PLP Class of 2008

Name:    Jacob Rooksby
Age:  26
Born:  Indianapolis, Indiana
Current Digs: Richmond
Occupation:  Intellectual property litigation attorney
Favorite part about the job:  Representing colleges and universities
Your first job ever?  Sales clerk at a fruit and vegetable market
Favorite book?  The Winter of Our Discontent by John Steinbeck
Favorite movie?  Magnolia
Comfort food?  Macaroni & cheese (the thick kind served in cafeterias)
What's in your car CD player right now?  Soundtrack of songs from films by Pedro Almodóvar
Next journey?  To Barcelona in September – I’ll be the best man in the wedding of a friend I met years ago while studying in Spain.  Incidentally, he recently gave me the Almodóvar CD (see above).
Favorite Virginia vacation spot?  Colonial Williamsburg – in any season, but particularly in the fall
First political memory?  At the age of six, being babysat by my Grandpa Rooksby who lectured me on Reagonomics and all things Reagan (he wasn’t a fan) while we watched politicians be interviewed on Larry King Live. This was a repeating occurrence.
Whom do you admire and why?  W. Taylor Reveley III, interim president at William & Mary, former law school dean, former law firm managing partner, author.  I admire the depth and breadth of his achievements in private, public, and academic spheres.
Best advice you ever got?  When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.
If you could have dinner with any one currently living, whom would it be and why?  John Edwards.  His message inspires me – and I envy his style.
Describe a perfect day.  With my family.  Wake up at a bed & breakfast.  Have bacon and eggs for breakfast.  Go on a long hike in the mountains.  Drink cocktails on a large deck and watch the sunset.  Have a three-hour, multi-course dinner.  End the day back on that deck and in a hot tub.
One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you?  I’ve stood at the highest point of 25 states.  Obviously not an accident – my wife and I belong to the Highpointers Club and aim to reach the rest some day (minus Mt. McKinley).
Ambition, political or otherwise?  To live in a small town and own and operate a winery, or a local/regional magazine.

Name:   Stella Y. Edwards
Born: Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and lived in Louisiana until after graduating from college
Current Digs: Chesterfield County
Occupation: Substitute Teacher/ Advocate for Quality  Health, Education and Welfare of Children
Favorite part about the job: The excitement of taking on an unknown challenge each day
Your first job ever? During high school, caring for an elderly widower.
Favorite book?  Who Moved My Cheese?
Favorite movie?  Yental
Comfort food?  California Navel Orange
What's in your car CD player right now? Music from the Broadway musical, Rent.
Next journey? National PTA Board of Directors meeting.
Favorite Virginia vacation spot? Northern Virginia ( a place of all seasons).
First political memory? 1966, East Baton Rouge Parish chapter of the National Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers (NCCPT), advocating for equality in segregated public schools.
Whom do you admire and why? Clara Gay, president of then National Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers.  Mrs. Gay led the unification of the NCCPT and the National PTA (all white membership) in 1970.  I have the utmost reverence for leaders who can exercise the “just right” diplomacy to bring peoples together for the greater cause.
Best advice you ever got?  Be quick to listen.
If you could have dinner with any one currently living, whom would it be and why? I would have dinner with Senator Hillary Clinton, several years after her term(s) as President of the United States.  I would like to hear her account of modern day history in the US from her personal viewpoint.
Describe a perfect day.  Receiving a phone call at 6:00 a.m. to substitute at 7:00 a.m., anticipating all the unknowns of the school climate, students temperament, and the uncertainty of prepared lesson plans, and at the end of the day the feeling of success!
One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you? I attended paratrooper school, to learn to jump out of a perfectly good airplane.
Ambition, political or otherwise?  To have a major influence on laws and policies affecting the health, education and welfare of children through decision-making positions.

Name: Joseph B. Walton (Joe)
Age: 32
Born: Richmond, VA  and grew up in Chesterfield
Current Digs: Powhatan, VA
Occupation: IT and Business Consultant, County Supervisor
Favorite part about the job: solving new and old problems
Your first job ever? Various attempts while in middle and high school, McDonald’s
Favorite book? Most compelling: Jurassic Park, Mark Twain, classic philosophy
Favorite movie? Indiana Jones, Clueless, Bring It On, The Godfather Trilogy, Fletch, Sergio Leone
Comfort food?  Cup of tea and rosemary crackers with swiss
What's in your car CD player right now? Led Zeppelin
Next journey? Greece
Favorite Virginia vacation spot? Staunton area
First political memory? Reagan’s “tear down this wall” speech.
Whom do you admire and why?  People who almost miss high profile situations but excel. What would the world have been like without them?
Best advice you ever got?  You can command respect, but it is better to earn it.
If you could have dinner with any one currently living, whom would it be? Warren Buffet, Dalai Lama or Clint eastwood
Describe a perfect day. One in which no major setbacks occur
One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you?  I am really quite sophomoric.
Ambition, political or otherwise? Doing the right thing and working hard—wherever that leads.

Name: Anthony Dale
Age: 25
Born: Mt Holly, NJ, grew up in Hampton Va
Current Digs: Alexandria Va
Occupation: Budget Analyst, Richmond City Council
Favorite part about the job: Helping people
Your first job ever? Telemarketer
Favorite book? From the Hood to the Hill by Barry Black
Favorite movie? Love & Basketball
Comfort food? Seafood
What's in your car CD player right now? Jahiem
Favorite Virginia vacation spot? Virginia Beach
First political memory? Dropping literature for Kweisi Mfume during his first race for office.
Whom do you admire and why? I admire Barack Obama because he inspires me to be engaged in the political process.
Best advice you ever got? Not to let the small stuff keep you down.
If you could have dinner with any one currently living, whom would it be and why? Carl Rove, To find out how he made it to the top and what his outlook is on the future of the political process.
Describe a perfect day. Fishing on the Chesapeake and a night out on the town with my fiance
One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you? I was homeless for a few months in Baltimore.
Ambition, political or otherwise? To be a U.S Senator one day.

Name: Dominic Pius Gabello
Age: 28
Born: Binghamton/Vestal, NY
Current Digs: Arlington/Alexandria, VA
Occupation: Political Director, Virginians for Brian Moran
Favorite part about the job: Traveling across Virginia and meeting great people!
Your first job ever? Working as a Sales Associate at Bradlees from 1996 to 1998
Favorite book? The Audacity of Hope - Barack Obama
Favorite movie? Godfather
Comfort food? Joe's Pizza and Pasta Place in Arlington.
What's in your car CD player right now? Well I listen to Sirius and my iPod - so it could be anything
Next journey? I'll let you know next year
Favorite Virginia vacation spot? I love Sandbridge Beach - but I also love the Shenandoah Valley.
First political memory? Staying up all night in 1988 and being extremely disappointed that Michael Dukakis got his butt handed to him
Whom do you admire and why?  The Warners - Mark and John (even though they aren't related.)  While both come from separate political parties - they did what was right for Virginia and were both rewarded with success and very high approval ratings.  In 2004, John Warner said it best, "Politics be damned. Let's consider what's best for the men and women of this great state and their families and their children."  In addition, Mark Warner put his family before his ambitions when he decided not to run for President, even though that highly disappointed many, including me.
Best advice you ever got? It wasn't given directly to me (I just happened to be watching it on tv at the time) - but I think the best advice anyone can ever get is what Jimmy Valvano said, "Don't give up, don't ever give up."
If you could have dinner with any one currently living, whom would it be and why?  George W. Bush - To ask why on so many questions.
Describe a perfect day.  Wake up and golf 36 holes.  Repeat next day.  And next day.  And next day.
One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you?  As much as I complain about being in the car - I truly love to drive.  I put more than 50,000 miles on two cars over 4 years mostly traveling around Virginia but also going to see my family in NY and Ohio.
Ambition? I go back and forth between ever wanting to run for office - I do really like being behind the scenes and getting good Democrats elected to office.

Name: Kala Leggett Quintana
Age: 36
Born: Born in St. Louis, MO (but never lived there); Grew up as a citizen of the world, mostly in Germany (Stuttgart, Augsburg and Heidelberg); Lived in Fairfax County since 1981.
Current Digs: Live in Burke (Burke Centre) in Fairfax County; Work in Arlington.
Occupation: Director of Public Outreach for the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) and the acting Public Information Officer for the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA).
Favorite part about the job: Transportation is such a complex and integral issue in Northern Virginia and the commonwealth.  I love working with Northern Virginia's local elected officials! They are truly the most dedicated and inspiring people I have ever known. I like the fact that I get to do a lot of different things including working with the media, residents, local staff, and to a degree helping to shape the future of transportation policy.  I really feel like I am making a difference.  
Your first job ever?  When I was  eleven years old I started my own little company called "I Walk Dogs, Inc." – OK, so it wasn't a real company per se but my parents humored me and let me get business cards printed up so that I could appear more professional to my customers.  I even had a logo!  People would leave me the keys to their homes and while they were gone on vacation I would pick up their mail, walk, play with and feed their pets, and water their plants—all for a charge of course!  I think I charged $3 to $5 a day depending on the number of pets. I actually made quite a nice little chunk of change up until High School.
Favorite book?  Don't laugh -- but -- any of the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling.
Favorite movie?  It's a tie between Out of Africa and Casablanca.  Every time I watch Out of Africa I see another nuance that I missed the other 153+ times I watched it previously. Casablanca on the other hand is a classic. I thoroughly enjoy the one-liners and the humor which always seems ahead of its time considering how stuffy the actors were in the movies of that era.   
Comfort food? Mashed potatoes or hot, fresh Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (depending on my mood).
What's in your car CD player right now? Andrea Boccelli; Nickelback; Rob Thomas; KT Tunstall; Bob Marley; and Nina Simone. 
Next journey?   I'm a travel nut.  I always need at least three trips planned in advance or I can't sleep at night.  So the next trip is to Prague, Czech Republic where my husband Andy and I are spending 10 days to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary.  In December, 2008 we're headed to St. Vincent in the Grenadines; and in June, 2009 we're headed back to our favorite haunt: St. John, USVI (eight visits and counting).  
Favorite Virginia vacation spot?  For pampering: Keswick Hall in Charlottesville; For roughing it: camping at Shenandoah National Park; For day trips: Warren County/Front Royal/Leesburg/Middleburg areas to visit local Virginia wineries—we're big fans of Oasis, Barboursville and Three Fox vineyards!    
First political memory? My first international political memory was seeing the border between Germany and Czechoslovakia in the early 1970's. I remember seeing the fences, barbed wire and guards with guns and wondering why they were trying to keep people from leaving.  My first domestic political memory was the 1980 presidential election and thinking Ronald Reagan should win instead of Jimmy Carter—no reason, I was ten and just liked the way he looked and sounded—you know, the same way a lot of voters make their decisions about Presidential candidates these days.   
Whom do you admire and why? Robert F. Kennedy. When I ponder his life's journey, I can't help but reflect upon the times in which he lived – the turbulent 1960's with its racial and social dissonance; the violent loss of his older brother; his efforts to raise his own family; and his attempt to lead a nation toward healing. Kennedy was not necessarily an introspective person but was most insightful during the moments he devoted to other people  He held politics and public service in high esteem and sought to inspire others to the pursuit of politics and service in what he called the "most noble of professions. "  I often find myself re-reading his speeches and am at the same time reassured and alarmed that many of the same issues he addressed then still remain a challenge despite the year on the calendar or the wealth of our nation and its people.      
Best advice you ever got?  You can always make more money, but you can't make more time.
If you could have dinner with any one currently living, whom would it be and why? Madeline Albright.  I think she's a fascinating individual.  I saw her interviewed by Ashley Judd on the Sundance Channel's "Iconoclasts" and I was amazed by her life story and how she successfully managed her role as the first female U.S. Secretary of State.
Describe a perfect day.  Wake up in a villa in Chocolate Hole on St. John (USVI).  Pack up the snorkel gear, hop in the jeep and head to Salt Pond bay for snorkeling with Nurse sharks and Hawksbill turtles and some beach time.  At lunch time we head to Skinny Legs for what is arguably the best burger in the USVI and hang out with the locals.  After lunch we head back to the villa and relax in the pool or a hammock for the rest of the day.  When it starts to get dark, we head to Cruz Bay for dinner at a restaurant called Asolare for some Asian fusion cuisine and watch the lights on St. Thomas twinkle in the distance.  After dinner we head back to the villa, sit on the deck and watch the stars in the sky. Repeat.   
One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you? I was Miss Springfield for Junior Miss and Miss Springfield for the Miss Northern Virginia pageant -- the preliminary competition for Miss Virginia and Miss America.
Ambition, political or otherwise?  I am open to all opportunities that will allow me to use my talents and abilities in service to my community, the commonwealth or my country.

Name: Brett Coffee 
Age: 36
Born: Chicago, IL
Current Digs: Burke, VA
Occupation: General Counsel and Vice President at CSCI/General Counsel at the SemperComm Foundation
Favorite part about the job:  CSCI is a technology company, and there are so many challenges to working with one foot in technology and the other in the law that I find incredibly interesting.  The people here are highly impressive, the technology we develop is cutting-edge, and the mission is critical.  The SemperComm Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to supplying morale-boosting communications and entertainment equipment, software and services to small, overseas remote U.S. military bases.  My work there is to ensure compliance with legal and ethical matters.  Through that, I’ve had the opportunity to meet a number of celebrities who attend our annual Gala and negotiate with senior government officials.  But the highlight is always meeting the marines, soldiers and airmen that make up our armed forces.  Getting to know these men and women has truly been an honor and a privilege.
Your first job ever? Selling Christmas wreathes for the Boy Scouts.  I was lucky, because we lived very close to our local downtown.  After school each day, I would walk down to the real estate offices, and remind them how much more attractive their houses would be if they made it look festive with a holiday wreathe.  It was a mutually beneficial relationship, and a very successful sales technique.
Favorite book? Republican Party Reptile by PJ O’Rourke, probably the funniest book ever written.
Favorite movie? Braveheart
Comfort food? Deep Dish Pizza
What's in your car CD player right now? Ocean’s 11 Soundtrack
Next journey? Other than Sorensen?  When my wife finishes her MBA, we’ve talked about starting a family, and we’re looking forward to that as a great adventure.  We both love to travel, so we’re trying to get to Brazil, Australia and China before kids come along.  But no matter what happens, there will be journeys galore for the foreseeable future.
Favorite Virginia vacation spot? Lake Anna is one of the most relaxing places I’ve ever been.  Parker and Cole (our spoiled dogs) are incredibly happy chasing geese or sticks and exploring the shoreline.  And it’s incredibly peaceful for the humans as well, a great place to decompress and reconnect with nature, family and loved ones.  But we’re lucky in Virginia because the natural beauty and diversity of the environment is something that is hard to compare with any other place, and the historical sites and breadth of experiences you can have here make this a very special place to live in and explore.
First political memory?  There were always stories about my grandfather’s political races when I was very young.  But the first time I was aware of a campaign was 1980 when Ronald Reagan was elected.  Although my thoughts at the time weren’t on the malaise that the country was gripped in, even children could recognize the difference in strength and optimism that Governor Reagan brought to the race, and to the country as President.  The local campaign headquarters was a block away, so I went down every few days to see if there was a new bumper sticker or button that I could get my hands on.
Whom do you admire and why? There have been so many people along the way that I have admired.  Probably the most important couple in my life are my friends Jan and Merle Mulvaney.  Our families have known each other for over 50 years, and they have been a constant source of inspiration and motivation since we now live just a few miles apart.  Merle was an officer in the Army, and is a continuous reminder that service doesn’t have to be advertised.  Jan holds a doctorate in education, and has been a teacher and administrator in Fairfax County and Fairfax City for many years.  Jan encouraged me to participate in Leadership Fairfax, which lead to my participation in the Political Leaders Program, so her encouragement in shaping my path of service has been a cornerstone of my life.  Their guidance has been very important to me, and their example of leadership, service and devotion has been incredibly inspirational.  Their friendship is something I will always treasure, and the standards they have set for me will be something that will always challenge me.
Best advice you ever got? To leave home and see the world.  My travels have been a constant source of education, friends and new experiences, many of which have changed how I look at the world and myself.  Everyone would benefit from travelling cross-country by car, travel to where their ancestors lived, and experiencing a different pace of life.
If you could have dinner with any one currently living, whom would it be and why?   Shelia Johnson would be a particularly fascinating dinner companion.  She is a woman who has not only been in the middle of the transformation of race and gender in our country, but also had a front row seat to the changes in media and culture, sports and entertainment, entrepreneurship and politics.  And she’s clearly not done yet!  What a unique perspective she must have, and so many interesting stories and lessons as well.
Describe a perfect day.  Wake up to a cup (or two) of coffee, while reading the papers on the back deck with the sun coming up.  Before the day gets too far gone, head out for a bike ride with my wife and take the dogs out for a swim.  Spend the afternoon reading some history or biography, instead of the catch-up business periodicals or policy papers that are usually everpresent.  Then, have some friends over to grill and open a bottle of wine, and spend the evening talking with friends and my wife.
One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you? When I was younger, I spent time training for the Olympics in cycling.  Some of the best riders in the sport came up through the ranks at the same time, so many of my fellow competitors did extremely well at the Olympics, Tour de France and other races around the world.  My talent wasn’t quite that exceptional, though, and after attending an elite camp at the Olympic Training Center I figured I had better hit the books rather than try and make a living on two wheels.   My wife and I rode a Century (100 miles) last fall though, and it’s something I still enjoy doing.  It’s a great way to see the Virginia countryside.
Ambition, political or otherwise?  Since politics has always been an interest, I’ve never really had any specific ambitions there.  Becoming more involved with public service has been an outgrowth of meeting my wife, settling down and really focusing on the specific needs of my community.  My ambition is to have a healthy and happy family, and my goals are to set an example for my own children and that they will live a life they can be proud of.  To the extent that a strong community plays an important role for every family in our area, that drives my participation.

Name: Morgan Guthridge
Age: 28
Born: Richmond, Va.
Current Digs: Richmond, Va.
Occupation: Government Relations
Favorite part about the job: Working on a diverse set of issues with different colations of people to effect a positive outcome for my clients and the citizens of the Commonwealth
First Job ever: Worked for a construction and landscaping company
Favorite book: Anything written by Tom Clancy, William Faulkner or Ernest Hemingway
Favorite Movie: Hoosiers and The Naked Gun
Comfort Food: Shrimp and Cheese Grits with a side of collards.
What's in your CD player right now? Don't use CD that much anymore. I have an I-Pod and Sirius Satellite Radio. I generally listen to Classic Rock/Southern Rock and Blues.
Next Journey: Going to Birmingham, Alabama for a wedding.
Favorite Virginia vacation spot: Family River House in Mathews County
First Political memory: Attending a rally for Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Marshall Coleman in 1988.
Whom do you admire and why: All the men and women serving in our Armed Forces because they protect our country and the world in general.
Best Advice you ever got: "We cannot all be scholars, but we can all be gentlemen." and "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
If you could have dinner with any one currently living, whom would it be and why: I would love to have dinner with Chris Fowler, Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit of the ESPN College GameDay Crew because I would love to talk football with them. They appear to have a great time with eachother.
A Perfect Day: Out on the Chesapeake Bay Fishing on a clear, sunny day in the summer time. If it's raining, lying on the couch with a book or watching football.
One thing most people might be suprised to learn about you: I am a drummer. I played in bands all through High School and College.
Ambition: To continue to build a successful and respected Government Relations practice. To serve my community.

Political Leaders Profile: Class of 2008

Name: Kenneth J. Bernstein
Age: 61 (turning 62 in May)
Born: Born New York City.  Grew up in Larchmont, NY (Mamaroneck High School)
Current Digs: I live in Arlington and teach in Greenbelt, MD.
Occupation: High School Social Studies Teacher
Favorite part about the job: Interacting with the future of this country and learning from my wonderful and challenging students
Your first job ever?  Teaching cello to a 5th grader when I was a 10th grader.  Fulltime, working in a McDonald's the summer after high school in 1963.
Favorite book? T. S. Eliot's The Four Quartets,
Favorite movie?  A toss-up among three:  Casablanca, African Queen, and Bad Day at Black Rock
Comfort food? The four basic food groups:  lager, ale, porter and stout.
What's in your car CD player right now?  Granados' "Goyescas," transcribed for 3 guitars, and played by Trio Campanella.
Next journey?  Local, to the dry cleaners as soon as I send this off.   Metaphorically, my participation in PLP. Otherwise, a visit to SW Virginia to meet a person I know only electronically but whom I greatly admire.
Favorite Virginia vacation spot? Staying at Shenandoah Crossing in Louisa County and exploring the region around Charlottesville.
First political memory? Army-McCarthy Hearings.
Whom do you admire and why? Russ Feingold, he takes positions on principle without being concerned with political cost or correctness.
Best advice you ever got?  From a monk in Greece whom I admired: to listen to my wife, and if in disagreement to defer to her.
If you could have dinner with any one currently living, whom would it be and why? Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, to learn how he transcended the wrongs done to him and became a beacon of healing in a shattered world
Describe a perfect day. All my students show up with their homework done? Hasn't happened in 13 years of teaching.
One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you? I am basically very shy, and I cry easily, at movies, when I don't reach my students.
Ambition, political or otherwise?  Leave the world a better place than I found it, whatever that might mean.

Political Leaders Profile Class of 2008

Name: Helen O'Beirne
Age: 27
Born: Born in Brunswick, GA, spent my first few years on St. Simon's Island, GA, but consider Richmond, VA my hometown, where I've been ever since.
Current Digs: Proud to live, work, and play in Downtown Richmond, VA!
Occupation: Policy Director, which is a mix of lobbying and grassroots organizing at a statewide fair housing nonprofit, Housing Opportunities Made Equal.
Favorite part about the job: The excitement of the General Assembly session is hard to beat, but getting paid to devote myself to the pursuit of social justice is certainly the most rewarding aspect.
Your first job ever? Chesapeake Bagel Bakery.  I can almost still smell the cream cheese under my fingernails. Shudder.
Favorite book? Recently, America: Democracy Inaction by Jon Stewart.
Favorite movie? Alice in Wonderland. Classic tale of a young girl's adventures.
Comfort food? Peanut butter on anything, including straight out of the jar!
What's in your car CD player right now? DMB, Live from Radio City Music Hall.
Next journey? Greek islands in May! Let's hope I find my way back.
Favorite Virginia vacation spot? My girls and I do Virginia Beach every summer (Lunasea!), but I also have great friends in Lake Monticello that I visit frequently.
First political memory? Does getting elected Prom Queen count? No serioulsy, not until high school, when my government teacher finally brought American history to life for me.
Whom do you admire and why? Service workers who earn minimum wage but somehow manage to raise a family. I'm thinking specifically of the people who clean my office building. They're always so nice and upbeat, and I can only imagine how hard it must be to make ends meet and still remain positive about life.
Best advice you ever got? Rarely affirm, never refute, and always distinguish. Delegate Bill Janis shared that with me, and told me it has served him equally well in law school, court, and the General Assembly.
If you could have dinner with any one currently living, whom would it be and why? I'm going to avoid the temptation of mentioning a pop celebrity, because I know dinner would be disappointing. Instead, I'll pick Governor Kaine, who I know is incapable of being dull, even for a split second! I'd ask him most about his decision-making process, which I know much be incredibly difficult for someone trying to balance faith, passion, and the reality of politics.
Describe a perfect day. This will reveal my laziness, but I'd have to say unwinding on the couch with my dog and a marathon of America's Next Top Model. Sheesh, I'm superficial!
One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you? I'm incredibly insecure.
Ambition, political or otherwise? Saving the world from evildoers, especially those pesky predatory lenders! Overly ambitious? Ok, maybe just getting better consumer protections on the books in Virginia, even if it means doing so from the dias.