Newsroom Archive for 5/17, 2007

Julia Torres Barden, a graduate of the Political Leaders Program Class of 2003, is the author of a recent editorial in the Midlothian Exchange about the Virginia Tech Review Panel.  Barden writes, "In the 12 years since my youngest was born, we’ve experienced the Oklahoma City bombings; the school shootings at Columbine High School, followed by countless others; the horrific events of 9/11, and now the shootings at Virginia Tech.  Each one of our children deserves to feel safe in their learning environment and daily lives.  It is imperative that we protect and defend their right to a less violent childhood and fill it instead with more faith in the good and support for each other."

Click here to read the full article and her comments regarding the Virginia Tech Review Panel.

Candidate Training Program Class of 2007 graduate Lew Medlin has announced his candidacy in the 19th House District. Medlin will run against long-time incumbent Lacey Putney, who has served in the House of Delegates since 1962.

Click here to read an article in today's Lynchburg News&Advance about the campaign.

UPDATE: Read more coverage here.

Norman Leahy, a graduate of the Political Leaders Program Class of 2006, has joined Richmond.com  as a columnist in the "Agree to Disagree" section. The first installment, published today, answers the question: Which plan is best for U.S. troops in Iraq?

Norm writes in part, "Leaving Iraq behind may bring a sense of relief to some. But it will spur on others to resist not on the battlefield, but in the shadows, knowing that with time and determination, the U.S. will simply walk away. And allow them to bring the conflict’s front lines that much closer to our own shores."

Click here to read the column in full.

Albemarle County boasts a number of CTP graduates running in local elections this year.

Brian Wheeler, a graduate of the Candidate Training Program Class of 2003, will be seeking a second term on the Albemarle County School Board.

Ann Mallek, a graduate of the Candidate Training Program Class of 2007, recently received her party's nomination to run in the White Hall District for the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors.

Larry Claytor, a graduate of the Candidate Training Program Class of 2007, also received his party's nomination to run for Sheriff.

Larry will run against fellow Sorensen alumnus Chip Harding, a graduate of the Candidate Training Program Class of 2006. Chip received his party's nomination as well.

Name:  Kim Adkins
Age: 45
Born: I was born and raised in Salisbury, Maryland
Current Digs: Martinsville
Occupation: President, Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce
Favorite part about the job:  Assisting/participating in the public policy process
First job ever? Washing cars for my father’s business, Salisbury Auto Body
Favorite book? Winston and Clementine (their personal letters to each other)
Favorite movie?  Roxanne (I’m a big fan of Steve Martin; but every time I see Roxanne I cry laughing.)
Must-see TV? C-SPAN (its coverage of the UK Parliament is entertaining; Communicators/Book TV are informative)
Comfort food? Sharp Cheddar Cheese and crackers
What's in your car CD player right now? I don’t have a CD or tape player in my car.  I do have XM, which is usually on channel 132 (C-SPAN).
Next journey? Besides the next Sorensen meeting, I have no other current journeys planned.
Last gift you received? GPS for my car.
Whom do you admire and why? Martha Graham of the Washington Post. My first job interview out of college was to work in her office. I failed miserably. It was one of the most embarrassing experiences in my life. Because of that experience, I became intrigued with her life (professional and personal).  She was a remarkable person.
Best advice you ever got? My grandmother used to say to me, “What do you see, dust on the table or flowers in the vase?” I keep flowers on my coffee table at the office as a reminder.
If you could have dinner with any one currently living, whom would it be and why? Peggy Noonan, Reagan’s speechwriter (and for George Bush when he ran for President in 1988).  In my opinion, she’s responsible for helping to create the “great communicator.” Her journey to the White House is interesting, working with Dan Rather (she wrote Rather’s commentary), then becoming known for working for the most popular conservative president in history.
Describe a perfect day. After a long, productive day at work, sitting on a balcony with family, preferably on the 10th floor or higher of a condo, right on the ocean at sunset with an ice cold beverage at hand and Jimmy Buffet music in the background.
One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you? When I need a “pick-me-up,” I tend to change the style/color of my hair.
Ambition, political or otherwise? To become more involved in regional or state government.