Annual Meeting Panel Discussions Spark Questions, Answers and Controversy

FORESight

VIRGINIA GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION Sept./Oct. 2013 Newsletter Annual Meeting Panel Discussions Spark Questions, Answers and Controversy

his year’s Annual Membership Meeting, held September returned response cards noted that they enjoyed the new 14 at the DoubleTree by Hilton, attracted a near capacity format. The panels were a hit! One catch however– they did Tcrowd of more than 125 members and guests. It was a stir up a little bit of healthy controversy (read more about that lively group of attendees, who came to hear the latest news on page 3). regarding the upcoming elections and General Assembly session from Executive Director Ron Jordan and listen to the The other panel, titled, “The Challenges Ahead for State participants of the new panel format discussions centering Employees around the gubernatorial race and VRS, Benefits and the and House and Senate Finance Committees. Retirees,” included Anyone who has ever heard the idiom “Be careful what you a panel of wish for, lest it come true,” will appreciate the good intentions experts on of the Annual Meeting Committee. They wanted to liven government things up, while keeping the speakers that VGEA members employee who regularly attend the Annual Meeting immensely enjoy. So issues, who Committee members came up with the idea to retain and add addressed a speakers and change the format. number of questions It was definitely the right move, earning positive comments sent in all around. Nearly every remark received from attendees who advance

Participants in “The Challenges Ahead for State Employees and Retirees” panel session (above, from left): Sara Wilson, Director, Department of Human Resource Management; Robert Schultze, Director, Virginia Retirement System; Betsey Daley, Staff Director, Senate Finance Committee; and Robert Vaughn, Staff Director, House Appro- priations Committee.

from VGEA members and attendees. The panel participants are pictured and identified above.

When asked about the outlook for Virginia’s economy, the group generally stated that things were improving very slowly, and the budget outlook and debt ceiling debates occurring in Washington (Continued on page 3)

w. w w w . v g e a . o r g

p r e s i d e n t ‘ s m e s s a g e Be Sure to VOTE on November 5! Greetings Fellow VGEA Members: candidates and the issues before Election Day. Determine which issues are most important to you and read up on where each The weekend of September 14, we had a beautiful day of golf candidate stands on those issues. Don’t just vote; vote in your on Friday and a very successful Annual Meeting on Saturday. best interest. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped to make these two events so successful. Proceeds from previous Third, exercise your right and vote. On Tuesday November 5, all golf tournaments enabled the association to make available polling places in Virginia open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. If additional scholarships to VGEA members and their immediate you are not able to vote in person on Election Day, then cast an families beginning in 2013.

If you weren’t able to come out for the VGEA Annual Meeting, I encourage you to attend a Regional Meeting. We held the last one on October 17 in Norton, and will begin the whole round of Regional Meetings again in March or April, so look for the new schedule in the early spring ForeSight!

We also encourage you to visit the Capitol and meet your legislators with the VGEA Board of Director members and staff on VGEA Legislative Day which we celebrate on President’s Day, Monday, February 17, 2014.

We are now in election season. Over the summer, the Board had an opportunity to meet with the democratic candidate for Governor, Terry McAuliffe. We are attempting to reschedule the meeting with the republican candidate, Ken Cuccinelli, which was previously postponed. But this election is not just about the gubernatorial race. The elections in the Virginia House of Delegates are just as important to At the VGEA Annual Meeting on us Virginia September 14, President Wendy Governmental Brown (pictured right, center) pre- Employees. sented tokens of appreciation for their service to outgoing Board of The following Director members including Doug offices are up Smith (pictured left). Looking on are for election in this general DHRM Director Sara Wilson and election, VRS Director Robert Schultze. Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, all 100 seats in the Virginia House of Delegates, four absentee ballot. You can do this either in person or by mail. You local constitutional offices in some of the independent cities in can request an Absentee Application from your local registrar. the state – Sheriff, Commonwealth’s Attorney, Treasurer, and In person absentee voting is currently in process, check with Commissioner of Revenue. your local registrar to determine their voting hours. You can get more information including your voter registration status at Election Day is November 5. In the days leading up to Election www.sbe.virginia.gov Day, I challenge each of you to do three things. First, check on your voter registration status. It may have changed. Make sure I encourage everyone to vote in November. We have a lot of that you and your eligible family members are registered to vote work to do in January; the outcome of these elections could and that your statuses are active. Determine which documents greatly determine how successful VGEA will be. are acceptable to be used as identification at the polls on the day of the election. Last July 1, the laws changed as to what Thank you all for your continued documents will be accepted as identification for voting purposes. involvement and support! Ensure that everyone in your family has the appropriate documents. Wendy Brown VGEA President Second, be an informed voter. Find out which candidates and issues are on the ballot in your district. Do research on the

2 VIRGINIA GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION Sept./Oct. 2013 NEWSLETTER www.vgea.org VIRGINIA GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION Sept./Oct. 2013 NEWSLETTER www.vgea.org 3

v g e a a n n u a l m e e t i n g Governor’s Race Panel Takes a Turn at Annual Meeting

panel discussion about the planned meetings between tunity to meet and talk with Cuccinelli directly, “it’s difficult to the VGEA Board of Directors and the two gubernatorial draw any conclusions at this point.” A candidates took an unexpected turn at the September 14 Annual Meeting, during questions from the floor. But the discussion took a turn when the floor was opened for questions to panel members. Retiree VGEA member Dee Esser Panel members, consisting of VGEA Board members, had just (VEC) asked if panel members had gotten any indication from completed reviewing their Cuccinelli about his position on take on the candidates’ “at-will” employees. She then responses to written ques- stated that Cuccinelli had told tions submitted from the a meeting of women business VGEA as well as their in- owners, where she was attend- person meeting with Terry ing as a consultant to one of the McAuliffe. business owners, that he “would like to see all state employees be A similar meeting had also at-will employees.” been scheduled with At- torney General Ken Cucci- VGEA Executive Director Ron Jor- nelli but was cancelled by dan then told association mem- the candidate early on the bers he had “heard it directly same morning the meeting from (Cuccinelli) also.” Jordan was set to occur. Repeated said he had intended to address attempts by the VGEA to the issue with Cuccinelli when reschedule that meeting the candidate met with the VGEA were unsuccessful. Board of directors to determine if he intended to act on the belief if In their remarks, Board The governor’s race discussion panel included Board of Director mem- elected governor. “It’s one thing members on the panel took bers (from left) Walt Pulliam, Ron Jenkins, Gale Grant, Mindy Stembridge to feel that way, but are you going great care not to favor one and Marshall Terry. to pursue that?” Jordan explained candidate over the other. In to the group. As previously noted, response to the written questions, both candidates emphasized Cuccinelli canceled that meeting and it has not been resched- their support for full-funding of the VRS but panel members uled. Cuccinelli’s campaign later denied the statement (see indicated that answers to other questions were unremarkable. In separate story). Jordan closed the discussion by emphasizing the the one-hour meeting with McAuliffe, panel members noted his VGEA’s nonpartisan philosophy, but also pushed state employees outgoing nature and that he walked around the room introduc- and retirees to make their concerns heard in the Nov. 5 elections ing himself to them on-on-one prior to its start. They indicated for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and 100 that other than VRS funding, he made no promises regarding seats in the House of Delegates. In an election with low turnout, specific state employee issues but said that he would be open Jordan said, “we would have a major influence.” to a regular quarterly meeting with the VGEA to stay abreast of state employee issues and concerns. Board member Ron Jen- For more information on “at will” employment and the remarks kins (Forestry) summed it up by stating that without the oppor- reported here, please see page 6 of this issue.

Annual Meeting Panel Discussions (Continued from page 1) acknowledged that state workers continue to lag behind their private sector counterparts, but they were generally cast a great shadow over what the future may bring. pessimistic about making more progress in closing the gap Regarding the Virginia Retirement System, a number of points in the next biennium given the great cost of catching up were made. Schultze explained the VRS investments in Star payments to the VRS. Scientific earlier this year, which is discussed further on page 7 of this newsletter and also in greater depth in the July 2013 Adding further to the uncertainty is the unpredictability issue of ForeSight, which can be found linked on the homepage surrounding future health insurance coverage. When asked of our website at www.vgea.org. about the likelihood of increasing the health insurance credit for current and future retirees (which is currently $4 per On continuing to repay the VRS for under funding that month per year of service) the panel was also in doubt. occurred in 2008-2012, the panel unanimously concurred that there is an absolute commitment to continuing to do so, and Finally, when asked about the University of Virginia changing with pension reform legislation adopted in the 2012 legislative its health insurance to eliminate spousal coverage for session there is also a statutory requirement to fully funding university employees, Wilson reported that UVa had the the VRS Board’s approved rates by 2018. authority to do so because it is the only fully independent state health insurance, but that the state has no plans to follow their When discussing employee compensation, the panel lead.

2 VIRGINIA GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION Sept./Oct. 2013 NEWSLETTER www.vgea.org VIRGINIA GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION Sept./Oct. 2013 NEWSLETTER www.vgea.org 3

2 0 1 3 g o l f t o u r n a m e n t VGEA Golf Tournament Raises Funds for Annual $2,500 Member and Family College Scholarships

he day dawned sunny and breezy – but not too windy – the absolute perfect day for golf. The VGEA group was not only fortunate with the Tweather on Friday, September 13, but also with the fantastic course, Brickshire Golf Club in Providence Forge, New Kent County, designed by Curtis Strange.

The weather and the course were great, and so was the camaraderie. Playing best ball, or Captain’s Choice, the eight teams teed off at noon with a shotgun start, after lunch in the Clubhouse.

The winning team of David Mitchell, Ricky Simmons, Sonny Farris and Ronnie Eagle scored the lowest with 58. Second place with 62 was Will Marshall, James Thurston, Lee Bess and Don Guillory. Rounding out the top three was the team of Bud Oakey, C.W. Laugerbaum, Bob Schotta and Bobby Northern with a score of 64.

David Mitchell won Longest Drive and Karen Lee and John Visinski won the Closest to the Pin.

ALL proceeds go to fund the four $2,500 VGEA Scholarships awarded to VGEA members and their immediate family members. Look for the 2014 application to be published in the ForeSight in the early spring and also appear on the homepage of the website in February or early March.

One of the teams who enjoyed the Brickshire links was (left, from left): George Connor, Bill Jeffrey, Mark Ogerchock and Robert Stagg. Above, a VGEA golfer takes a swing.

4 VIRGINIA GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION Sept./Oct. 2013 NEWSLETTER www.vgea.org VIRGINIA GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION Sept./Oct. 2013 NEWSLETTER www.vgea.org 5

t h a n k s t o o u r s p o n s o r s Thank You to Our Sponsors:

Volunteers helped to monitor the course during the tournament including VGEA President Wendy Brown, former president and board member Bill Dunlap and Ex- ecutive Director Ron Jordan (above, from left). 2013 Joan S. Dent Invitational Golf Committee Chair Roy Floyd (below left) presented the first prize cash to the winning team of David Mitchell, Ricky Simmons, Ronnie Eagle and Glenn Eagle. Golf Tournament Sponsors

• RK&K • Hanson Agency • Quinn Consulting Services • NXL • Lanford Brothers Company, Inc.

Annual Meeting Sponsors

• Hanson Agency • Liberty Mutual • American Income Life

4 VIRGINIA GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION Sept./Oct. 2013 NEWSLETTER www.vgea.org VIRGINIA GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION Sept./Oct. 2013 NEWSLETTER www.vgea.org 5

a t w i l l s t a t e e m p l o y e e s Cuccineill Campaign Denies, Then Clarifies ‘At Will’ Statement

tatements attributed to Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli re- capricious releases or disciplinary action. So, I want to limit that garding his position on the “at-will” status of state employ- a lot. Sees were initially denied by his campaign in an interview with the Richmond Times-Dispatch following the VGEA Annual “We brag in the private sector about being an at will state, Meeting last month. and we don’t practice what we preach in our government, so I wouldn’t quite get there, but I think we need to get a lot closer While taking questions from the floor during a panel discus- than we are right now.” Nolen told Cuccinelli that years ago sion about meeting with the gubernatorial candidates (see story when the state workforce was “at will” there was a lot of hiring page 3), retiree member Dee Esser and and firing and patronage in government VGEA Executive Director Ron Jordan both jobs. Did he want to risk that? “I am indicated that each had heard the At- concerned about that prospect, and I torney General state, on separate occa- “We brag in the private am concerned about, well, ’I don’t like sions, his view that all state employees underling X, so underling X is fired,’” he should be “at will.” Jordan said that in sector about being an explained. his experience “At will means you can at will state, and we don’t be dismissed without cause.” The Times practice what we preach in Cuccinelli continued, “There’s got to be Dispatch’s Michael Martz reported that some review of that. This isn’t a pri- Richard T. Cullen, communications di- our government,” said vate business, it is government, so I rector for Cuccinelli’s campaign, initially Attorney General do think some amount of review,” he responded, “We’re not going to comment Ken Cuccinelli. added. “But right now I’d move a lot on hearsay and false rumors.” Cullen said farther in that direction. Right now if the Attorney General’s position is “state you want to make significant reforms employees should not be subject to you almost have to have budget cuts to arbitrary or capricious firing. Nor should they be terminated for be able to do it, without a several- years-long process for some political reasons.” parts of state government.”

In an interview later, Jordan said Cuccinelli made the statement The VGEA opposes further expansion of the “at will” em- at a private fundraising dinner for the candidate this summer. ployment status among state employees. Jordan said that the bipartisan VGEA had donated $5,000 each to the campaigns of Cuccinelli and Democrat Terry McAuliffe. To read the complete Times-Dispatch stories go to: Later asked by Times-Dispatch Reporter Jim Nolen to clarify his http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/state-regional/government-pol- remarks, Cuccinelli said: “Just by way of example, the Attorney itics/cuccinelli-denies-at-will-comments/article_9fbb2545-1072-5ff4- General’s office is all at will…I do think that we should be mov- aff1-eb9aa8b9108f.html http://politics.blogs.timesdispatch.com/2013/09/18/terry-talks-medic- ing in that direction with state government, the rest of state aid-and-budget-ken-expands-on-plans-for-at-will-state-employees/ government, and basically have at will, minus arbitrary and

Mountcastle Steps Down with Exceptional VGEA Board of Director Service infree Mountcastle is known for getting things done. Every- one will agree – when he asks someone a question, he is Wprepared to follow it up. He knows all the facts, and if he is going up against you, you had better know yours.

A VGEA member since 1975, Mountcastle’s first six-year term on the Board of Directors began the very next year, with his last being 2013, he has served a total of 30 years on the VGEA Board. Some of those years he was also an officer, serving as VGEA president six presi- dents ago!

When Mountcastle retired from the Division of Motor Vehicles in 1999, his VGEA participation only became more active. He began attending the Richmond Retiree Chapter and served a total of seven years as president of that group as well.

To say the years of work that Mountcastle has put in for VGEA is exceptional is an understatement. His dedication and consistent effort on behalf of state employees and retirees is unmatched and infinitely appreciated. Thank you, Winfree!

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Q & A a b o u t V R S VGEA Member Questions VRS Buying Star Scientific Stock Answered by: Robert Schultze, Director, Virginia Retirement System A VGEA Member Wrote: Moreover, for the last three years, this portfolio earned an aver- I have read the article in ForeSight on VRS’s purchase of stock age annual return of 20.6% vs. the benchmark return of 19.9% in Star Scientific. I have also read the information sent from the for the same period. The market value of this small cap portfolio (VRS) office as well as the articles in theRichmond Times-Dis- at fiscal year-end was $286 million. Consistently beating a patch. I have a question and a comment. market index is very difficult even among the best Wall Street managers. In the RTD, VRS says it used an “internal program devised by VRS investment staff to use algorithms to analyze stock data,” to While we will never have a stock selection model that picks recommend purchase of Star Scientific Stock. 100% winners, we are very happy with this portfolio’s track re- cord. With respect to your question about other funds that held From anywhere in the U.S., I would like for someone to tell me Star Scientific, Inc. (STSI), they are too numerous to list here. the name of just one other internal investment program that recommended, during the summer of 2012, the purchase of Star However, I have included a partial list obtained from Bloomberg Scientific stock. Analytics below. The big retail mutual funds that service 401(k) plans are the largest holders, especially Vanguard, Goldman If VRS does have an investment tool that recommended pur- Sachs, Northern Trust and BNYMellon. Public retirement funds chase of stock in companies that have not earned a profit in 10 included Florida, Colorado, and TIAA/CREF. Well down the list years, then I am concerned about the investment team that is of holders, we also found small holdings by Texas Teachers and handling my money. CALPERS. STSI has about 146 million shares in circulation on the NASDAQ exchange. About 10% of these shares are held by Robert Schultze, Director, VRS, Answered: insiders. The rest are widely held among many shareholders, including Vanguard as the largest outside holder with 4.9 million By now we have now compiled our June 30, 2013 performance shares. report, and the Small Cap U.S. Equity program managed in- ternally by VRS posted a 12-month return for the fiscal year of Bloomberg compiles this data from quarterly filings submitted to 26.3%. Even after absorbing the loss from Star Scientific, it was the SEC. While VRS had disposed of its shares by then, we still one of our top performers for the year and beat its MSCI bench- show up as a holder of STSI as of 2012 Q3. mark. The MSCI US Small Cap Benchmark posted a 25.9% return for Hope this helps to explain what I think is an exemplary invest- the same period. ment program. We would be fortunate to have many more port- folios that performed this well.

6 VIRGINIA GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION Sept./Oct. 2013 NEWSLETTER www.vgea.org VIRGINIA GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION Sept./Oct. 2013 NEWSLETTER www.vgea.org 7

i d e n t i t y t h e f t p r o t e c t i o n On September 9 Headlines Across the State Read: ‘13,000 Virginia State Employees’ Personal Information Disclosed’ ow many times have we seen similar headlines? How does • 5.4% - Employment related fraud. Using all or part of a social it happen? How can this be prevented? How can we pre- security number belonging to someone else. Hvent this from happening with our personal information? • 2.5% - Loan fraud. Business, personal, educational, auto or The truth is, no matter how many precautions we take, we can- real estate loans obtained with another’s personal information. not prevent this. Our information is everywhere. And when our • 16.2% - Medical, insurance and bankruptcy fraud. And other personal information does get compromised, who knows where unique types of identity theft. it goes and who gets their hands on it? Just because our information was mishandled doesn’t automati- According to the Federal Trade Commission, 2012 was the thir- cally mean our identity was stolen or is being used for fraudulent teenth consecutive year that Identity Theft was the most re- activity. It does mean that it’s out there and we don’t know who ported consumer complaint. There were 90,000 more complaints may have access to it. With a LegalShield Identity Theft Premi- than 2011. So how are thieves using our information and why um protection plan you can have peace of mind. do they want it? Of the complaints filed by 2012 victims, their personal information was used as follows: The LegalShield IDT Premium protections plan equips you with the information and expertise you need to protect you and your • 46.4% - Government documents or benefits fraud (for exam- spouse against identity theft and quickly resolve issues related ple, tax refunds obtained by filing a return using victim’s social to it if it occurs. Benefits include: security number). • 13.4% - Credit card fraud. Tampering with existing accounts • Credit Monitoring and Report: Gain real time insight into and opening new accounts. your credit profile and monitor for suspicious activity that could • 9.7% - Utilities fraud - Electric, phone, cable, Internet ac- be linked to identity theft. counts opened by identity thief in victim’s name. • Web Watcher: Monitor thousands of websites, chat rooms, • 6.4% - Bank fraud, unauthorized electronic funds transfers, forums and networks across the globe for your personal counterfeit checks. (Continued on next page)

We Don’t Want to Lose You!

Many people don’t realize that if you move or change your name, your payroll department doesn’t notify FORESight the VGEA! So please, if you’ve changed your address or name, please update your membership information in the “Members Only” portion of the website at www. ForeSight is a publication for the members and friends of the vgea.org or complete and return this form to: Virginia Governmental Employees Association. It is pub- VGEA Membership Services, 1011 E. Main St., Suite 400, lished six times annually and welcomes comments and ideas Richmond, VA 23219. from VGEA members.

Name ______Johnna L. Cossaboon...... Editor VGEA Communications Director [email protected] Membership Number ______804-228-4513

R. Ronald Jordan...... Executive Director & Contributor Previous Name ______Wendy Brown...... President & Contributor

Previous Address ______Jim Roberts...... Lobbyist & Contributor

The Virginia Governmental Employees Association is a voluntary, non-partisan membership organization whose New Address ______mission is to voice the concerns of active and retired public employees and to advocate solutions, which promote indi- vidual dignity, equitable compensation, professionalism, and safe working conditions. Employer ______

8 VIRGINIA GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION Sept./Oct. 2013 NEWSLETTER www.vgea.org VIRGINIA GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION Sept./Oct. 2013 NEWSLETTER www.vgea.org 9

c a p i t o l o r n a m e n t Design Unveiled for Second Annual VIRGINIA CAPITOL ORNAMENT

Second in a series of annual collectible ornaments, the 2013 Virginia Capitol Ornament features the historic Bell Tower on Capitol Square.

Finished in brilliant polished brass made entirely in the U.S. and presented in a hand- some gift box, the ornament makes a perfect gift for colleagues and friends. All proceeds support the Virginia Capitol Foundation’s mission to enhance the educational and cul- tural potential of Capitol Square’s historic treasures through program development and community engagement.

The First Annual Virginia Capitol Ornament* introduced in 2012, featured the Capitol’s central, Jefferson-designed structure.

Cost per ornament and to pre-order: 1 or 2: $23.50 each + $5 shipping 3 or 4: $21.50 each + $10 shipping 5 or more – call for discount pricing

Call with credit card (804) 786-1010 Mail check payable to VCF, P.O. Box 396, Richmond, VA 23218 Go online: www.virginiacapitol.gov or https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/VirginiaCapitolPreservationFo/ornamentsale.html *A limited number of 2012 ornaments are available

Personal Information Disclosed (Continued from previous page) using the member’s address to confirm it has not been used by information. a registered sex offender. • Public Persona: Check for known addresses and aliases as- sociated with your Social Security number. The LegalShield Identity Theft Premium plan is offered • Consultation and Restoration: Unlimited consultation with through the VGEA Insurance Partnership with the a Kroll Licensed Investigator and full identity restoration should Peak Performance Group. Get the best identity theft you become a victim of identity theft. coverage, and discover what it’s like to worry less and live • Lost Wallet Assistance: Assistance from a Kroll Licensed In- more. vestigator in the event your wallet, purse or sensitive documents are lost or stolen. For further information, contact: • Social Security Number Skip-Trace Search: Upon request, a Kroll Licensed Investigator will perform a search of the Mem- Pam Hood ber’s Social Security number through a database of over 34 bil- Independent Associate - LegalShield lion current public records. Peak Performance Group • Sex Offender Search: Upon request, a Kroll Licensed Investi- 877-728-8625 [email protected] gator can conduct a search of national sex offender registries

Mark Baron, Attorney at Law

Dedicated to Saving Careers of Governmental Employees All Over Va. For 20+ Yrs. Any non-dismissal or dismissal grievance case is not easy. Don’t be fooled – consult an independent legal professional before filing any grievance case. Your career is worth it! Author of unique books on winning strategies and real cases in state/local/federal government grievance/MSPB cases. See Amazon.com (Search books under: “Mark Baron”). •Free Initial Phone Call• Reasonable Rates• Call (804) 662-5761; After Hours (804) 740-7073

8 VIRGINIA GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION Sept./Oct. 2013 NEWSLETTER www.vgea.org VIRGINIA GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION Sept./Oct. 2013 NEWSLETTER www.vgea.org 9

v g e a b o a r d o f d i r e c t o r s Get to Know Your NEW VGEA Board of Director Members he VGEA was very fortunate this year, because we had 10 qualified members volunteer to fill eight open positions on Tthe Board of Directors. Many thanks to everyone who ran Terry Braddock and please stay involved in your local chapters. After the votes were tallied, the positions were filled by the following members: DMV South Boston Elected to Serve a Second Three-Year Term: State employee for 15 years VGEA member for five years. Gale Grant Department of Health - Richmond State employee for 15 years VGEA member for three years.

Marc Crippen Juvenile Justice Portsmouth State employee for 6.5 years VGEA member for one year. April Mullins Mela Corrections (Institutions) Buckingham State employee for 15 years, VGEA member for six years.

James Gibson Corrections (Community Facilities) Harrisonburg Elected to Serve a State employee for Three-Year Term: two years, VGEA member for two years.

Terry Alfred Dabney Lancaster Community College Stay informed about the latest Covington NEWS! Visit our Virginia Govern- State employee for 30 years, mental Employees Association VGEA member for Website at www.vgea.org three years. and ‘Like Us’ on Facebook by clicking the icon on our homepage!

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c o n n e c t i o n s & e l e c t i o n s

Jay Hufton, Labor and Industry Norfolk State employee for more than five years.

Rodger Moyers is Your VGEA Connection with the Depart- ment of Forestry. He started with Forestry in December 1981 as a Chief Forest Warden for Highland County. Later, he was also assigned Bath County. In 2003, he transferred to Augus- ta County as Forestry Technician, and still holds that position. His work area now is the Mountain Valley Team, which con- sists of Highland, Bath, Augusta, Rockbridge, and Alleghany Thomas Tucker, counties. A Forestry Technician’s responsibilities are wildfire Virginia Tech control, wildfire prevention, (which includes being “Smokey Blacksburg Bear”), water quality and other miscellaneous duties. State employee Moyers lives in Stuarts Draft, which is known as the Sweetest for 27.5 years VGEA member Place in Virginia. He has been a satisfied member of VGEA for for three years. 32 years.

n addition to outgoing VGEA Board of Director members Douglas Smith (pictured on page 2) and IWinfree Mountcastle (story page 6) the current Board of Directors and VGEA staff also sincerely thanks these retiring Board members for their dedication and service to the VGEA: Jerry Webb, Roy Floyd and Mike Pawley.

Election Day is November 5 – Get Out and Vote! ovember 5 is a statewide general election day. The Attorney General the candidates are Mark Herring (Demo- Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney Gen- crat) and Mark Obenshain (Republican). Neral slots are all up in this election, along with all 100 members of the Virginia House of Delegates as well as Of the 100 seats in the House of Delegates, 53 are con- a single special election to fill a seat in the Virginia Senate. tested elections. For more information about who is running for the House For Governor, the candidates are Ken Cuccinelli (Republi- of Delegates in your district, visit this page on the non- can), Terry McAuliffe (Democrat), and Robert Sarvis (Lib- profit, non-partisan Virginia Public Access Project website: ertarian). For Lieutenant Governor the candidates are E.W. http://www.vpap.org/offices/house Jackson (Republican) and Ralph Northam (Democrat). For

10 VIRGINIA GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION Sept./Oct. 2013 NEWSLETTER www.vgea.org VIRGINIA GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION Sept./Oct. 2013 NEWSLETTER www.vgea.org 11 P A I D PRESORT Permit # 9 Permit STANDARD U.S. Postage U.S. Richmond, VA FORESight ght i S E R

VIRGINIA GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION O Sept./Oct. 2013 Newsletter Virginia Governmental Virginia Governmental Employees Association 1011 E. Main Street, Suite 400, Richmond, Virginia 23219 (804) 355-3120 Toll Free (877) 302-7146 Fax (804) 228-4501 www.vgea.org email: [email protected]

F Inside this issue: 2013 Golf Tournament Raises Money for VGEA Scholarships, Annual Meeting Wrap-Up, Legislative Goals for 2014