
have to worry about this everyday under our current policy.’”Delegate
Farrell said.
Delegate Farrell introduced a new bill that requires Virginia
schools to keep two EpiPens on premises at all times. The bill also
gives approval for EpiPens to be administered to any child having or
believed to be having an anaphylactic reaction.
The bill gained support from not only Republicans, but Democrats
as well. Since the start of the session, Delegate Farrell’s bill has been
combined with Delegate Greason’s similar bill.
Delegate Greason believes that it is in the best interest of both
bills to combine them. “What Delegate Farrell’s bill was trying to
accomplish was requiring the localities to implement these policies
and to adopt these policies, my bill simply said that they may do
Virginia's
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See EpiPens Enforced, continued on page 28
26
An Interview with Jeffrey A. Brauch
Dean of Regent University Law School
The resplendent Gregorian buildings stand in juxtaposition to the
feeling of calmness and serenity one encounters while walking across
the campus of Regent University. The school is located on a 70-acre
complex in Virginia Beach and is a fascinating display of Georgian
architecture accented with arched windows and hand-hewn brick.1
The formality of the architecture continues as one enters Robertson
Hall, which houses the School of Law, where Dean Jeffrey Brauch
presides over a unique experiment, but more precisely an astonishing
approach to impart the rule of law without neglecting the very
foundations of its existence.
Saying Dean Brauch is well qualified for his position would be a
massive understatement. His education, experience and publications2
clearly declare his credentials. His near perfect undergraduate work
at the University of Wisconsin put him in the company of 17 U.S.
Presidents, 37 U.S. Supreme Court Justices, and one NFL MVP3
who qualified for Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest honor society for the
liberal arts and sciences. After four years of being on the Dean’s
List at Wisconsin, Brauch went on to receive a Juris Doctorate with
honors at the University of Chicago Law School. He came to Regent
as an assistant professor of law in 1994 and now serves as dean and
professor of law. He has taught numerous courses including “Origins
of the Western Legal Tradition,” “Christian Foundations of Law,”
“Human Rights, Civil Liberties, and National Security,” “Appellate
Advocacy,” and many more.
Being exposed to these types of courses seems to have served
Regent students and graduates well. Many serve in prominent
positions in the private sector, as well as government posts, including
the current governor of the Commonwealth, Bob McDonnell. The
governor is a 1989 graduate of Regent University School of Law.
Arriving in the dean’s office suite, one is impressed by the simple
elegance of the furnishings and surroundings. When entering one may
notice the near life-size portrait of what may be a typical pioneer of
mid-west America. Perhaps an early settler of Indiana, he has a Bible
in one hand, an ax in the other and a pistol tucked in to his jeans,
perhaps depicting one of the dean’s early ancestors in the process
of taming the land with all the tools that were needed. After being
somewhat daunted by the character in the painting, one is quickly put
at ease after being greeted by the dean. His relaxed manner allows
questions to flow freely and his answers to be received and chronicled
in an easy routine.
Dean Brauch said he was not initially interested in the position
as dean. “I started teaching here 17 years ago and I was attracted to
being a professor. I loved the idea of being with students and being
able to mentor them. And, I like writing and so I had no intention of
doing administrative work at the time. But then, after five years of
teaching, the dean of the law school left kind of unexpectedly, and I
was asked to become the interim dean of the school. I really did not
want to do it, but I was willing to try it for a year … . I tried it and fell
in love with it. I really enjoyed it.”
Prior to coming to Regent,
please describe what you were doing.
I worked as a lawyer in Milwaukee, Wisconsin … as a commercial
litigator for five years and I liked most of what I was doing. There
were parts of the job that I didn’t enjoy as much. So, I just began
praying and seeking guidance from people about how I could best
use my gifts. I really started thinking that teaching might be the right
thing. … I met the dean of the law school at an event … and really
became excited about the mission of this school. … that mission
http://www.regent.edu/about_us/campuses/campus_tours.cfm
Books and Monographs, http://www.regent.edu/acad/schlaw/faculty_staff/brauch
3 Peyton Manning; Achievement.org/auto doc/page/man0int-6
1 2 By Jack Kotvas
would be: There is an opportunity
to bring faith and law together in a
meaningful way. I was excited about
the opportunity to not only teach
students what the law is, but how one
might practice law with excellence
and integrity and character.
Brauch
When you were thinking about
coming to the law school, what was your biggest fear?
Well, at the time, this was in the fall of 1993, the law school had
gone through a transition period. The founding dean of the law school
had left and there was a great amount of unhappiness on the part of
some of the faculty members. So, the biggest fear was that I was
leaving a position that was very stable … and coming to a place that
seemed to be a little less stable at the time.
What would you say that you learned
from that experience, an “Ah-ha” moment?
I shared one key moment in that process with one of my closest
friends and I told him that the thought of going to this law school was
exciting, but it just seemed too risky, and I have to provide for my
family. And, his response was to say … “What? Who has to provide
for your family, Jeff?” It was a reminder that I had to trust God’s
leading in the decision. One of the things that I was very encouraged
about was when God took both [my wife] Becky and me from
thinking, “No, it is too risky, I don’t think that this is a wise move,”
to “You know what, you should be there; this is a great opportunity
for the future.”
So, tell me about your position as dean,
“a day in the life of the dean.”
Well, it varies a lot, I teach one class per semester, I work with the
faculty; we are working on the strategic plan right now. I supervise
the scheduling of classes and assigning people and aiding faculty so
that we are excellent at what we do. I supervise the Career Services
department. We spend time thinking about how we are going to get our
students jobs in a difficult economy. I also supervise our admissions
efforts … I spend some time teaching and … a lot of time planning.
I also do fundraising for the law school. Right now, I am “kind
of” the faculty director for our Center for Global Justice, so I build
relationships with individuals and organizations that are working on
human rights issues. … a lot of different things. In some ways I am a
public face for the law school, so I attend bar association meetings,
do some writing and internal administration things like budgeting,
supervising employees, and supervising faculty.
Do you have a metaphor
for what it’s like to work here?
I don’t know that I do. This is not a metaphor, but I will tell you
it is not a perfect place. But, it is a great place! It is mostly because of
the people I get to work with and the students that I get to spend time
with. There is a shared sense of vision and purpose that makes this a
really enjoyable place to be.
Regent is unique, with its Christian viewpoint,
but what other schools are attuned to Regent?
Another great question … our mission is very unique among law
schools. I would say that there are probably three or so schools that
have a mission like ours. Liberty University and Ave Maria University
are Christian schools that not only have Christian professors and have
a Christian history, but actually want to bring a Christian perspective
into the classroom. And while there are other religiously affiliated
See Jeffrey A. Brauch, continued on page 28
27
Jeffrey A. Brauch from page 27
schools that have religious aspects to their schools, in very few
schools does it actually affect what takes place in the classroom.
What’s the hardest thing
for you about being dean?
My responsibilities go in so many different areas that I don’t
always have time to do everything the way I would want to do it. And
so, I find when I leave every night, there is more I could do … . I leave
work undone every night, when I leave. It is a constant battle to put in
the appropriate amount of time at work, with family, and as an elder
at church. So, it is my constant prayer … that I am devoting the proper
amount of effort to each facet of my life.
If you could destroy one myth
about Regent, what would it be?
I think it would be that everyone at Regent is the same politically
and denominationally. I think that people would be amazed at the
amount of diversity in this school. While politically, I would say
that the average student is right of center at this school, but we have
both students and faculty members who are politically left of center.
Although all faculty members are Christians, we come from many
denominations: Presbyterian, Baptist, Pentecostal, Roman Catholic,
Anglican … our students come from all of those denominations … .
the vast majority are Christians, [but, not all]. I think that sometimes
people look at Regent and assume that everybody believes
theologically as Pat Robertson does or holds the same political
positions that he does. You will find that the classes at Regent are
filled with debate and discussion and a grappling with issues that
reflects the diversity of viewpoint that is here.
future of the nation than they did for their own political prospects.
Adams … would take on unpopular cases because he thought it was
the right thing to do. … I get so frustrated when I look at politics
today and I see unwillingness to compromise or to work across the
aisle. Huge issues are confronting the nation, and I don’t see giant
figures like those stepping forward today.
Did you have a model or idol
who you aspired to be as a youth?
My parents were both strong influences in my life. In many ways
my grandfather was somebody that I really looked up to as well. He
was a builder in California and even though he and I didn’t do the
same kinds of things professionally … he was just always there. He
was even-keeled, a Godly man, he loved and served others, and he
was the backbone of his church. People in the church knew that he
was the guy who was consistent and steady. He followed Jesus Christ
with all of his heart, all of his life. He was a very humble man. I
think it was looking at his character that made me see things that
I wanted in my life … . It was an encouragement to me that people
of his temperament could make a difference in the lives of others.
He was not a flashy, “Type-A” personality, not your typical mover
or shaker, where you think that this guy will make his way to the
top. He was steady, consistent, and humble, but deeply respected by
everybody who knew him.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Are there any political or social issues
you feel passionately about?
From the school perspective, I’d want people to know that
Governor McDonnell is a graduate of the law school. I’d want them to
know how successful we have been in competitions. I think sometimes
people underestimate the quality of the law school … . We have twice
won the Negotiations Competition, out of all of the schools in the
American Bar Association. In 2007 we won the championship out
of 220 teams; Harvard had won the tournament in 2006 and we won
the next year. Our moot court team won the 2006 National Appellate
Advocacy Championship. Every year we regularly win regional
awards. We regularly advance to national championships. And so,
this year for instance we are in the ABA national championships.
There are 24 teams left, after the regional competitions, and two of
the 24 are Regent teams … .
What would you do
if you could do anything else?
How would you like to be remembered?
I am passionate about protecting life and the value of life. God
made all human beings with dignity and worth that comes from being
made in His image. So, I am passionate on the issues of abortion,
euthanasia … human trafficking and, just grieved by how much our
society treats people like objects.
There is nothing else I would rather do right now. I think that I
would enjoy being an appellate judge, but I would really miss the
student interaction. And so, I think I am one of those lucky people
who is doing the thing they would want to do most in their life. I hope
that even when I am no longer the dean of the law school that I will
continue to teach here for the rest of my career.
If you could live in any other time,
when might that be?
Now, in terms of what era I would like to live in … . For various
reasons, I wouldn’t actually want to live in any other time than the
one we are living in now. I think that the technological advances and
the advances in medicine make this a great time to live. But, I would
love to spend some time in the 18th century of the United States. I
think the period of “Great Awakening,” to the founding generation of
this country [produced] remarkable people, thinking big ideas, where
the level of dialogue in this country was extremely high. I think it
would be really rewarding to spend time with men like that.
If you could have dinner with three famous
people from history, who would they be and why?
I would love to have spent time with Jonathan Edwards and
George Whitefield during the time of the great awakening, just to
hear them. During the founding generation, some of the people that I
would have loved to have spent time with would be James Madison,
John Adams, and George Washington. I think that these were
remarkable leaders who cared more for their fellow citizens and the
28
I would like to be remembered as somebody who served others
with excellence and integrity and made a difference in the lives of
others … family, friends, students and those that I work with.
Do you have advice to offer people
who are aspiring to be as successful as you are?
Work with excellence in any position that you are given. Care
about the people around you. And, to the extent that you are given
positions of leadership, serve others and not yourself.
Jack Kotvas served as former director of the Department of
Professional and Occupational Regulation and Assistant
Attorney General.V
EpiPens Enforced from page 26
it, this is a stronger bill that I think will help more children in the
Commonwealth.” Delegate Greason said.
Legislators who patron these bills include Dels. Rust, Dance,
O’Bannon, Kilgore, Greason and Sen. McEachin. Both bills will
require that teachers and employees of the school system are familiar
with anaphylactic allergies, and how to identify when a child is having
one. The pens are relatively inexpensive, and to supply them to schools
will use money that was previously set aside for situations like this.
Etta Carter is a Virginia State University Senior,
Intern at David Bailey Associates.V
Around Capitol Square
Retired Senator Charlie Waddell and his wife, Jane, arrive at the Capitol for
their annual visit to see Jane’s son, Senator Mark Herring of Loudon, in action.
Senator Waddell spent 26 years in the Senate of Virginia,1972-1998, before
joining Governor Jim Gilmore’s Cabinet as Deputy Secretary of Transportation.
Senator Waddell retired from state service in 2002.
The light is out across from the General Assembly Building on 9th Street.
However, the party is not over.
Our infant magazine, barely three years old, faced its first major crisis.
Delighted as we were with the articles on Lacey Putney, we made every effort
to get copies in our Congressional offices and throughout the Commonwealth.
My mother traveled with me as we took hundreds of the issue to the library
in Bedford where locals could obtain a free copy. Then came the threatening
phone call, accusing me of trying to influence the upcoming election and
informing me that I was going to be sued for some campaign violation. Barely
over the shock of the call, I got in touch with Lacey, telling him that I may be
needing an attorney. Once I knew that he would represent me, I began to relax.
While Lacey has more details, I’ll conclude by simply stating that I never was
sued and Lacey defeated the threatening caller with about 78% of the vote.
Lacey has an even better story about how the cover of our fledgling magazine
was waved around in the Senate Judiciary Committee, helping to speed up the
nomination of a Federal Judge. That’s Lacey’s to tell.
Intelligent Illuminations, represented by David Bailey Associates, provides the
monitoring unit that makes it easier to keep the lights working properly.
David Bailey
29
Associations
AARP Virginia
David DeBiasi, Associate State Director-Advocacy–(804) 344-3059
ACE (Alliance for Construction Excellence)
Andy Porter, Chairman–(703) 658-4383
American Cancer Society
Keenan Caldwell, Dir. Government Relations–(804) 527-3726
Ann Vaughan, Grassroots Manager–(804) 527-3714
www.acscan.org/virginia
Apartment and Office Building Association
Brian Gordon–(202) 296-3390
Bon Secours Health System (Virginia)
James W. Dunn–(804) 281-8235
Fraternal Order of Police, Virginia State Lodge
Marty Williams, President–(800) 367-0317
Inova Health System–(703) 289-2037 • (804) 644-8807 during GA
Donald L. Harris, Vice President, Government Relations
Outdoor Advertising Association of Virginia
Stephen W. Hughes–(804) 784-0501
Plumbing and Mechanical Professionals of Virginia
Laurie Crigler, Lobbyist–(540) 948-6230
Qualified Gas Contractors–Peninsula–www.QGC-VA.org
Richard Hibbard, President–(757) 229-8806
Qualified Gas Contractors–Southside–www.QGC-VA.org
George Fordyce, VP & Secretary–(757) 436-5490
Qualified Gas Contractors–Suffolk–www.QGC-VA.org
Ray Cobb, Chair–(757) 539-7484
Southside Virginia Volunteer Firefighter’s Association
Aubrey W. “Buddy” Hyde, Jr.–(434) 532-5994
Speech-Language-Hearing Association of Virginia (SHAV)
Seijra Toogood, President • www.shav.org
Cornelia Long, Vice President of Government Affairs
Virginia AFL-CIO
Doris Crouse-Mays–(804) 755-8001
Virginia Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
www.vamft.org
Virginia Association of Mortgage Brokers
Steve Baugher–(804) 285-7557
Virginia Coalition of Police and Deputy Sheriffs
Chip Condon, President–(800) 913-2727
Virginia Credit Union League
Richard D. Pillow, CLE, President–(800) 768-3344, x601
Virginia Education Association
Kitty Boitnott, President • Rob Jones, Government Relations–(804) 648-5801
Virginia Fire Chiefs Association
Jack W. Jones, President–(540) 587-0700 ext. 1233
Virginia Fire Prevention Association
Frank Teevan, President–(703) 257-8455 • (888) 668-8372
Virginia Fire Service Council
Stephen P. Kopczynski, Chairman–(757) 890-3612
Virginia Independent Automobile Dealers Association
Lois Keenan, Executive Director • David Boling, Gov. Rel.–(800) 394-1960
Virginia League of Conservation Voters
Lisa Guthrie; Executive Director–(804) 225-1902 • www.valcv.org
Virginia Motorcoach Association, Inc.
Doug Douglas, Government Affairs–(434) 376-1150
Virginia Petroleum Council
Michael D. Ward–(804) 225-8248
Virginia Police Benevolent Association, Inc.
Jason Knorowski, President–(800) 233-3506, x431
Virginia Professional Fire Fighters Association
Mike Mohler, President–(703) 591-9271
Virginia Public Media Association
Curtis Monk, Chairman–(804) 560-8114
Virginia Retail Federation
Margaret Ballard–(757) 406-9431, George Peyton–(804) 334-2932
Virginia Sheriffs’ Association
John W. Jones–(804) 225-7152
Virginia State Firefighters Association
Gary Allred, President–(757) 592-3240
30
Eateries
C Street
3325 West Cary Street • (804) 355-2200
cstreetrva.com
Chez Foushee
203 North Foushee Street • (804) 648-3225
www.chezfoushee.com
David Napier’s White House Catering
Historic Shockoe Bottom • (804) 644-4411
Julep’s
1719–21 East Franklin Street • (804) 377-3968
www.juleps.net
Meriwether’s at the Assembly
Capitol, (804) 698-7438 • GAB, (804) 698-7692
Hotels/Resorts
Berkeley Hotel (Per diem rates offered, restrictions apply)
(804) 780-1300 • 1200 East Cary Street, Richmond
Candlewood Suites Richmond Airport (Rates below per diem)
(804) 652-1888 • 5400 Audubon Drive, Richmond
Commonwealth Park Suites Hotel at Capitol Square
(804) 343-7300 • 901 Bank Street, Richmond
Crowne Plaza Richmond Downtown (Rates lower than per diem—Session, restrictions apply) (804) 788-0900 • 555 East Canal Street, Richmond
DoubleTree Hotel Richmond Downtown (Special Session rates available)
(804) 644-9871 • 301 West Franklin Street, Richmond
Hilton Garden Inn Richmond Downtown (Special Session rates available)
(804) 344-4300 • 501 East Broad Street, Richmond
Holiday-Inn Express Richmond Downtown (Lower per diem rate offered)
(804) 788-1600 • 201 East Cary Street, Richmond
Linden Row Inn (Special Session rates available)
(804) 225-5841 • 100 East Franklin Street, Richmond
Services
Connie’s Shoe Repair
110 N. 8th Street • 804-648-8896
BENNETT
FUNERAL HOME
Charles D. Morehead, Sr.
Funeral Director & General Manager
3215 Cutshaw Avenue
Richmond, Virginia 23221
(804) 359-4481
Settle and Associates LLC
Richard L. Settle
Settle and Associates LLC
288 Clubhouse Drive
Abingdon, Virginia 24211–3839
Phone: 276-676-4444
Mobile: 804-240-1850
Richard@settleandassociates.com
Learning
Service
cuLture
MiSSionS
the artS
Faith
teaching
coMpetition
What’S your
paSSion?
At Bluefield College, we believe passion
makes life worth living, and the pursuit of passion
allows for the accomplishment of goals and dreams.
Whether it is to perform, compete, learn, lead, worship, serve, or simply
belong, you can find your passion, nurture it, even live it at Bluefield College.
Live your passion!
on the Web
Bluefield.edu
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Bluefield.edu
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Providing compelling
public service media for
Central and Southwest Virginia
This Week in Richmond, hosted by Virginia Capitol veteran David Bailey, features discussions with Virginia elected officials.
Many episodes originate from the Capitol in Richmond, with the rest from the Blue Ridge PBS studio in Roanoke. In addition
to WBRA (Roanoke), WMSY (Marion) and WSBN (Norton), This Week In Richmond, will be seen on WVPT (Harrisonburg),
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Lacey Putney, Lacey Putney - Virginia Capitol Connections

Transcription

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