Newsroom Archive for 07/23, 2009

High School Leaders Program Class of 2009
Day 12— Wednesday, July 22
Reported by: Claire Hunn of Yorktown High School, Arlington
 
     Today was one of the best days in the High School Leaders Program because we were able to take a trip to Richmond, Virginia, our state’s capital.  While in Richmond, we met with numerous leaders within the Commonwealth who were not only informative but very engaging!            
     Our first speaker, Mr. Don Hall, a lobbyist for the Virginia Automotive Industry, explained to us the responsibilities and functions of his job and the measures he takes when trying to persuade the legislature.  The most memorable aspect of Mr. Hall’s speech, to me, was how he pointed out that lobbyists “persuade with compelling arguments but are not disagreeable.”  That quote stood out to me because I feel that many people have the wrong impressions of lobbyists and their intentions.
     Our second speaker, Ms. Lucy Hutchinson, taught us about gubernatorial appointments.  Ms. Hutchinson works in the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office, where they are responsible for commissioning notaries, authenticating international documents, authorizing the use of the Commonwealth seal, regulating and registering all lobbyists, administering conflict of interest laws, handling warrants, and restoring rights.  Ms. Hutchinson also shared with us the many opportunities that we have, as youths and adults, to have a seat on some of the state’s boards.  Ms. Hutchinson herself works on the boards of transportation, public safety, health and human resources.  She shared with us that there are about 450 boards that the residents of Virginia can apply for a seat on.
    The highlight of the day was meeting with the Democratic candidate for Governor, Creigh Deeds! Mr. Deeds was so kind to spare a few minutes to share with us why he is running for Governor and how the qualities and experience he has are the best for Virginia!
     Mr. Pat Mullins, the Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia, was also so kind to come speak with us. Mr. Mullins shared with us his extensive experience in politics and how with his leadership, Fairfax County, a very liberal area in Northern Virginia, supported Governor Allen and helped him win his race for Governor of Virginia.  Mr. Mullins also shared with us how he, with the Republican Party of Virginia, has been trying to talk with Governor Kaine about his time out of the state as Chairman of the Democratic National Committee.
     Attorney General Bill Mims also spoke to us about the current problems in Virginia and how he and the current nominees for Attorney General are proposing to fix them.  Mr. Randy Marcus came and told us about campaigning and more specifically how messaging can win an election.  Mr. Will Frank also spoke to us about working in politics and his career path as both a campaign fundraiser and lobbyist.
     We were extremely lucky to have such great speakers and to have the opportunity to take a tour of the Capitol.  This experience was so special to both me and my Sorensen classmates, as many of us would never have been given the opportunity to meet such influential politicians and visit our state’s capitol!

—Claire Hunn, Arlington

High School Leaders Program Class of 2009
Day 12— Wednesday July 22
Reported By: Trevor Langan of Patrick Henry High School, Roanoke
 
     This morning my alarm clock woke me up properly, rather than yesterday when it failed to go off. However, today’s alarm was earlier than most for today was our field trip to Richmond.  In fact, all of us woke up on time and loaded the bus in business professional attire before our executive director, Bob Gibson.
     Once we got to the Capitol Building, we made our way through security (but not before my tie clip set off the metal detector) and into a committee chamber which became our lecture room for the day.
     Our first speaker was Don Hall – the most successful lobbyist in Richmond.  Don represents the Virginia Auto Dealer Association (for the purpose of full disclosure, Mr. Hall drives a Corvette Z06).  He gave an enthusiastic presentation in which he repeatedly stated, “You can disagree without being disagreeable.”
     Our next speaker was Ms. Lucy Hutchinson from the office of gubernatorial appointments.  She gave a talk about her position and how students my age can serve on a number of different committees in youth positions.
     Next, we were joined by Randy Marcus – chief of staff for the office of Lieutenant Governor, Bill Bolling.  He concentrated his discussion on campaigning, by request of Mr. Gibson.  I found his talk to be informative to the specifics of campaign advertising.
     After lunch, we were treated to a tour of the Capitol by a very charismatic guide.  He explained the history of the building that was designed in Paris by Mr. Thomas Jefferson.  While in Presidents’ Hall, he told us that any of us who become president can have our own bust sit amongst the ones already decorating the walls.
     Following the tour, we made our way back to the lecture hall.  Three more speakers came and joined us – Pat Mullins, Attorney General Bill Mims, and Will Frank.  Pat, chair of the Republican party of Virginia, spurred an intense discussion during his Q&A.
     As exciting as the events I’ve so far described may have seen, I failed to mention the most momentous one of all.  During lunch, our wonderful program managers quickly came to rush us back into the committee room.  There was a rumor that a certain someone was in the building and may be stopping by to say “hello.”  That someone turned out to be the Democratic candidate for the office of the governor – Sen. Creigh Deeds.  We were so glad to be able to ask a few questions and to shake his hand.  He gives the impression of a genuine person who really wants to help the citizens of the Commonwealth.  I heard many of my peers wish him good luck in the upcoming election.
 
—Trevor Langan, Roanoke