CLP 2010: Day 5, Wednesday, June 2

College Leaders Program Class of 2010
Day 5—Wednesday, June 2
Reported by: Sarah Ulmer, University of Virginia

The day began for us almost with the rising sun. We woke up early this morning in order to meet in the lobby of Bice at 7 a.m. Luckily, everyone was on time for our first field trip!

Our field trip this week did not concentrate on a single city. The first stop of the day was at Cub Run Dairy Farm in the Valley. The dairy’s owner Gerald Heatwole toured us around his facilities. First, he explained to us how much work goes into making the food for the cows. Using his special, vitamin-rich blend, the cows at Cub Run are able to produce ten gallons of milk a day! Some of this milk is transported to local stores, while another percentage is exported to places such as Orlando, Florida. Mr. Heatwole showed us his various barns while telling us how agriculture is one of the most important economic resources for the state. He also clarified that while his dairy farm is not a certified organic farm, they use very little pesticides compared to the amount that would have been applied a decade ago. A most memorable part of the day was when we watched the veterinarian conduct a rectal exam to see if a cow was pregnant! Finally, Mr. Heatwole clarified the various federal and state programs established to help farmers pay for sustainable structures that will reduce the amount of runoff entering the Chesapeake Bay.

After our tour, we returned to the bus and drove to Staunton. Our first activity in Staunton was lunch at a restaurant right down the street from City Hall. From the restaurant we walked to City Hall where we would meet our two afternoon speakers.

The first speaker was David Ledbetter, an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for Waynesboro. Even more exciting, I was given the opportunity to meet and introduce Mr. Ledbetter! I think that I can speak for the class in saying that Mr. Ledbetter was a very engaging speaker. He spoke about how the current economic situation has affected the courts. For example, he explained that the General Assembly has decided not to appoint any vacant judge seats in order to reduce spending. Additionally, Mr. Ledbetter discussed the high proportion of repeat offenders and what it was like to be an attorney in a small town where he is likely to see people he meets in the court room when he is out about town.

Directly afterwards, Senator Emmett Hanger (R) from the 24th District gave our class insight into his extensive political experience, which extends beyond his fifteen years as a State Senator. He told us many interesting stories to help keep us awake in the hot City Hall room where the air conditioning would not work. One piece of legislation that he has recently pushed in the Senate involves creating an internet sales tax. He believes that people who purchase items online should have to pay the Virginia sales tax they would pay if they shopped in physical stores; otherwise, it is unfair to traditional retailers. Senator Hanger also works on a conservation easement initiative, which has protected 600,000 acres over the past 10 years.

After Senator Hanger’s insightful speech, we boarded the bus to head back to Charlottesville and dinner! And to complete the reading for tomorrow morning!