V IRGINIA

QUARTERLY MAGAZINE

LaceyLacey Putney,Putney, INSIDE VirginiaVirginia Our Gentleman of Virginia—page 4 The Gentleman from Bedford—page 7 GentlemanGentleman Congressman Frank Wolf —page 12 New to the Senate & House —page 18 Winter 2012

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Our Gentleman from Virginia Q UARTERLY MAGAZINE 4 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

Congressman Frank Wolf The Gentleman Remarks at Commonwealth Prayer Breakfast ...... 12 from Bedford Visions of the Capitol 7 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 An Interview with Jeffrey A . Brauch Frank Wolf Dean of Regent University Law School ...... 27

12 Around Capitol Square ...... 29

Association and Business Directory ...... 30

On The Web www.vccqm.org

New to the Volume 18 Number 1 Issue Editor–Brennan Long Senate Editors–Kristen Bailey-Hardy and Shirley Pappalardo and House Publisher–David Bailey • Art Director–John Sours School Distribution–Kristen Bailey-Hardy Advertising–[email protected] • Printer–Clinch Valley Printing Virginia Capitol Connections Quarterly Magazine 18 (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 for all the elections in which I participated. Well, he shoved my were the most senior member and the petition, and he said, “Well you can take this, you are not going to only independent. What makes you keep run in the Democrat Primary.” I said, “Let me just hand them right your independent label today? back to you and you can put them wherever you want them. I am Good question. Going back a little going to run and I’ll run as an independent and I have ever since.” bit beyond that. The Democrat Party If the Watergate incident had not come along there were two moved too far to the left especially at the or three other Democrats, I won’t call their names, and several of Federal level and the last time I voted for us were going to join the Republican Party. I’m supporting them a Democrat was Senator Harry Byrd, Sr. financially, anyway. I have been urged to declare myself as a The only election that fall was our U.S. Republican and many of my old friends in Bedford County have Senate and our sixth congressional district. urged me to come back and run as a Democrat. Our Congressman Dick Poff, who was elected on Eisenhower’s The voters do not like candidates who change political parties. coattails. Prior to that, the sixth district, which is now split, was I saw it so graphically when Mills Godwin decided in his second very, very strongly Democrat. A gentleman from Roanoke ran go-round not to run as he did in his first but to run as a Republican. as a democrat. A little bit more liberal than I thought we needed. He ran against Henry Howell. Many, many people in my area, So I called the attorney general and asked if I vote democrat in conservatives, didn’t vote for him because they don’t like somebody all the elections in which I participate am I eligible to run in the that switches party. The Republican philosophy generally, not on primary next year and he said yes. So I voted for Senator Byrd and all issues by any means, is more in line with mine: social issues, I didn’t participate in that congressional. I knew it was going to be fiscal issues and what have you. And I decided, every year I’ve a blowout anyway. As an aside, the guy who ran against Dick Poff, decided to quit for over thirty-some years, and I didn’t want to came down from Roanoke, was a former councilman, I think, and alienate any[one], didn’t want to make any more political enemies. was campaigning on Bridge Street in Bedford with a yellow sport So without any political party organized help or fundraising I have coat, green slacks and funny color shoes and he did about as well as continued to run as an independent. In several of the elections, I I thought he would. have had the endorsement of the Republican Party, but knowing Well, when I go to file for the primary, the chairman said did that I should be quitting, retiring and somebody else would take this you vote for so and so and I said Morton I voted for democrats thing I just did not switch parties. That’s the biggest reason.

Virginia Capitol Connections, Winter 2012 4 2. How has the Bedford area changed since in the last 15 years? they thought the chief executive should do his thing in a four-year Tremendous changes. We were one county with about 20,000 term and move on. And as former Delegate Vince Callahan used to say population. Since then the redistrictings have put Bedford with the city governors come and go. of Lexington, Rockbridge, city of Buena Vista and Franklin County for Legislators are the reason we have AAA bond ratings and the best several years. Then in 1991, I don’t remember if a piece of Rockbridge state to do business. The bill got out of committee once when Governor or a portion of Botetourt and Bedford County has made up the 19th. I Mark Warner was here and I remember when it passed the first step in have had parts of the city of Lynchburg, Rockbridge County, Lexington, the House, the governor was outside the door. All of the news media Bedford City, and Bedford County. Anyway, and the last one last year folks were there and the Governor was beaming from ear to ear. Next was the addition to my district of the city of Covington and Alleghany day when we reversed it, it was no long news worthy for some reason. County. All new territory to me. I’m not sure that’s a good answer as Governor Warner and I chatted about it very amicably and he said to to why I’ve continued to run as an independent. The voters in the 19th me one day, “Lacey, does it bother you that the other 49 states permit and Franklin in most parts of Virginia, there a few exceptions where gubernatorial succession and Virginia doesn’t?” I said, “Governor, it the party label dominates, but my experience shows me that the voters bothers me that that many, all 49, are out of step”. More and more in my area vote for the candidate and are not members of or active members of the P&E committee who agreed with that view got stronger in either political party and while the party has been a help to some and stronger and they killed it almost every time. candidates certain of the Republican Party has done much better in my When Delegate Bob Purkey came before the committee, we were area than the Democrat Party but the beauty of it for me, I guess I meeting in the Speaker’s Conference Room, I was chairman, we were was fortunate, that so many of my colleagues went to bat for me when standing close to the chairman’s chair, and ticked off all of the cogent the Democrats for years attempted to remove me from my important reasons why Virginia should adopt gubernatorial succession - all of our committees, Appropriations, P & E and on several occasions it was a manufacturing had gone off shore, all of our textile industry had left close vote I am told. 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 3. I’d like to address the issues that VCC asked you 15 years ago and suggesting to this group (and the press was all over the place) that the see if you had any changes in your views— increase in unwed mothers in Virginia is directly related to gubernatorial Most Prestigious House Committee succession?” Everybody was laughing and there were a lot of red faces No different, that’s historic. When I came here John Warren but anyway I never saw a thing about that in the press. More and more Cooke, was Speaker of the House. His father was on Robert E. Lee’s the P &E members said no, no dice. A number of legislators who were staff and at Appomattox with him when he surrendered. So he had warm to the idea of doing a six year term instead of a four, for some some connections with history. He was the chairman of P&E. The reason more and more of them became disenamored with it. first meeting of every session was to tell every new member, I guess Most Effective Virginia Governor every member, that it was the most prestigious committee, the only committee that had its roots in the House of Commons. Privileges and Mills Godwin. Clearly. Both terms. I think he was a leader. He Perks in Parliament for the most part were reserved for the Lords, MPs saw that Virginia was not addressing core services particularly public had very few but inch by inch they acquired more of them. I have a education and higher education. This prompted him to push for the paper done by a graduate student at UVA some 15 or 20 years ago on sales tax. He also was in office when we created the Community the history of the Privileges and Elections Committee. P&E was listed College System. He was a staunch believer that education is first in the rules as the order in which a member becomes Speaker in a great equalizer of our civilization and was a good orator. I the event that there is a vacancy in the Speaker’s chair. That’s why would call him conservative and the legislators were more I became the Speaker in 2002 when Vance Wilkins resigned. conservative then. It’s an interesting paper to read. The Privileges and Gerry Baliles, in my opinion, was a leader. When you Elections Committee was the forum that heard and tried and can talk Lacey Putney into voting for the taxes that we decided contested elections all over the Commonwealth. raised in 1986 you need to be a pretty convincing guy. I remember reading a couple of articles about how they I think George Allen was a good governor, I don’t almost had fistfights during election for sheriff in southwest think he has received nearly the credit because he had Virginia. That controversy was decided by P&E. The a story to tell in welfare reform and the criminal justice jurisdiction was quite broad. It still is. When the committee world, abolishing parole and it is amazing to think that handles all constitutional amendments, all matters involving the use of the word “macaca” can do that to a guy that is election laws, reapportionment, confirmation of gubernatorial reasonably popular. appointees, and it handles very significant pieces of legislation I think Bob McDonnell is a man of integrity that he and I still refer to it as the most prestigious committee. is really anxious to do what he promised and what is right. Virginia Governor’s One Term Limit I’ve gotten along well, I hope I have, with all of the If I can find a reason to support it I would. Most of the governors. Virginia has been blessed that we have not governors who have been drummed out of office and sent to jail, had any governors go to jail. I think you will find that most of them were in the second terms. In attending legislative conferences across the country without Issue of Abolishing Parole exception, legislators in every state with whom I’ve discussed it I am probably one of the conservatives who had some say don’t every let gubernatorial succession come to your state. I reservations about it but supported it. On balance I thought say why? Because once they are there they will do what they are it was a good idea. I thought we had too many recidivism supposed to do and they will spend the instances where they were let out too early, committed a next two years making appointments crime and brought back in. and campaigning for another The part that bothered term. The Framers of our me the most and I Constitution had more have not done any insight in human nature than checking recently you can believe. They knew was when you abol- the lust for power of man, See Lacey Putney, continued on page 6

Virginia Capitol Connections, Winter 2012 5 toward the sales tax may have been partly because many of my from page 5 Lacey Putney friends here who like to vote by polls tell me that they gas tax polls ish parole you are going to create a prison system of long-term in- worse than any tax on the books. mates. Those who never think they will see the light at the end of the I had no illusions about it passing. I talked to the Speaker ahead day, when you have not anything to live for I think you are going to of time and to the Governor. I asked nobody to sign on, I asked no be housing a group of unmanageable people and I do think to some one to come to the subcommittee hearing. I thought it ought to be extent there is a little bit of a downside to that. 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 Proposal for a Sales Tax Increase— be passing on. And if we all know we need them I guess it’s like Why do you think that’s the way to go in Virginia? everybody wants them but nobody wants to pay for them. Everybody As far as I know all 40 members of the Senate and all 100 members wants to go to heaven and nobody wants to die to get there. The thing of the House feel that transportation is grossly under funded. I don’t that has really impressed me has been the editorials, It is amazing know of any of them with whom I’ve discussed it who don’t feel that some of the remarks I have gotten, one from a college president, They our roads are deteriorating, we are not building roads where we need. say look we are going to organize, get behind this thing and get it out I probably would be more consistent in my philosophy focusing on of here next year. Now, I don’t know whether I will live to come back the gas tax which is clearly there is a nexus those who use they pay. but we will wait and see what happens. I am equally convinced that those who don’t own a vehicle benefit greatly from a first class transportation system. Have you taken any vacation trips recently? During the Baliles special session in the 1980’s I took my elderly Carmela and I have been going to Wimbledon. We went to The mother to the supermarket. She said do I notice in the Lynchburg U.S. Open from 2007 to 2010. We have been to Israel for about ten paper that you ought to think about increasing the sales tax? I said, days. Spent two-three weeks on a honeymoon in the Greek Islands. yes ma’am. She said you mean I am going to have to pay more from We just came back from about 18 days about 100 miles south of my little dab of social security retirement money? I said yes ma’am. Cancun called Playa Del Carmen. Most beautiful place I have ever Look at the shelves, tell me how that stuff got there, it came over the stayed in my life. Carmela is so crazy about the sun we have to go highways. You do not have to own a car to benefit. I don’t have any somewhere. We don’t do a lot of big stuff because we don’t have a lot children in the Bedford County School System but I have no problem of money. We live a very modest life out in the quiet country and like of paying reasonable taxes to have a quality system of education. it. The beauty of it is Carmela likes it. There is the crowd that you should never use general fund money Michael E. Belefski, is President of CPC Corporation, a for transportation, which is one of the silliest arguments I’ve heard. Communications and Marketing Firm specializing in Performance We are financing highway 58, completely paying off the bond with Management Analysis in Business, Law and Political Systems. He the recordation tax. That is general fund revenue. Baliles started can be reached at [email protected]. earmarking ½ cent of the sales tax for transportation. My leaning V

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Virginia Capitol Connections, Winter 2012 6 presume that much of our interview will focus on the changes which have occurred I 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 Reprinted from Virginia Capitol Connections Quarterly Magazine, Fall of 1997 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 them- first come, first served. The Assembly convened in regular session only every two years-the even numbered years-for 60 days. There was The 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 Gentleman 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 From 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 Bedford, to the Speaker’s chair. The division of legislative services was housed on the 3rd floor of the Capitol Mr. Putney Virginia’s #1 Independent opposite the Governor’s office-then designated as the Division of Statutory by David Bailey Research and Drafting. One of our more colorful colleagues regularly referred to it as Virginia Capitol Connections appreciates delegate Lacey “Statutory Search and Redrafting.” The Appropriations Committee Putney’s willingness to share his thoughts with the people of room was on the 4th floor of the Capitol (Remember, there was no General Virginia through an interview at his General Assembly office Assembly Building). Budget deliberations were conducted by a 5 member sub in July 1997. Lacey is the most senior member of the House committee called the Executive Committee, of Delegates and the legislature’s only “Independent.” As you along with the Budget Director and certain representatives of the Executive Branch. listen you will hear “vintage” Putney. See Lacey Putney, continued on page 8

Virginia Capitol Connections, Winter 2012 7 Putney’s Colleagues Speak in 1997 The conservative independent or the independent conservative; LACEY PUTNEY from page 7 or is he even a conservative? The only legislator who can We junior committee members were advocate an increase in the sales tax and get away with it. not permitted in the committee room while Former Delegate Vincent F. Callahan, Jr. the Budget Bill was being developed. Capitol police were stationed at both doors to the committee room to ensure that only The Democrats want him. The Republicans want him. authorized persons were allowed to enter. But the people of Virginia have him! Other committees frequently met and voted in closed sessions and often there Senator Chuck Colgan were no records of committee votes. The committee chairmen did pretty much what Lacey Putney is the finest example of a public servant. they chose to do when they chose to do it, and A strong guardian of the public funds appropriated by the a junior member didn’t dare to challenge the “ chair! I remember one instance when a bill state government and a fellow champion of the rights and to weaken the Virginia Right to Work Law compensation of state employees. was placed in the pocket of the committee chairman, and it remained there until the Senator Walter A. Stosch session was concluded without any hearing or official action being taken. Except for believed that the legislative business of the the loyalty oath and ran as an Independent. the Appropriations Committee, legislation people of Virginia just could not be thoroughly Shortly thereafter, U.S. Senator Harry F. Byrd, was discussed and voted on by the entire and efficiently transacted by meeting only Jr. ran and was elected as an Independent and, committee membership. There were no every two years. Later, I sponsored a similar in the aftermath of the McGovern nomination, standing subcommittees. proposal in the House and, again, the influence a number of Democratic incumbents in the One of the most significant changes to of the Speaker Cooke played a major role in its House of Delegates also ran and were elected occur in recent years was the very drastic defeat. Although I am still of the opinion that as Independents. Although I have not checked move to annual sessions in 1971. I opposed the change to annual sessions was not in the the records on this, I do recall several who this change because of the tremendous cost to best interests of the people of Virginia, I am ran and were elected” as Independents-most the Virginia taxpayers and also because it was no dreamer-I would predict that we will return of whom immediately returned to the party a giant step away from the so-called “citizen” to biennial sessions about the same time the to avoid losing seniority. Those I recall legislature toward a full-time one. legislature approves riverboat gambling-and I without looking back in the records are Lewis Moreover, there is less stability in the law hope that never occurs. Parker, Mecklenburg County; Ray Ashworth, by reason of annual session. Laws become Sussex County; French Slaughter, Culpeper; effective on July 1 and no sooner than they Question: When did you Calvin Fowler, Danville; all three delegates are being understood, implemented and become an Independent? from Prince William, Stanley Owens, Ken enforced, the General Assembly is back in I was elected in 1961 as a Democrat Rollins and Bill Murphy. Delegate Owens Richmond changing them again. and reelected in 1963 and 1965. In 1967 lost his Chairmanship of the House Finance After a few years experience with local party leaders presented to me a loyalty Committee, but Delegate Murphy returned annual sessions, efforts were made to change oath, of which I had never heard nor seen to the party and later became a judge, from the Constitution and return to the biennial before, calling for me to take an oath that I which he is now retired. Others include schedule. This proposal, which was sponsored had supported all Democrats in the previous Claude Anderson, Buckingham County, who by former Senator Howard Anderson from general election and that I would support all later became Chairman of Privileges and Halifax County, passed the Senate once or Democratic candidates in future elections Elections; Dick Bagley, Hampton, Virginia, twice but died in the House Privileges and from the Courthouse to the White House. At who also became Chairman of Privileges Elections Committee on a very close vote. this time the Liberal Wing was gaining more and Elections; Norman Sisisky, Petersburg, This was primarily because of the influence of control of the Democratic Party at the national Virginia, who is now a member of Congress; Speaker John Warren Cooke, who genuinely level and, because of this, I declined to sign Charles W. Gunn, Jr., Rockbridge County; and Eva Scott, Amelia, who later was elected to the Senate and became a Republican. FutureLaw, L.L.C. Being an Independent is not easy. There have been many lonely moments in recent John G. “Chip” Dicks years, being the only remaining Independent Martin K. Johnson (I am frequently asked by my colleagues which phone booth in the Capitol has been Susan S. Gaston designated for “Independent” Caucus Sarah D. Dicks meetings); however, I have been fortunate Timothy S. Reiniger to enjoy an unusually good and cordial relationship with Speakers of the House, Roger G. Bowers including Blackie Moore, John Warren 823 East Main Street • Suite 1801 • Richmond, Virginia 23219 Cooke, A.L. Philpott and now Speaker Phone: 804-836-1980 • 888-252-6299 • Fax: 804-225-5508 Tom Moss. I have also enjoyed an equally Website: www.futurelaw.net • E-mail: [email protected] warm relationship with the leaders in the Republican Party.

Virginia Capitol Connections, Winter 2012 8 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 substan- tial 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 resi- dent Virginia students who attend nonsectarian private colleges and universities in Virginia, I think it is Lacey Edward Putney, also imperative that this program be continued and 19th House District. strengthened. Born: Big Island, Virginia, As a member of the June 27, 1928 Appropriations Subcom- mittee 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

Virginia Capitol Connections, Winter 2012 9 LACEY PUTNEY from page 9 way funds. Action taken during that two- increasing the sales tax from 45.% to 5% week session resulted in the largest tax in- with the additional funds earmarked for crease in the history of Virginia. It included education and transportation, subject to Putney’s Colleagues an increase in the gasoline tax as well as voter approval in a referendum. Speak in 1997 the titling tax, but the most important part Virginia taxpayers will support this of the package was the increase in the sales modest increase if they know in advance A wealth on Institutional tax form 4% to 4.5% with the new half cent what they are getting. They know so well Knowledge- Lacey has allocated to transportation. This was the the need for highway improvements, for first time in modern history that general replacing thousands of unsafe bridges, and heard every argument fund revenues were allocated to highway they also know that something is wrong that exists on most of our construction and maintenance. I know of in higher education when they can send no other initiative during my 36 years in their children to out-of-state colleges for perennial favorites. the General Assembly which has contrib- less than it costs at our public colleges Delegate John C. Watkins uted so greatly to economic development and universities in Virginia. Frankly, I all across Virginia, and Governor Baliles don’t see this being accomplished without deserves great credit for his leadership in the support and leadership from the Truly a southern gentleman; bringing this about. I might add that I sup- Governor’s Office. always there to help anyone. ported this largest tax increase in Virginia’s Question: How about an “ history and, interestingly, not one constitu- Independent for governor? Delegate Riley Ingram ent ever complained to me about my sup- port for it. How about Lacey Putney? Governor Allen, in my judgment, was Lacey Putney has made a lot of Lacey Putney is one of the right on target with his initiative to abolish concessions to the shortness of life. One few truly original public of those is not learning how to operate a parole during the special session in the Fall servants remaining in the of 1994. Although I strongly supported the computer, and another is a decision to seek measure, I believe now, as I did then, that no other elective office. Commonwealth of Virginia. more funds will eventually be needed for Question: What could you say Delegate R. Steven Landes professionally trained correctional officers about the quality of members as well as adequate facilities. The impact of of the General Assembly? this sweeping reform has not yet been felt in This is a very subjective determination, A legislator that always puts its entirety because it applies only to felonies and I like to think that those of us who the best interest of the citizens committed beginning January 1, 1995. With have been privileged to serve in the inmates receiving long sentences, even oldest, continuous, law-making body in of the Commonwealth at the young ones, knowing that they will most the western world are men and women of center of his legislative goals. likely die behind the prison walls, I believe honesty and integrity. I must say, however, we can expect a substantial rise in the level that more recently some members seem He is known and respected of violence in our prisons. This will require to vote along the lines of special interests for his fairness, frankness more and better trained officers to deal with rather that what they genuinely believe and compassion. Best put, it a tremendously stressful work place. to be in the best interests of the people As I see the fiscal picture today, we of Virginia. Also, as the two political can be said that his word is have reached a very critical crossroad-a parties become more equal in number the his bond, his character and point in the history of Virginia that calls for desire to retain control versus the desire political courage and leadership, especially to obtain control for the first time has integrity cannot in the areas of transportation and higher brought about a higher level of competition, be questioned. education, two of the important cornerstones more campaign spending, and much of our economic strength. While I am not of what the news media likes to call Delegate Joseph P. Johnson, Jr. advocating a tax increase, I would support “negative” campaigning. In recent years there have been signs exercise of power rather than the extent to that some in positions which it is used and flaunted. By following of power seem to find this course, the long distinguished history enjoyment in the use of and heritage of the General Assembly will Alpha Natural Resources that power without re- be preserved. Donald L. Ratliff gard to whether it best Through the years I have had an VP–Virginia Government and External Affairs serves the Common- opportunity to meet and speak with wealth. It has long been legislators from other states, and I firmly Alpha Natural Resources ” my philosophy that believe that no legislative body in this One Alpha Place • P.O. Box 2345 statesmanship is more country is composed of men and women of Abingdon, Virginia 24212 276.619.4479 (office) • 276.623.2891 (fax) likely to be measured by higher moral character and integrity than 276.275.1423 (cell) • [email protected] the extent to which one the General Assembly of Virginia.V www.alphanr.com restrains and limits the

Virginia Capitol Connections, Winter 2012 10 Reprinted from Virginia Capitol Connections Quarterly Magazine, Fall of 1997

The Honorable LACEY PUTNEY Lacey E. Putney By Charles W. Gunn, Jr.

Some forty-two years ago I first met Lacey Putney, the humility prevent me from detailing these “personal blessings” that country gentleman from Big Island, Virginia. This young man was he made possible for many of us. different from most in his comfortable approach to strangers in I am honored to have the privilege of sharing with you some that he assisted them while thanking them for helping him. I never of the contributions made by the country boy from Big Island; that saw him ask for help, but I saw him carefully seek out those who man of great integrity, wisdom, faith, compassion and humility; needed help. the gentleman form Bedford, the Honorable Lacey E. Putney, His deep compassion for his fellow man was quite unique and House of Delegates member, Nineteenth District, with thirty-six so needed in our world today. He is a man of action with many years of distinction. personal accomplishments of assisting the most needy without The Honorable Charles W. “Bunny” Gunn died January 13, 2009.V 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

Virginia Capitol Connections, Winter 2012 11 Congressman Frank Wolf 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 technology- And 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 We should aim 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 first and foremost rise on this land. I want the sun to rise, not set. domestic realities have broader implications—that to be men 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 our “shining city on the hill,” “the last best hope of and women 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 been more concerned about our country’s future. of character. 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.”

Virginia Capitol Connections, Winter 2012 12 Isaiah chapter 1:17 says: “Learn to do right, seek justice, country. Being men and women of reconciliation is a difficult but encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless. Plead critical task in today’s environment. At times the divides between us the case of the widow.” seem insurmountable. The Congress has never been more divided. And Micah chapter 6: 8 says: “And what does the Lord require But what we need in our country and world is reconciliation— of you? To act justly and to have mercy and to walk humbly with reconciliation between races, religions, countries, spouses, between your God.” children and parents, between neighbors and between political I challenge myself—and you—to follow these guidelines: to parties. be a person who fears God, to be trustworthy, to be a person of Today, regardless of your religious views, consider the teaching integrity who pursues justice, and to do all of these things in a spirit of Jesus who is one of the greatest authorities on reconciliation. of humility. Jesus stressed the importance of forgiveness and We must seek to know our own hearts; our of loving one’s enemies. weaknesses and imperfections, and be vigilant in I believe that if In Matthew chapter 18: 21 and 22, Peter asks guarding against such failings, even as we pursue Jesus, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my these worthy ends. we can come brother when he sins against me? Up to seven I must continually ask myself: Do I want to together in a times? Jesus answered, I tell you, not seven times, be a man of excellence or a man of expedience; a“ but seventy times seven.” man of principle or one who seeks to be popular; spirit of civility When I think of reconciliation in the a man who looks for the right thing to do and political arena, William Wilberforce comes to does it, or a man who finds the easy way around and reconciliation, mind. Wilberforce brought together a group of whatever I’m facing. finding common British parliamentarians from across the political One of my favorite plays is “A Man for All spectrum committed to abolishing the slave Seasons by Robert Bolt.” It is a historical account cause on issues trade in England at a time when the country’s of one chapter in the life of Sir Thomas More. In economy was dependent on this injustice. The one of the most convicting scenes, More is asked of shared concern, elimination of the slave trade is what Wilberforce by the Duke of Norfolk to go along with him and we can help is most known for, but he and his friends were others for the sake of fellowship and publicly active in at least 69 different projects focusing agree with King Henry VIII. transform the on issues such as prison reform, education, child More says, “And when we stand before God, labor conditions, and the reformation of culture, and you are sent to paradise for doing according country. including anti-gambling. to your conscience, and I am damned for not Almost 30 years ago I joined a small group doing according to mine, will you come with me for fellowship?” in the U.S. Congress modeled after the Wilberforce group. We meet Sometimes we may find ourselves standing alone on difficult together weekly in the House Chapel for fellowship, Bible study and issues. accountability” and encouragement. Such situations will test our character, for the words of Bobby Hebrews 10:25 tells us, “Let us not give up meeting together, Kennedy, “Few men are willing to brave the disapproval of their as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another.” fellows, the censure of their colleagues, the wrath of their society.” Indeed this group has been a source of strength and encouragement Kennedy continues: “Moral courage is a rarer commodity than for me. bravery in battle or great intelligence. Yet it is the one essential, When my hands are hanging down and my eyes burn, this vital quality of those who seek to change a world that yields most fellowship group has provided a place of refuge and support. In the painfully to change.” group, my best friend is former member of Congress Tony Hall, a May we be men and women of moral courage and character. Democrat from Ohio. Tony and I disagree on many issues, and it was Secondly, we must seek to foster reconciliation within our See Congressman Frank Wolf continued on page 14

See Congressman Frank Wolf, continued on page 14

Virginia Capitol Connections, Winter 2012 13 Congressman Frank Wolf from page 13 not uncommon for us to leave the chapel to vote and one of us would virtue, virtue requires religious faith, faith requires freedom. vote yes and one would vote no. George Washington knew that religion—I would say faith— But our relationship transcends party. Tony and I have traveled and morality are the most important sources of character and are together. Our families are close. Tony has even contributed financially necessary for the maintenance of public justice, order and prosperity. to my campaigns. In fact, Tony was asked to speak along with me As such, in our political activity we should focus on creating a today and would have been here, if he weren’t out of the country. national climate where conscience is cultivated and character Our friendship is a testament to the fact that when people flourishes. It is to that end that public policy, political and social, meet together respectfully and begin to listen to each other and must be directed. work toward reconciliation, it changes the nature of the way they Is our country close to a tipping point or a turning point? Many conduct their business on the floor of the House and in committee times people don’t want to hear the truth. As it says in the Simon and meetings. If you pray with and for someone, and they pray for you, Garfunkel song “The Boxer,” “Man hears what he wants to hear and it is hard to then turn around and attack them, and much easier to disregards the rest.” work with them. Decline is a choice. Conservative Washington Post columnist, My relationship with Tony has shaped my time in Congress. Charles Krauthammer, recently wrote: “For America today, decline When Tony was in Congress we worked together on many issues of the day: human rights, hunger, religious freedom, blood diamonds. And we still Where Southern Hospitality Still Exists 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 Dinner at Julep’s, 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 A Legislative Priority 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 old- fashioned, 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 the greatness and genius of America in her Extended Dinner Hours During Session 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 pm pm rich mines and her vast world commerce—and it Monday - Saturday 5:30 -10 was not there…In her democratic Congress and Private space available. 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 of what would be necessary for this experiment 804 -377- 3968 in self-governance to flourish. They believed in 1719-21 E. Franklin Street • www.juleps.net the triangle of first principles: freedom requires

Virginia Capitol Connections, Winter 2012 14 juleps Capitol connection.indd 1 1/11/11 1:34 PM is not a condition. Decline is a choice. Two decades into the unipolar In 1 Timothy 2:2 we are urged to pray for “all those in authority, world that came about with the fall of the Soviet Union, America is that we may live peaceable and quiet lives in all godliness and in the position of deciding whether to abdicate or retain its domi- holiness.” nance. Decline—or ascendancy—is in our hands.” Indeed we should be praying for those in authority in every area You and I, we the people, get to determine whether the sun of life—government, business, religious institutions, the military, is rising or setting on America. Indeed there is much that is in family, education, media and culture. our hands. We can choose to be men and women of integrity and In John 12:42-43, John says many of the leaders of the time character. We can make difficult decisions even if it means standing “loved the praise from men more than praise from God.” alone. We can lead with humility and seek to foster reconciliation. They were concerned with their popularity. What about us? Each We can acknowledge the moral dimension of our problems, and fight of us needs to examine our own heart. We must lift up our leaders to make America good so that she may remain great. And perhaps and pray for them to have the wisdom and the courage to make sound most importantly, we can pray. decisions that are good for the future of our Commonwealth, our You have come to this prayer breakfast presumably because you country and our world, even if doing so is difficult or unpopular at believe in the power of prayer. I am reminded of an experience I the time. had years ago. I was at restaurant in my district—the Marco Polo in So we return to our original question: Is the sun still rising over Vienna—when an elderly woman with an eastern European accent America? Or is it about to set? If we are indifferent to the signs of asked me why I thought the Soviet Union had collapsed. I gave a economic and moral collapse, then Niall Ferguson’s prediction will reliable Republican response. I talked about Ronald Reagan, and come true: America will rapidly decline. And then we, and everyone Margaret Thatcher, and Pope John Paul II, all of whom came on else, will live in a more dangerous world. the world scene at the same time. I talked about the arms race and In returning to his farewell address, George Washington said the evil empire speech. She let me finish and then told me that she “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, believed that USSR had collapsed because people of faith all over religion and morality are indispensable supports.” The general was the world, including those suffering behind the Iron Curtain, had right. Will we remember and act on his warning? If we do, then been praying for decades for that to happen. America’s best days will still be ahead and the sun will truly have I was struck by her answer, and reminded anew that I too had just begun to rise on this country. prayed for the collapse of the Soviet Union from the time I was a Finally, we should pray that God’s favor would rest on this land, child. Likely not an explanation that would resonate at the State that a new dawn would break and America’s best days would be our Department, or the Defense Department or the NSC. But I believe it legacy to our children and grandchildren. to be true. And so in that spirit, believing that God answers prayers, May God continue to bless America.V we have gathered today.

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Virginia Capitol Connections, Winter 2012 15 Visions of the Capitol The photography of Wanda Judd

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Virginia Capitol Connections, Winter 2012 Virginia Capitol Connections, Winter 2012 16 17 Senator Bill Carrico 40th District 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 New to the Senate 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 Senator Dick Black to chair several subcommittees and carry important legislation for 13th District my constituents; I developed relationships in state government and tried to build a reputation based on honor and integrity. I worked hard Republican Delegate Dick Black alongside my mentor, Del. Terry Kilgore, and developed working represented the 32nd District in Loudoun partnerships and close friendships with members across the aisle, like County, Virginia, for eight years. He was Del. Joe Johnson. My years in the House of Delegates were some of born near his mother’s farm in Maryland. the most rewarding, challenging, and enriching moments of my life. He and Barbara have been married for 42 Having the opportunity to start a new chapter in my legislative years. They have three children and nine career in the Virginia Senate is an incredible experience. It is a grandchildren. blessing to continue to represent thousands of the same constituents He enlisted in the Marines in 1963. By age 21, Black became I represented in the House, but I am eager to build those same a second lieutenant and was among the Marines’ youngest aircraft relationships with thousands of new citizens who now look to me for carrier-qualified pilots. He flew 269 combat helicopter missions in representation in Richmond. It is also incredibly humbling to assume Vietnam. Ground fire struck his aircraft on four different occasions. the seat held by Sen. William Wampler for so long. He is a dear friend, Black also engaged in bitter ground combat with the 1st Marine and I will always consider him to be my Senator. Regiment. His radiomen were killed and he was wounded during Anyone who knows me is well aware of the fact that my faith and an attack against enemy positions across the Hoi An River. Black my family are the driving forces in my life. Without the support and served in small-unit actions where two fellow Marines—PFC Gary sacrifice of my wife, Paula, and children Willie and Emily, my service in Martini and SSgt. Jimmie Howard—each won the Medal of Honor. the General Assembly would not be possible. They inspire me every day. 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. Senator Adam P. Ebbin He supervised 40 attorneys at Ft. Lewis, Washington. There, he executed one of the most complex federal land transactions in recent 30th District years. He negotiated and developed legislation protecting competing In 1968 in Commack, New York, I interests of state and federal agencies, environmental groups, remember chanting “Humphrey! Humphrey! ranchers, and the Yakima Indian Nation. His efforts preserved the Humphrey!” while the other kids yelled hunting and fishing rights of the Indian people, and provided for the “Nixon! Nixon! Nixon!”at the flagpole. eventual return of the vast, 63,000-acre tract to them. After a brief flirtation with the American Black headed the Army’s Criminal Law Division at the Pentagon. University College Republicans, I became a He developed Executive Orders for the President’s signature, and Democrat and never looked back. laws that were enacted by Congress. He advised senior government After twenty years of work in the Democratic Party, then Governor officials on issues of national significance. He testified four times Mark Warner appointed me to serve as Chief Deputy Commissioner before the U.S. Congress, representing the U.S. Army. of the Department of Labor and Industry. I left in 2003 to join a In 1994, Colonel Dick Black retired from military service to crowded Democratic primary field for the House of Delegates in the become a partner in a law firm. In addition to operating a successful 49th District, winning with a 43-vote margin. law practice, Dick Black was a frequent media guest who appeared This past November, I was elected Senator of the 30th District, over 30 times on CNN and other national networks discussing succeeding Patsy Ticer and representing parts of Alexandria, foreign and military affairs. Arlington and Fairfax County, including Pentagon City, Reagan He is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court and National Airport, Old Town and George Washington’s Mount Vernon the Supreme Court of Virginia. He has held a Top Secret security Estate. clearance. His special interests include chemistry, herpetology, Two of my major accomplishments are appearing on the David foreign and military affairs, construction engineering and his Letterman Show and having a photo taken with Lenny Kravitz. Friend nine grandchildren. me on Facebook to see!

Virginia Capitol Connections, Winter 2012 18 Senator Barbara A. Favola 31st District Upgrade to Senator Barbara A. Favola represents Virginia’s 31st district, which stretches from Fort Myer and Arlington, up the Business Class 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. Casual and elegant Senator Tom Garrett Available for private events 22nd District Perfect for business meetings 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 cstreetrva.com See New to the Senate, continued on page 20 For reservations call 804-355-2200

Virginia Capitol Connections, Winter 2012 19

Cap_connections.indd 1 11/23/11 11:18 AM New to the Senate from page 19 New to the House 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 Delegate 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 Mark Dudenhefer 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 2nd District vote consistent with the Constitution of the United States. It is the Delegate Mark Dudenhefer’s time on unyielding guide that never fails. the Stafford County Board of Supervisors I don’t know what the remainder of 2012 will bring, but with has set the tone for his first term in the the continued support of trusted family, friends, and constituents, General Assembly. “People joked that the when I look back on 2011, I feel that I can face whatever comes. 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 Senator Bryce Reeves motivation is giving localities the proper tools to govern more 17th District efficiently. His philosophy is one of less restriction and fewer mandates. I am honored to be serving in the A top priority on the Delegate’s agenda is halting unfunded General Assembly on the Courts of Justice, mandates. He has put forth a Joint resolution urging his colleagues in General Laws and Technology, Privileges the General Assembly to acknowledge the difficulties that unfunded and Elections, and Rehabilitation and mandates place on localities and refrain from the practice. Social Services committees. Every day While Delegate Dudenhefer continues to champion causes on the offers new bills to consider and multiple local level, he is excited to have an instrumental role in another issue opinions to evaluate. I look forward to the of importance to him and the citizens of the 2nd House of Delegates daily emails and phone calls from everyone back in the district telling District: transportation. Delegate Dudenhefer currently serves as a me their thoughts on bills, and their reasoning behind those thoughts. member of the House Transportation Committee under the leadership The office visits from friendly faces help me to stay in touch with my of Delegate Joe May. The 2nd District is a unique constituency to constituents and allow us to stay grounded in what is needed back represent on such a committee, as it is split between Northern and home. Central Virginia. The infrastructure differences between Stafford While the hours are long with numerous bills to consider, there and Prince William Counties place Delegate Dudenhefer in what are many laughs and good times along the way. The first time I some may see as a precarious situation. Instead, he views it as an had a bill up to pass on the Senate floor, the senior members of the opportunity to act as an ambassador between the two regions. Senate decided they wanted to throw me for a loop. My formerly “I’m honored to be representing the interests of my area here uncontested bill was pulled from the voting block and I was asked to in Richmond,” Dudenhefer said, “it’s a truly humbling experience.” 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 Delegate Matt Fariss 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 59th District imagined. Farmer, cattleman, logger, father, I am grateful to be serving as the 17th District’s state senator and husband and “good son” are all terms that I appreciate all of the support I have received so far. 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 PARHAM CHAPEL 1771 Parham Road Harrison, 3, are the reason Matt entered this campaign. His passion (804) 288-3013 and reason for stepping into the political arena is the hope that he can make a difference so that his children and grandchildren can HUGUENOT CHAPEL 1020 Hueguenot Road continue to enjoy the same rights and freedoms that he grew up with. (804) 794-1000 As a “common-sense conservative,” Matt has vowed to stand against RICHMOND, VIRGINIA liberal policies that will put those liberties in jeopardy. Despite his ATLEE CHAPEL 9271 Shady Grove Road various successes, he is first and foremost a Christian family man BERNIE HENDERSON (804) 730-0035 committed to serving his family and community. Director for Family and Matt truly feels blessed to have grown up in rural Virginia. Community Relations 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

Virginia Capitol Connections, Winter 2012 20 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 co- owner 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

Virginia Capitol Connections, Winter 2012 21 New to the House from page 21 Delegate 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 J. Randall Minchew forward to continue working on these issues on the legislative side. 10th District My appointment to the Health, Welfare and Institutions and the Counties, Cities and Towns committees will enable me to hit the ground It is an honor to serve as a member of running and work on legislation near and dear to me. I hope to add much the House of Delegates to the 10th District to these discussions while making sure that the needs of not only the in the Commonwealth of Virginia. I have constituents of the 98th but that of the Commonwealth are met. found my first session in the General The folks in the General Assembly are fantastic. From the first days Assembly to be highly rewarding and of orientation, to presenting my first bill on the House floor, the entire exhilarating. To be able to impact public policy for my constituents process has been unbelievable. I look forward each day to hustle and and the good citizens of the Commonwealth is a privilege and a bustle in the General Assembly building and meeting with constituents. responsibility that I take very seriously. One of the highlights in my first session would have to be the My core principle for serving in the General Assembly stems Commemorative Session at the Colonial Capitol in Williamsburg. directly from Article 1, Section 2 of our Virginia Constitution, The event was surreal. The magnitude of the importance and history “People are the source of power.” This provision holds “That all of this governing body was so clear at that moment. It is an honor to power is vested in, and consequently derived from, the people,” follow in the footsteps of our Founding Fathers and to be a part of the and that “magistrates are their trustees and servants, and at all times oldest elected governing body in the Western Hemisphere. 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 Delegate Alfonso Lopez be extremely wary of new governmental mandates and regulations that affect the lives of our citizens. 49th District I have deep roots in Virginia, having lived and worked in the My father was born in a small town in new 10th District for nearly 20 years. Earlier in life, I studied public the Andes mountains region of Venezuela. policy and economics at Duke University, and later studied law at He was one of twenty-two brothers and Washington & Lee University and theology at Virginia Theological sisters from the same parents. At the age Seminary. In my community, I have had the honor of chairing both the of 19 he came to this country with $260 in Loudoun County Economic Development Commission and the Rural his pocket and the dream of a better life. He Economic Development Task Force and I understand the importance worked as a bus boy and waiter, learned English, and went to school. of achieving community-planning goals by working with, rather than He graduated from Northern Virginia Community College when I against, free-market opportunities. was five years old. He then took one class each semester, every year I am also an avid outdoorsman and conservationist, which stems at George Mason University, until he graduated from college one from my days as a Boy Scout. I enjoy hiking, skiing, mountain month before I graduated from Robinson High School in Fairfax. As climbing and a good game of rugby, both as a player and as a referee. a result of his achieving the American Dream, my father was able to I have remained active with the Boy Scouts, and have had the great change the lives of my entire family in Latin America. opportunity to serve as a Scoutmaster both in my son’s home troop in My mother was a teacher and guidance counselor in Arlington Leesburg, Virginia and at the 2010 National Scout Jamboree. Public Schools for over 20 years. For most of her career she worked As an Eagle Scout myself, I believe that American Boy Scouting with ESL and immigrant children at Washington and Lee High is the most successful youth leadership movement in the history of School. As a direct result of her efforts, over 1,000 children, who the world. Scouting teaches self-reliance, the importance of applied might have otherwise fallen through the cracks, were able to continue values and moral principles, patriotism, honor and duty to others. I their education after high school and graduate from college. will use these great tenets to the best of my ability in the General Throughout my life, my parents reminded me of the value of public Assembly as a freshman member of the House of Delegates. 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. Delegate Rick Morris My mother and father touched the lives of countless people 64th District in our community. Every day I hope to honor them and live by their example. As a new Delegate, I wanted to make sure that the students in my district had WWW.VCCQM.ORG 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 past editions online/subscribe/advertise day. After the student is selected, my office coordinates a specific

Virginia Capitol Connections, Winter 2012 22 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 hen it comes to events no one 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 throws a party like David Napier. involved. I look forward to meeting more students, providing insight into the inner workings of state government and growing this program. Known throughout Central Virginia for his wonderful food and hospitality, David is Delegate delighted to have opened his catering facility in Israel O’Quinn the heart of Shockoe Bottom. No event is too 5th District My time in the General Assembly has small or large. Delicious Box Lunches delivered. 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 O ne of Richmond’s most elegant dining as Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry is truly humbling and quickly makes me realize how fortunate I am to be here. rooms is now exclusively available for your 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 private parties and special events. Our award Patrick Henry High School sits today and the school was named in his honor. winning chefs produce an array of dishes from 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 steaks and seafood to vegetarian and 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 international masterpieces that will satisfy the Southwest Virginia. Hayter’s Gap is a community of approximately 100 folks. That in and of itself isn’t particularly noteworthy. most discriminating palate. The Old City Bar 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 is the perfect place to celebrate. 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 Parking available adjacent to building still there and we’re both quite proud to be from the little tight- knit community of Hayter’s Gap. Phone 804-644-1702 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 FAX: 804-644-1703 the opportunity. See New to the House, continued on page 24 E-Mail: [email protected] Web Site: www.whitehousecatering.org

Virginia Capitol Connections, Winter 2012 23 So far the session has been extremely busy. I have several New to the House from page 23 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 Delegate to see familiar faces from back home and to hear their concerns. David Ramadan 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 87th District halls of my forefathers and hope to represent our historic district in a positive, respectful manner. 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 Delegate Nick Rush to represent the newly created 87th District—Eastern Loudoun 7th District County and parts of Prince William County. David serves on two committees: Privileges and Election and Science and Technology. Delegate Nick Rush was elected to the David understands the challenges facing our Commonwealth and Virginia House of Delegates in 2011 to continues to focus his efforts on creating jobs, finding transportation represent the 7th House District of Virginia. solutions, strengthening education, lowering taxes and protecting our His ties to the 7th District are strong and constitutional rights and liberties. his roots in the New River Valley go back David immigrated to the United States from Lebanon in 1989. generations. He was born and raised in He is a graduate of George Mason University with a Masters of Arts Christiansburg and attended Christiansburg High School. degree in International Trade and Transactions and a Bachelor of Arts After graduating from Christiansburg High School, Rush served degree in Governments and Politics. He completed graduate studies at the US Army as a paratrooper in the elite 82nd Airborne Division. Nick Oxford University (Oxford, England), the American Graduate School left active duty as a non-commissioned officer in 1989. Nick’s record of of Business (Geneva, Switzerland), Johns Hopkins University and leadership in the Army inspired him to seek a leadership position in his Georgetown University. He completed his high school at International community. At 23 years old, he was elected to the Montgomery County College in Beirut, Lebanon. Governor McDonnell appointed David Board of Supervisors as the youngest member in history. Rush served to serve on the Board of Visitors of George Mason University. He for 12 years on the board and is a former Chairman and Vice Chairman. formerly served as an adjunct professor at his alma mater where he In 2002, he left public service to raise his family. taught a course titled, Middle East Realities: Past and Present. Nick and his wife, Jennifer Whitaker Rush, reside in David is an experienced international consultant, executive Christiansburg, Virginia. His oldest son Cody graduated from Virginia and entrepreneur in diverse areas such as franchising, immigration, Tech with a degree in Political Science and was also commissioned intellectual property, management and retail with extensive knowledge as a 2LT in the United States Army in May 2011. Cody and his of the U.S., Middle East and Indian markets. He understands how new wife, Tiffany, recently moved to Ft. Benning, Georgia to begin jobs are created and what it takes to make our economy strong. In his training as an Officer. His youngest son, Forrest, is currently a 2001, David founded RAMA International Inc., an international sophomore year at Virginia Tech and is a cadet in the Army ROTC. consulting company dedicated to servicing a small number of His daughter, Lilly, is a first grader at Pathway Christian Academy. clients with customized solutions internationally. RAMA is based in Delegate Rush currently serves on the Committee on General Northern Virginia with offices in India, Lebanon and the United Arab Laws and the Committee on Militia, Police and Public Safety. He Emirates. David is actively involved in several other corporations and represents the 7th House District of Virginia, which covers Floyd ventures including RAMA Legal, Curves for Women (Middle East County, part of Montgomery County, and part of Pulaski County. & India), Expand to America, and DRZ Jewelers and consults with clients in diverse industries internationally. Delegate Delegate Michael Webert Margaret Ransone 18th District I came into this job as a farmer and will 99th District leave a legislator and farmer. My supporters It is an honor to serve the 99th District asked me to run because they felt that through in the Virginia House of Delegates. I grew my business and history in the area, I would up in Westmoreland County and now, represent the entire district not just a small portion. I take this into mind my husband and I currently live in my as I pour through the legislation that comes before the General Assembly. hometown where we are raising our two wonderful children. I have a I also take my convictions and my character into account when I push strong connection with the people and culture of our rural district and the voting button. While being a representative is a great honor, it is also it is a privilege to serve them. a great responsibility. With all of the hustle and distractions away from For the 2012 Session I have been appointed to serve on three home, it can be easy to forget why we are here. We are here because we committees: the Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources are leaders who believe in the power of the people whose trust we have Committee, the Committee on Health, Welfare, and Institutions as gained as they voted us into office. We are here because our duty beckons well as the Committee on Privileges and Elections. Continued on next page

Virginia Capitol Connections, Winter 2012 24 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 Two 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 Great 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 Events! are democrat or republican, we all share a love for the Commonwealth, and it is this lovable pride that I cherish most of all. Shad Planking Wakefield, April 18th Sponsored by the Wakefield Ruritan Club Delegate David Yancey www.shadplanking.com 94th District As a new Delegate, I expected long days in the General Assembly and numerous committee meetings where either I present Poormans Dinner bills that I’ve patroned or vote on bills from Galax, August 11th other members. I knew I would be reading legislation and supporting bills that are The largest gathering of good for citizens of the 94th and throughout the Commonwealth. No elected officials in SWVA surprises there. I’ve been thrilled that so many citizens from back home travel to Sponsored by the Twin County Richmond to share their views on pending legislation. It’s been one Regional Chamber of Commerce of the best parts of the job. I have had many public forums and tele- town halls and I mailed a constituent survey throughout the district to Felts Park, overlooking the maintain a grasp of public priorities, but when folks make the trip to 77th Annual Fiddlers Convention 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 Coming in the and listen to everybody. As they say, there is nothing like success, and it was wonderful Spring Issue — 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 Senator Chuck Colgan begins his 10th Term to work with Governor McDonnell and gain a unanimous 98-0 vote in the House of Delegates for this excellent legislation. A few days 2012 General Assembly Leadership 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 Virginia’s Girl Scouts at the Capitol between 97 or 98 votes, but we can hope, can’t we?V

2012 Redbook now on Droid and Air! 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 www.dbava.com/redbook_app/index.html numbers and websites.

Virginia Capitol Connections, Winter 2012 25 Part of the credit for the amazing success certainly goes to Ronald How Did They Do It? By Charles Todd D. Schmitz, who became the VRS chief investment officer on Oct. 31 Many state employees and teachers in after serving the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System for Virginia are happy with recent information eight years. provided by the Virginia Retirement System. Again, how did Grant and Schmitz produce such startling results? In its winter “Retiree News,” VRS reported Pension funds in several other states are in deep trouble. The Wall that it had experienced a 19.1 percent return Street Journal reported in January 2012 that pension forecasts are on its investment portfolio for the fiscal way too sunny, and most of target-date funds used by young investors year 2011, ending the year with $54.6 in 401(k) plans actually lost money in 2011. billion in assets. “We are pleased with last The VRS Newsletter said that during the fiscal year, the fund’s year’s results, especially in light of steps public equity program returned 27.2 percent and the real estate taken in recent years to better diversify the program returned 23.2 percent. The private equity program returned fund. On a risk-adjusted basis, last year’s 17.6 percent and the credit strategies program returned 14.7 percent, performance was outstanding,” said former while fixed income returned 5.8 percent. VRS chief investment officer Charles W. Grant. Jeanne Chenault, director of public relations for VRS, said she If Grant was pleased, 156,165 retirees, including state employees, could not tell us how the profit was made but she said that “The teachers, law enforcement officers, judges, and some municipal success was due to the diversity of the portfolio, the diligence of the employees are also overjoyed and delighted. investment team, and the market conditions.” VRS Board Chairman Diana F. Cantor said in the newsletter, Last year in order to balance its budget without raising taxes, “The investment staff did a remarkable job by achieving these results the state borrowed $620,000,000 from VRS at 7.5 percent, making after the board reduced the portfolio’s risks to better protect the trust that one of the retirement system’s poorer investments. Otherwise, fund from big market swings. Moreover, it marks the point at which we commend the two investment officers as well as the VRS Board the investment program earned back all the losses previously incurred for selecting such outstanding and successful portfolio managers, during the market collapse in 2008 and 2009.” and hope that their remarkable work will result in a Cost-of-Living The big question among retirees, financial advisors, and state Adjustment this year. And, how did the board pick these special workers, is, “How did they do it?” With “safe” investments in investment officers? It takes a year or two for some churches to find certificates of deposit paying a measly .4 percent and with a jittery a minister. It can take months to find a school superintendent. It takes stock market and a failing real estate situation, it is a wonder to those years to produce a President. How did the VRS Board make such of us who deal with financial matters on a small scale how they made good choices? We commend their good work. remarkable profits. Dr. Charles Todd is a retired Virginia teacher, principal, and school superintendent.V EpiPens Enforced in Virginia Schools 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 Virginia's 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 Best-Kept Secret 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. www.crabtreefalls.com Delegate Greason believes that it is in the best interest of both bills to combine them. “What Delegate Farrell’s bill was trying to Reservations: 571-291-9370 accomplish was requiring the localities to implement these policies and to adopt these policies, my bill simply said that they may do See EpiPens Enforced, continued on page 28

Virginia Capitol Connections, Winter 2012 26 An Interview with Jeffrey A. Brauch

Dean of Regent University Law School By Jack Kotvas

The resplendent Gregorian buildings stand in juxtaposition to the would be: There is an opportunity feeling of calmness and serenity one encounters while walking across to bring faith and law together in a the campus of Regent University. The school is located on a 70-acre meaningful way. I was excited about complex in Virginia Beach and is a fascinating display of Georgian the opportunity to not only teach architecture accented with arched windows and hand-hewn brick.1 students what the law is, but how one The formality of the architecture continues as one enters Robertson might practice law with excellence Hall, which houses the School of Law, where Dean Jeffrey Brauch and integrity and character. Brauch presides over a unique experiment, but more precisely an astonishing approach to impart the rule of law without neglecting the very When you were thinking about foundations of its existence. coming to the law school, what was your biggest fear? Saying Dean Brauch is well qualified for his position would be a Well, at the time, this was in the fall of 1993, the law school had massive understatement. His education, experience and publications2 gone through a transition period. The founding dean of the law school clearly declare his credentials. His near perfect undergraduate work had left and there was a great amount of unhappiness on the part of at the University of Wisconsin put him in the company of 17 U.S. some of the faculty members. So, the biggest fear was that I was Presidents, 37 U.S. Supreme Court Justices, and one NFL MVP3 leaving a position that was very stable … and coming to a place that who qualified for Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest honor society for the seemed to be a little less stable at the time. liberal arts and sciences. After four years of being on the Dean’s What would you say that you learned List at Wisconsin, Brauch went on to receive a Juris Doctorate with from that experience, an “Ah-ha” moment? honors at the University of Chicago Law School. He came to Regent I shared one key moment in that process with one of my closest as an assistant professor of law in 1994 and now serves as dean and friends and I told him that the thought of going to this law school was professor of law. He has taught numerous courses including “Origins exciting, but it just seemed too risky, and I have to provide for my of the Western Legal Tradition,” “Christian Foundations of Law,” family. And, his response was to say … “What? Who has to provide “Human Rights, Civil Liberties, and National Security,” “Appellate for your family, Jeff?” It was a reminder that I had to trust God’s Advocacy,” and many more. leading in the decision. One of the things that I was very encouraged Being exposed to these types of courses seems to have served about was when God took both [my wife] Becky and me from Regent students and graduates well. Many serve in prominent thinking, “No, it is too risky, I don’t think that this is a wise move,” positions in the private sector, as well as government posts, including to “You know what, you should be there; this is a great opportunity the current governor of the Commonwealth, Bob McDonnell. The for the future.” governor is a 1989 graduate of Regent University School of Law. Arriving in the dean’s office suite, one is impressed by the simple So, tell me about your position as dean, elegance of the furnishings and surroundings. When entering one may “a day in the life of the dean.” notice the near life-size portrait of what may be a typical pioneer of Well, it varies a lot, I teach one class per semester, I work with the mid-west America. Perhaps an early settler of Indiana, he has a Bible faculty; we are working on the strategic plan right now. I supervise in one hand, an ax in the other and a pistol tucked in to his jeans, the scheduling of classes and assigning people and aiding faculty so perhaps depicting one of the dean’s early ancestors in the process that we are excellent at what we do. I supervise the Career Services of taming the land with all the tools that were needed. After being department. We spend time thinking about how we are going to get our somewhat daunted by the character in the painting, one is quickly put students jobs in a difficult economy. I also supervise our admissions at ease after being greeted by the dean. His relaxed manner allows efforts … I spend some time teaching and … a lot of time planning. questions to flow freely and his answers to be received and chronicled I also do fundraising for the law school. Right now, I am “kind in an easy routine. of” the faculty director for our Center for Global Justice, so I build Dean Brauch said he was not initially interested in the position relationships with individuals and organizations that are working on as dean. “I started teaching here 17 years ago and I was attracted to human rights issues. … a lot of different things. In some ways I am a being a professor. I loved the idea of being with students and being public face for the law school, so I attend bar association meetings, able to mentor them. And, I like writing and so I had no intention of do some writing and internal administration things like budgeting, doing administrative work at the time. But then, after five years of supervising employees, and supervising faculty. 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 Do you have a metaphor want to do it, but I was willing to try it for a year … . I tried it and fell for what it’s like to work here? in love with it. I really enjoyed it.” 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 Prior to coming to Regent, the people I get to work with and the students that I get to spend time please describe what you were doing. with. There is a shared sense of vision and purpose that makes this a I worked as a lawyer in Milwaukee, Wisconsin … as a commercial really enjoyable place to be. 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 Regent is unique, with its Christian viewpoint, praying and seeking guidance from people about how I could best but what other schools are attuned to Regent? use my gifts. I really started thinking that teaching might be the right Another great question … our mission is very unique among law thing. … I met the dean of the law school at an event … and really schools. I would say that there are probably three or so schools that became excited about the mission of this school. … that mission have a mission like ours. Liberty University and Ave Maria University are Christian schools that not only have Christian professors and have 1 http://www.regent.edu/about_us/campuses/campus_tours.cfm a Christian history, but actually want to bring a Christian perspective 2 Books and Monographs, http://www.regent.edu/acad/schlaw/faculty_staff/brauch into the classroom. And while there are other religiously affiliated 3 Peyton Manning; Achievement.org/auto doc/page/man0int-6 See Jeffrey A. Brauch, continued on page 28

Virginia Capitol Connections, Winter 2012 27 future of the nation than they did for their own political prospects. from page 27 Jeffrey A. Brauch Adams … would take on unpopular cases because he thought it was schools that have religious aspects to their schools, in very few the right thing to do. … I get so frustrated when I look at politics schools does it actually affect what takes place in the classroom. 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 What’s the hardest thing figures like those stepping forward today. for you about being dean? My responsibilities go in so many different areas that I don’t Did you have a model or idol always have time to do everything the way I would want to do it. And who you aspired to be as a youth? so, I find when I leave every night, there is more I could do … . I leave My parents were both strong influences in my life. In many ways work undone every night, when I leave. It is a constant battle to put in my grandfather was somebody that I really looked up to as well. He the appropriate amount of time at work, with family, and as an elder was a builder in California and even though he and I didn’t do the at church. So, it is my constant prayer … that I am devoting the proper same kinds of things professionally … he was just always there. He amount of effort to each facet of my life. 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 If you could destroy one myth was the guy who was consistent and steady. He followed Jesus Christ about Regent, what would it be? with all of his heart, all of his life. He was a very humble man. I I think it would be that everyone at Regent is the same politically think it was looking at his character that made me see things that and denominationally. I think that people would be amazed at the I wanted in my life … . It was an encouragement to me that people amount of diversity in this school. While politically, I would say of his temperament could make a difference in the lives of others. that the average student is right of center at this school, but we have He was not a flashy, “Type-A” personality, not your typical mover both students and faculty members who are politically left of center. or shaker, where you think that this guy will make his way to the Although all faculty members are Christians, we come from many top. He was steady, consistent, and humble, but deeply respected by denominations: Presbyterian, Baptist, Pentecostal, Roman Catholic, everybody who knew him. Anglican … our students come from all of those denominations … . the vast majority are Christians, [but, not all]. I think that sometimes Anything else you’d like to add? people look at Regent and assume that everybody believes From the school perspective, I’d want people to know that theologically as Pat Robertson does or holds the same political Governor McDonnell is a graduate of the law school. I’d want them to positions that he does. You will find that the classes at Regent are know how successful we have been in competitions. I think sometimes filled with debate and discussion and a grappling with issues that people underestimate the quality of the law school … . We have twice reflects the diversity of viewpoint that is here. won the Negotiations Competition, out of all of the schools in the American Bar Association. In 2007 we won the championship out Are there any political or social issues of 220 teams; Harvard had won the tournament in 2006 and we won you feel passionately about? the next year. Our moot court team won the 2006 National Appellate I am passionate about protecting life and the value of life. God Advocacy Championship. Every year we regularly win regional made all human beings with dignity and worth that comes from being awards. We regularly advance to national championships. And so, made in His image. So, I am passionate on the issues of abortion, this year for instance we are in the ABA national championships. euthanasia … human trafficking and, just grieved by how much our There are 24 teams left, after the regional competitions, and two of society treats people like objects. the 24 are Regent teams … . What would you do How would you like to be remembered? if you could do anything else? I would like to be remembered as somebody who served others There is nothing else I would rather do right now. I think that I with excellence and integrity and made a difference in the lives of would enjoy being an appellate judge, but I would really miss the others … family, friends, students and those that I work with. 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 Do you have advice to offer people that even when I am no longer the dean of the law school that I will who are aspiring to be as successful as you are? continue to teach here for the rest of my career. Work with excellence in any position that you are given. Care about the people around you. And, to the extent that you are given If you could live in any other time, positions of leadership, serve others and not yourself. when might that be? Jack Kotvas served as former director of the Department of Now, in terms of what era I would like to live in … . For various Professional and Occupational Regulation and Assistant reasons, I wouldn’t actually want to live in any other time than the Attorney General. one we are living in now. I think that the technological advances and V 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 EpiPens Enforced from page 26 the level of dialogue in this country was extremely high. I think it it, this is a stronger bill that I think will help more children in the would be really rewarding to spend time with men like that. Commonwealth.” Delegate Greason said. Legislators who patron these bills include Dels. Rust, Dance, If you could have dinner with three famous O’Bannon, Kilgore, Greason and Sen. McEachin. Both bills will people from history, who would they be and why? require that teachers and employees of the school system are familiar I would love to have spent time with Jonathan Edwards and with anaphylactic allergies, and how to identify when a child is having George Whitefield during the time of the great awakening, just to one. The pens are relatively inexpensive, and to supply them to schools hear them. During the founding generation, some of the people that I will use money that was previously set aside for situations like this. would have loved to have spent time with would be James Madison, John Adams, and George Washington. I think that these were Etta Carter is a Virginia State University Senior, remarkable leaders who cared more for their fellow citizens and the Intern at David Bailey Associates.V

Virginia Capitol Connections, Winter 2012 28 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 Intelligent Illuminations, represented by David Bailey Associates, provides the was waved around in the Senate Judiciary Committee, helping to speed up the monitoring unit that makes it easier to keep the lights working properly. nomination of a Federal Judge. That’s Lacey’s to tell. David Bailey

Virginia Capitol Connections, Winter 2012 29 Associations Eateries irginia AARP V C Street David DeBiasi, Associate State Director-Advocacy–(804) 344-3059 3325 West Cary Street • (804) 355-2200 ACE (Alliance for Construction Excellence) cstreetrva.com Andy Porter, Chairman–(703) 658-4383 Chez Foushee American Cancer Society 203 North Foushee Street • (804) 648-3225 Keenan Caldwell, Dir. Government Relations–(804) 527-3726 www.chezfoushee.com Ann Vaughan, Grassroots Manager–(804) 527-3714 www.acscan.org/virginia David Napier’s White House Catering Historic Shockoe Bottom • (804) 644-4411 Apartment and Office Building Association Brian Gordon–(202) 296-3390 Julep’s Bon Secours Health System (Virginia) 1719–21 East Franklin Street • (804) 377-3968 James W. Dunn–(804) 281-8235 www.juleps.net Fraternal Order of Police, Virginia State Lodge Meriwether’s at the Assembly Marty Williams, President–(800) 367-0317 Capitol, (804) 698-7438 • GAB, (804) 698-7692 Inova Health System–(703) 289-2037 • (804) 644-8807 during GA Donald L. Harris, Vice President, Government Relations Hotels/Resorts Outdoor Advertising Association of Virginia Berkeley Hotel (Per diem rates offered, restrictions apply) Stephen W. Hughes–(804) 784-0501 (804) 780-1300 • 1200 East Cary Street, Richmond Plumbing and Mechanical Professionals of Virginia Laurie Crigler, Lobbyist–(540) 948-6230 Candlewood Suites Richmond Airport (Rates below per diem) (804) 652-1888 • 5400 Audubon Drive, Richmond Qualified Gas Contractors–Peninsula–www.QGC-VA.org Richard Hibbard, President–(757) 229-8806 Commonwealth Park Suites Hotel at Capitol Square (804) 343-7300 • 901 Bank Street, Richmond Qualified Gas Contractors–Southside–www.QGC-VA.org George Fordyce, VP & Secretary–(757) 436-5490 Crowne Plaza Richmond Downtown (Rates lower than per diem—Session, Qualified Gas Contractors–Suffolk–www.QGC-VA.org restrictions apply) (804) 788-0900 • 555 East Canal Street, Richmond Ray Cobb, Chair–(757) 539-7484 DoubleTree Hotel Richmond Downtown (Special Session rates available) Southside Virginia Volunteer Firefighter’s Association (804) 644-9871 • 301 West Franklin Street, Richmond Aubrey W. “Buddy” Hyde, Jr.–(434) 532-5994 Hilton Garden Inn Richmond Downtown (Special Session rates available) Speech-Language-Hearing Association of Virginia (SHAV) (804) 344-4300 • 501 East Broad Street, Richmond Seijra Toogood, President • www.shav.org Cornelia Long, Vice President of Government Affairs Holiday-Inn Express Richmond Downtown (Lower per diem rate offered) (804) 788-1600 • 201 East Cary Street, Richmond Virginia AFL-CIO Doris Crouse-Mays–(804) 755-8001 Linden Row Inn (Special Session rates available) (804) 225-5841 • 100 East Franklin Street, Richmond Virginia Association for Marriage and Family Therapy www.vamft.org Virginia Association of Mortgage Brokers Services Steve Baugher–(804) 285-7557 Connie’s Shoe Repair Virginia Coalition of Police and Deputy Sheriffs 110 N. 8th Street • 804-648-8896 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 BENNETT Virginia Fire Chiefs Association FUNERAL HOME 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 Charles D. Morehead, Sr. Stephen P. Kopczynski, Chairman–(757) 890-3612 Funeral Director & General Manager Virginia Independent Automobile Dealers Association Lois Keenan, Executive Director • David Boling, Gov. Rel.–(800) 394-1960 3215 Cutshaw Avenue Virginia League of Conservation Voters Lisa Guthrie; Executive Director–(804) 225-1902 • www.valcv.org Richmond, Virginia 23221 (804) 359-4481 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 Settle and Associates LLC Virginia Professional Fire Fighters Association Mike Mohler, President–(703) 591-9271 Virginia Public Media Association Curtis Monk, Chairman–(804) 560-8114 Virginia Retail Federation Richard L. Settle Margaret Ballard–(757) 406-9431, George Peyton–(804) 334-2932 Virginia Sheriffs’ Association Settle and Associates LLC Phone: 276-676-4444 John W. Jones–(804) 225-7152 288 Clubhouse Drive Mobile: 804-240-1850 Abingdon, Virginia 24211–3839 [email protected] Virginia State Firefighters Association Gary Allred, President–(757) 592-3240

Virginia Capitol Connections, Winter 2012 30 Learning Service cuLture MiSSionS the artS Faith teaching coMpetition What’S your paSSion?

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