Senior Statesmen – Page 10 – Charlottesville Podcasting Network

September 14, 2011 2:36 pmMay 1, 2022 10:30 am

Albemarle County Board of Supervisors Candidates Forum

Candidates seeking election to three vacancies on Albemarle County’s Board of Supervisors presented their views on a number of topics of local interest. Each candidate was asked to provide a short statement containing any combination of biographic, qualification, and policy position information and a photo. These appear below listed alphabetically by name.

Candidates for Albemarle County’s Board Supervisors speaking before the September 14, 2011 meeting of the Senior Statesmen of Virginia.

The candidates spoke at the September 14, 2011 meeting of the Senior Statesmen of Virginia. The meeting was held at the Charlottesville Senior Center. Following the presentation, questions were taken from the audience. The program was moderated by SSV Secretary Bill Davis.

Kenneth C. (Ken) Boyd

Kenneth C. (Ken) Boyd – Rivanna District – Republican For over 30 years Ken Boyd has been a part of our community. Ken and his wife Brenda raised 4 children (Casey, Patrick, Kelley and Cory) who all attended Albemarle public schools. It was Ken’s longtime commitment to the Albemarle school system that led him to chair his children’s PTOs and then on to winning a seat on the School Board. From coaching youth sports to his current service on the Computers4Kids’ board, Supervisor Boyd has always tried to make a positive difference in preparing our children for the future.

Since being elected to the Board of Supervisors, Ken’s focus has remained on improving the quality of life in Albemarle County for all. By working to bring the new Martha Jefferson Hospital to the county and helping to secure quality jobs at the DIA and NGIC, Ken has labored to keep our local economy strong. His leadership in shaping the Board of Supervisor master plan, limiting growth to 5% of the county’s landmass, has allowed roughly 80% of the county to remain forested. His transportation solutions like the Meadowcreek Parkway and now the 29 bypass will help ease congestion and better serve local residents and businesses for decades to come.

Christopher J. Dumler

Christopher J. Dumler – Scottsville District – Democrat Christopher Dumler is an attorney and UVA Law graduate with his own practice who lives and works in Scottsville. In addition to his private law practice, Christopher also serves as a Captain in the U.S. Army Reserve Judge Advocate General Corps. He has been appointed by the Board of Supervisors to serve on the Board of Directors and as chairman of the Finance Committee of the Region Ten Community Services Board, and he is also a member of the Albemarle Natural Heritage Committee, a stakeholder in the Biscuit Run State Park master planning process. He also serves the community as a volunteer firefighter, a member of the Scottsville Government Services Committee, and a member of the Scottsville Chamber of Commerce. Christopher is running to ensure that Albemarle and the Scottsville District have an accountable, collaborative, responsive government that focuses on issues that actually matter to the residents of the district: economic development and job creation for citizens; smart investments in our schools to ensure our children receive a world-class education that will keep us competitive in the global market; and smart growth and development to preserve our agricultural heritage, environmental treasures and the pristine beauty of Albemarle County.

Ann Mallek

Ann Mallek – Whitehall District – Democrat I am descended from a 13th c Irish lady pirate, the granddaughter of a Rachel Carson environmentalist, and daughter of a veterinarian. I wear many hats which use different skills and interests. Farmer, biologist by training, teacher — all provide me with experience to support my major goals as supervisor — representation and collaboration.

I am proud to be a citizen activist, with sole allegiance to residents and to our county. I stand up for open, accessible processes and transparent decision making, as I believe these are essential to build and maintain the public’s confidence in local government.

There are many critical issues facing our district and our county right now-economic development and employment, success in our schools, transportation priorities and the Western Bypass, zoning concerns, air and water quality, water capacity planning, and the county use of tax funds, to name a few. I actively listen to citizens, bring varied opinions together, and represent the majority of the citizens in our district. Please share your views with me by calling or e- mailing. Invite me to speak with your neighborhood or homeowners association, or community group.

Cynthia Neff

Cynthia Neff – Rivanna District – Democrat It seems I have spent my whole life preparing for this role on the BOS. I was a small business owner then transitioned to one of the most successful companies in the world. At IBM I learned what it took to be a leader, to make tough decisions and to make thoughtful analyses. I learned to balance the needs of customers, the marketplace, employees, and the bottom line. I worked my way up from account specialist to the executive ranks where I was accountable for running a global operation.

I plan to live the rest of my life here in Albemarle County. I want to help our community not only survive, but thrive. Someone needs to stand up for the residents of the Rivanna District and Albemarle County, listen to them, engage them and work with them to build a sustainable, integrated community for everyone.

We are at a defining moment in the history of our community. Strong leadership is required that proactively listens to all parties, understands there are no simple solutions nor room for rigid ideology, plays well with others and gets the job done. I can do that job well. I ask for your support, help and your vote.

James C. Norwood

James C. Norwood – Scottsville District – Republican

B.A. Economics University of New England… presently a Trustee
Independent business owner in Albemarle county for 12 years
Private business owner 25 years of 45 year career
Married to Joan for 43 yrs , five children, seven grandchildren
Past President of Charlottesville American Heart Association
Past President American Cancer Society, Charlottesville

Issues:

FOR-Freedom, Liberty and Rights
FOR-Common sense fiscal responsibility
FOR-Extending CAT service where needed
FOR-In classroom investment for education
FOR-Safe rural roads
FOR-Manage county revenue to avoid raising taxes
FOR-Buy Local and expand present businesses from within to create jobs
AGAINST-Partisan politics
AGAINST-Internet sales for products available locally

August 10, 2011 2:41 pmMay 1, 2022 10:30 am

Charlottesville City Council Candidates Forum

This November’s election will fill three Charlottesville City Council seats. This forum occurred before the Democratic Party primary and before the deadline for Independents to file final papers, so while not all participants will be on the November ballot we had the opportunity to hear and explore the views of the entire set of declared candidates on Charlottesville issues and priorities for City Council.

Candidates for Charlottesville City Council speaking before the August 10, 2011 meeting of the Senior Statesmen of Virginia.

Sue Liberman, president of the Senior Statesmen of Virginia, will be the forum moderator. Each candidate gave a three minute opening statement before questions were taken from the audience. The candidates are shown below in alphabetical order.

Note: Photo and text for Independent Candidate Paul Long was unavailable at the time of this posting. The photo and text for his listing was excerpted from an article published on July 28 in the Charlottesville Daily Progress.

The candidates spoke at the August 10, 2011 meeting of the Senior Statesmen of Virginia. The meeting was held at the Charlottesville Senior Center. Following the presentation, questions were taken from the audience. The program was moderated by SSV President Sue Liberman.

Paul Beyer

Paul Beyer – Democrat I was born and raised in Charlottesville. Our small family business, R.L. Beyer Custom Homes, has 20 employees and a 40-year history in the community. I also have an arts background, graduating NYU with degrees in film, writing and history. My platform is Jobs / Sustainability / Arts because I believe the City needs to focus on job creation, the economic vitality of the region, and supporting small business. A pragmatic small-business perspective will be useful on Council. Of equal importance is maintaining the creative and entrepreneurial communities that are the pride of Charlottesville and maintain our distinct culture. www.beyerforcouncil.com

Collette Blount

Collette Blount – Democrat My hometown is St. Louis, Missouri. I received my B.A. in 1986 from Wellesley College and did my graduate work at The College of William & Mary, where I received my M.A.Ed. in 1994. In that same year, I moved to Charlottesville, where I’ve been a teacher in the Albemarle County and Charlottesville City schools. Since my election to the City School Board in 2007, I have served on the following committees: Quest Advisory, Pre-School Advisory, and Children, Youth & Family Services. My community activities include: Dialogue on Race facilitator, coach, and tutor. My daughter, Jo, is a junior at Columbia University.

Brevy Cannon

Brevy Cannon – Democrat A University of Virginia graduate, Brevy Cannon has lived in Charlottesville since 1997. Age 36, for the past five years he has been a news writer for UVa. Today. His well-rounded background includes work as an electrician, farmhand and on Capitol Hill for Senator Bob Kerrey (Nebraska). In Charlottesville he serves as a volunteer firefighter and a leader of Left of Center, a group of young progressives. He is on the board of the Charlottesville Community Scholar Program, and served on the CACF Future Fund grant committee that recently awarded $50,000 to the Buford Schoolyard Garden Project.

Kathy Galvin

Kathy Galvin – Democrat I’m the granddaughter of immigrants, the daughter of an auto mechanic with an 8th grade education and an army nurse who earned her bachelor’s degree on the GI Bill. Growing up in Massachusetts, I saw factories close and neighborhoods wither; it’s no wonder I studied economics, geography, and architecture. I’ve run my own practice since 1989, raised two sons with my husband, and served on several public bodies, including Charlottesville’s elected City School Board since 2007. My vision is a Charlottesville that expands economic opportunity, especially for our most vulnerable, while minimizing our region’s footprint – Greener, Smarter, Stronger, by Design.

James Halfaday

James Halfaday – Democrat I have been a resident of Charlottesville for five years and while here, fell in love with our community. I currently serve on the Charlottesville Police Advisory Council and the Building Code of Appeals. If elected to City Council I will work hard to provide every citizen of our city the opportunity to reach their goals, educationally, socially and economically. I believe in equal opportunity for all and that the education of our young people should be one of our top priorities. I also believe in the preservation of our natural resources and support dredging first. I look forward to serving the city if elected.

Satyendra Singh Huja

Satyendra Singh Huja – Democrat I seek a second term on city council because I am committed to public service and think that I can make a significant difference in the quality of life in our community for all our citizens. I bring extensive experience, creativity and a track record of accomplishments. I will work to preserve and enhance our environment; promote balanced transportation with network of sidewalks, bike lanes and more frequent bus service; improve deteriorating infrastructure of water, sewer, drainage and sidewalks; promote quality education especially for early childhood needs; provide for targeted workforce development; and provide for safe and decent housing and neighborhoods.

Dede Smith

Dede Smith – Democrat Deirdre “Dede” Smith moved to Charlottesville with her husband, UVA Professor Tim Wilson in 1979. They have lived in the Fry’s Spring neighborhood for 30 years, where they raised two children. Dede has been active in civic affairs for decades, with a particular interest in environmental and educational issues. Recognition for her contributions includes the Distinguished Dozen Award in 2003 for her work at the Ivy Creek Natural Area and as a member of the Charlottesville School Board. Dede’s volunteer activity now includes the Virginia Master Naturalists, Tree Stewards, and advocacy for preservation of the city’s natural and historic resources.

Scott Bandy

Scott Bandy – Independent With the exception of residing 1986 in Orlando Florida, I’ve lived in Virginia most of my life. I first moved to Albemarle County in 1989. I made my residence Charlottesville in 1993 and have stayed since. The majority of my employment record has been limited small jobs. However, I do know what it is to actually be somebody’s personal assistant and I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. No, the Holiday Inn quip was an attempt at humor. There are no exemplary self credentials or recognitions to note.

Brandon Collins

Brandon Collins – Independent Brandon, 38, has lived in Charlottesville his entire life, is 38 years old, has a child in the City Schools, is a musician, music teacher, restaurant worker, personal care attendant, and committed activist. He has experienced all of the great things as well as the difficult circumstances and situations that Charlottesville has to offer. He graduated from Charlottesville High School, attended Piedmont, worked for poverty wages, and has organized in Charlottesville. He frequently addresses City Council, serves on the board of the Charlottesville Center for Peace and Justice, secretary of the Socialist Party of Central Virginia, delegate for the IWW, co-founder of Cville Workers Action Network as well as the lobbying group Virginia United Against Oppression.

Bob Fenwick

Bob Fenwick – Independent Occupation and Work Experience: seven years US Army Corps of Engineers Officer, served one year in Vietnam, Central Highlands, Brigade Engineer, 4th Infantry Division; Owner Fenwick Construction (VA Class A General Contractor License #13681) 36 years; Writer www.Santas-Little-Helper.com (first Christmas story written for the internet), www.McIntireTheFox.com (a children’s story that adults will enjoy as well); Vice President Austro Health and Environmental Education Project, Inc. (IRS 501c3); Internet Web Master. Married 44 years to Victoria, two sons, both serving in the US Army at Ft. Knox.

Paul Long

Paul Long – Independent Long, who works in the transportation department at the University of Virginia, is a frequent advocate for the homeless and better public transit. He chose to run as an independent because the Democratic Party in Charlottesville is “too conservative.” His campaign will focus on drug decriminalization, expansion of Charlottesville Area Transit bus service and more funding for homeless shelters. Long opposes the Meadow Creek Parkway, saying the money allocated for the road could be better spent elsewhere. “I believe that that money should be spent and made available to Charlottesville Area Transit so that new bus routes could be established.”

Andrew Williams

Andrew D. Williams – Independent I was raised in the inner-city of Detroit, the cosmopolitan environs of Los Angeles and the staid suburbs of Charlotte, NC. My exposure to these Cities enabled my ability to identify with many people from different cultures and backgrounds. I learned at a very young age to listen, more than I speak and lead when the need arrives. One core belief I live by is the idea that we must find time to serve not only the next generation of people, but also the previous. I have a sincere desire to serve the residents of my home, Charlottesville. Age: 24

June 11, 2011 10:36 amMay 1, 2022 10:32 am

Educating for the Future

School Superintendents Rosa Atkins (Charlottesville) and Pam Moran (Albemarle) examined the state of education in Albemarle’s and Charlottesville’s public school systems.

Rosa Atkins and Pam Moran speaking before the June 8th meeting of the Senior Statesmen of Virginia

Rosa Atkins (left) and Pam Moran speaking before the June 8th meeting of the Senior Statesmen of Virginia.

Atkins and Moran spoke at the June 8, 2011 meeting of the Senior Statesmen of Virginia. The meeting was held at the Charlottesville Senior Center. Following the presentation, questions were taken from the audience. The program was moderated by SSV Vice President Bob McGrath.

Rosa Atkins

Prior to coming to Charlottesville in July, 2006, Rosa Atkins served as assistant superintendent in Caroline County. She has previously worked as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, director of leadership development, and director of instruction. A former fellow in Educational Leadership and Ethics at Oxford University, Rosa was named Henrico County Instructional Leader of the Year in 1999. Her breadth of experience spans urban, suburban, and rural settings; she has worked closely with refugee, homeless, and extraordinarily precocious children.

Rosa received a bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Virginia State University. She received a master’s degree in Special Education, and a master’s degree in Administration and Supervision, also from Virginia State. She received her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Policy from Virginia Tech.

Rosa was named 2011 Superintendent of the Year for Region 5 of the Virginia Association of School Superintendents and 2011 Virginia Superintendent of the Year.

Rosa has provided inspiring and innovative leadership in her urban school district of 3,800 students. She has reduced the achievement gap between her advantaged and disadvantaged students on the state’s standardized tests, while simultaneously elevating her district’s academic standards to better prepare her students for enrollment in higher education and successful employment in a globally competitive economy.

Pam Moran

For more than 30 years, Pam Moran has held a wide variety of teaching and leadership roles in elementary, middle, and high schools as well as at the district level including middle and high school science teacher, staff development and instructional coordinator, middle school associate principal, elementary principal, director of curriculum and instruction, assistant superintendent for student learning, and superintendent.

Pam holds a B.S. degree (1974) from Furman University and a master’s degree (1981) in Curriculum and Instruction and a doctoral degree (1997) in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Virginia. As an adjunct instructor for the University of Virginia, she has taught over 10 different instructional and leadership courses across the state, including a recent virtual course on “Reimagining Education in the 21st Century.”

Connecting with other public school educators to make sense of needed transitions in our field as we close in on the second decade of the 21st Century is a passion. Pam is energized by conversations with young people who relish emerging technologies as learning and communication tools, and see themselves as contributors to the communities in which they live.

Pam is the current president of the Virginia Association of School Superintendents for the 2011-12 School Year and serves as a member of the Governor’s Commission on Higher Education. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, military history, poetry, and writing.

May 11, 2011 2:40 pmMay 1, 2022 10:36 am

The 2011 General Assembly Session

Virginia House Delegates Rob Bell and David Toscano provided their perspectives on the issues that came before the 2011 legislature in this 49 minute podcast.

Delegates Rob Bell and David Toscano speaking before a full house at the Charlottesville Senior Center.

Delegates Bell and Toscano spoke at the May 11, 2011 meeting of the Senior Statesmen of Virginia. The meeting was held at the Charlottesville Senior Center. Following the presentation, questions were taken from the audience. The program was moderated by SSV Secretary Bill Davis.

Rob Bell

An honors graduate of the University of Virginia and the University of Virginia Law School, Rob Bell served as a state prosecutor for five years. He prosecuted over 2,400 cases, working with the police and crime victims to bring criminals to justice.

Representing the 58th House District (County of Greene and parts of Albemarle, Fluvanna, and Orange Counties), Rob has written laws that crack down on drunk driving. He was named the 2005 Outstanding Legislator by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)-Virginia. He is also interested in school safety. In recent years, he has written laws to ban criminal sex offenders from school property during school hours and to require additional background checks on school personnel. In 2008, Rob helped overhaul Virginia’s mental health laws in light of the tragedy at Virginia Tech.

An Eagle Scout, Rob was an active volunteer with the Boy Scouts and with the public schools prior to his election in 2001. Rob’s wife, Jessica, is a school teacher. She is currently staying home to raise their children, Robbie and Evelyn. The Bells live in Albemarle County and are members of Aldersgate United Methodist Church.

David Toscano

David Toscano was elected to his first term in the Virginia House of Delegates in November 2005 representing the 57th House District (City of Charlottesville and part of Albemarle County). David was born in Syracuse, New York, in 1950, the first of five children. He was educated in the public schools, received a bachelor’s degree from Colgate University in 1972, a Ph.D. from Boston College in 1979, and a law degree from the University of Virginia in 1986. He has taught at various colleges and universities, including Boston College, the University of Maryland (European Division), Piedmont Virginia Community College, the University of Virginia, and James Madison University. He is an attorney with Buck, Toscano & Tereskerz, Ltd., specializing in family law and real estate. David served on the Charlottesville City Council from 1990 to 2002 and as Mayor from 1994 to 1996. David is a resident of the City of Charlottesville, where he lives with his wife of 30 years, Nancy A. Tramontin, and their son, Matthew. David serves on the Courts of Justice, Transportation, and Science and Technology Committees in the House of Delegates. He is also a member of the Disability Commission, the Joint Commission to Study Math, Science and Technology Education in the Commonwealth, and the Joint Subcommittee to Study Land Use Tools in the Commonwealth. He is also a member of the United Way Board and the Chamber of Commerce.

April 13, 2011 3:57 pmMay 1, 2022 10:37 am

Coming Out of the Great Recession: Changes in Workforce Development

Valerie Palamountain

What can we expect as the economy recovers? Where will the jobs be? What skills will be in demand? How do we plan for the changes? These are the questions that PVCC Division of Workforce Services grapples with everyday. Join us as we gaze into our crystal balls to find the answers.

Valerie Palamountain is the Dean of Workforce Services at Piedmont Virginia Community College. In her position, Ms. Palamountain works with business organizations, the Virginia Workforce Center, and economic development agencies within the Charlottesville region to develop training programs that meet the needs of the business community.

Prior to joining PVCC, she held a similar position at Bucks County Community College in Newtown, Pennsylvania. Ms. Palamountain also worked in private industry for 15 years as a project management consultant in the information technology industry. Her experience includes marketing, training and consulting with Fortune 1000 companies.

Ms. Palamountain holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY, and a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from the University at Albany, Albany, NY.

Ms. Palamountain is on the boards of the Albemarle County Rotary Club, the Small Business Development Center, and the Charlottesville One Stop Committee. She resides in Palmyra, Virginia, and enjoys gardening, music and outdoor activities.

Ms. Palamountain spoke at the April 13, 2011 meeting of the Senior Statesmen of Virginia. The meeting was held at The Charlottesville Senior Center. Following the presentation, questions were taken from the audience. The program was moderated by SSV member Grace Zisk.

March 13, 2011 9:08 amMay 1, 2022 10:39 am

Our Current US National Interest and Policies in the Middle East

Donald E. Nuechterlein

Can the United States police the world? Can we identify and act on another country’s national security interests? These are some of the issues addressed by Donald Nuechterlein at this month’s meeting of the Senior Statesmen of Virginia.

Donald E. Nuechterlein grew up in Saginaw, Michigan, and received his undergraduate and PhD degrees in political science from the University of Michigan. He served on active duty in the Navy during World War II and was commissioned in 1945. After the war ended, he served in the U.S. military occupation of Germany, in Bremerhaven and Berlin.

Mr. Nuechterlein had a long career in the federal government, at home and abroad. After joining the State Department in 1952, he served in Washington, D.C. and at U.S. embassies in Reykjavik, Iceland, and Bangkok, Thailand. In 1965 he joined the senior staff, International Security Affairs, in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, as a specialist on Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. In 1968, he became a founding faculty member of the Federal Executive Institute in Charlottesville and lectured and conducted seminars on U.S. foreign policy. He retired from government service in 1988.

Dr. Nuechterlein has taught U.S. foreign policy both in the United States and abroad, including George Washington University in Washington, D.C., Queen’s University in Canada, the University of Kaiserslautern in Germany, and the University of Virginia, where he taught most recently in 2008. He was a Rockefeller fellow at the University of California, Berkeley (1963-64), a Fulbright scholar at the University College of Wales (1976), visiting faculty member of St. Antony’s College, Oxford (1982-83), and research fellow at the Australian National University in Canberra (1991) During each of these fellowships, he wrote a book on various aspects of U.S. foreign policy.

Don is the author of ten books, the most recent: Defiant Superpower: The New American Hegemony (2005). He writes a monthly commentary on international relations for several Virginia papers, including in Charlottesville, Richmond, Lynchburg, and Roanoke.

Don and his wife, Mildred, have four children and six grandchildren, and reside in Albemarle County near Charlottesville.

Mr. Nuechterlein spoke at the March 9, 2011 meeting of the Senior Statesmen of Virginia. The meeting was held at The Charlottesville Senior Center. Following the presentation, questions were taken from the audience. The program was moderated by SSV board member Sue Liberman.

February 12, 2011 12:40 pmMay 1, 2022 10:41 am

Will We Ration Health Care? The Coming Public Policy Debate

Eric Patashnik

The passage of the Affordable Care Act has generated concerns that the government will ration valuable health care services. But what exactly is rationing, and how does the U.S. health care system allocate scarce resources today? In this podcast, University of Virginia Professor Eric Patashnik discusses his research on the politics of evidence-based medicine and why rationing has emerged as a major public policy issue. He covers the role of doctors, political leaders, and public opinion in shaping the context in which the debate over rationing is playing out.

Eric Patashnik is Associate Dean and Professor of Politics and Public Policy at the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy. He is also Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration. Patashnik received both his MPP and PhD (political science) from the University of California, Berkeley. He previously held faculty positions at Yale University and UCLA. Patashnik’s latest book is Reforms at Risk: What Happens After Major Policy Changes Are Enacted (Princeton University Press, 2008), which received the 2009 Louis Brownlow Book Award given by the National Academy of Public Administration. His two other books are Promoting the General Welfare: New Perspectives on Government Performance (co-editor with Alan S. Gerber, Brookings Institution Press, 2006), and Putting Trust in the U.S. Budget: Federal Trust Funds and the Politics of Commitment (Cambridge University Press, 2000). His essays have appeared in Political Science Quarterly, Governance, Journal of Health Politics, Policy & Law, Social Service Review, and in many edited volumes. His current major research project, with Alan Gerber of Yale University, explores the politics of evidence-based medicine in the United States and is supported by grants from the Smith Richardson and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundations.

Mr. Patashnik spoke at the February 9, 2011 meeting of the Senior Statesmen of Virginia. The meeting was held at The Charlottesville Senior Center. Following the presentation, questions were taken from the audience. The program was moderated by SSV board member Bob McGrath.

January 15, 2011 10:56 amMay 1, 2022 10:46 am

Comprehensive Wealth Management

David John Marotta speaking on wealth management at the January meeting of the Senior Statemen of Virginia.

David John Marotta, CFP(r), AIF(r), is president of Marotta Wealth Management and an American Association of Independent Investors Life Member. He is a graduate of Stanford University and president of Marotta Wealth Management, a fee-only financial planning firm with offices in Charlottesville and Richmond, Virginia. David is the author of a weekly financial column, “Marotta on Money,” and a well respected leader in the financial industry. He has appeared in publications including The Washington Post, the LA Times, Money Magazine, Dow Jones MarketWatch, Financial Planning Magazine and the Central New York Business Journal, and is a monthly guest on the Rob Schilling Show of Charlottesville’s WINA. David is a frequent speaker on topics including preparing for college expenses, investing, taxes and retirement planning at the Consumer Education Foundation of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors and American Association of Independent Investors.

In today’s presentation David reminds us that thoughtful wealth management is more than just maximizing net worth. It also gives us the best chance of meeting our life goals. Wealth is only valuable because it helps us make a significant impact on our world. It doesn’t give us meaning. Retirement therefore isn’t an age; it is the state of being financially independent. The goal is to have enough money to be able to achieve the success and significance in life that you desire. A holistic approach to wealth management builds your finances around your core values.

Mr. Marotta spoke at the January 12, 2011 meeting of the Senior Statesmen of Virginia. The meeting was held at The Charlottesville Senior Center. Following the presentation, questions were taken from the audience. The program was moderated by SSV member Charles Smith.

November 11, 2010 9:12 amMay 1, 2022 10:51 am

What Happened to Civility in Politics and Can We Get It Back?

Bob Gibson

Virginia has a long history of civil political discourse, which can be repaired and restored. Part of that responsibility lies with the media and part with citizens who are consumers of media.

Bob Gibson came to the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia as executive director in March 2008. He is a 1972 graduate of the University of Virginia with a B.A. in government and foreign affairs. After serving as news director of WCHV radio, he joined The Daily Progress in August 1976 and has held a number of positions with the newspaper. He began his career covering police and local courts and has covered state and local politics and government. He was named city editor in 1982 and later special projects editor in 1992 when he wrote a series about racial disparities and justice in local courts.

In addition to his newspaper work, Bob hosted a weekly political call-in show on WINA radio in Charlottesville for seven years. He has also hosted a public radio talk show since 2001 on WVTF-FM in Roanoke and Charlottesville. He has been a regular contributor and guest on public radio station WAMU’s Kojo Nnamdi Show in Washington and often serves as host of Evening Edition on public radio WVTF.

Bob is the winner of several Virginia Press Association awards, the 1993 Virginia Bar Association Award in the Field of Law and Justice and the 1993 Southern Journalism Award for investigative reporting about racial disparities in sentencing.

Bob grew up in Arlington, VA, and has a long personal interest in Virginia’s politics and government. He is married to Sarah McConnell, who hosts the public radio program, "With Good Reason," from the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities. They have three daughters: Helen, Logan and Stella.

Mr. Gibson spoke at the November 10, 2010 meeting of the Senior Statesmen of Virginia. The meeting was held at The Charlottesville Senior Center. Following the presentation, questions were taken from the audience. The program was moderated by SSV member Bob McGrath.

October 15, 2010 12:34 pmMay 1, 2022 10:54 am

Public Involvement in Transportation Planning

Steve Williams

Steve Williams was appointed executive director of the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission and the Charlottesville-Albemarle Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) in Charlottesville in May 2009. Under his leadership the Charlottesville-Albemarle MPO has been focusing on planning based on performance measurement, land use-transportation coordination, expansion of the region’s transit systems and bike and pedestrian transportation.

Prior to his move to Charlottesville, Steve was the executive director of the Nashua Regional Planning Commission and MPO between January 2004 and May 2009. During his time at NRPC he focused his attention on issues related to regional infrastructure, transportation systems, and coordination of land use and transportation. Prior to coming to NRPC he spent 10 years at the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments, the MPO for the three county Monterey/Salinas/Santa Cruz, California metro area in Monterey, California. He also spent seven years at the East Central Intergovernmental Association, the MPO for the three state MPO in Dubuque, Iowa. Steve received a Master of City and Regional Planning in 1985 from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo and a Bachelor of Science from Montana State University in 1983.

Steve has been married to his wife Jennifer for 26 years and has two teenage children, Joel and Rachael. In his spare time Mr. Williams enjoys recreational biking, Civil War history and reading.

Mr. Williams spoke at the October 13, 2010 meeting of the Senior Statesmen of Virginia. The meeting was held at The Charlottesville Senior Center. Following the presentation, questions were taken from the audience. The program was moderated by SSV board member Tom Boyd.

September 12, 2010 1:03 pmMay 1, 2022 10:56 am

How the Patient Protection and Affordability Act will Impact Virginians’ access to and cost of medical services

Saunders Midyette, vice-president and national sales director for the St. Clair Group, Inc., presented an overview of the Patient Protection and Affordability Act. Jim Haden, president and chief executive officer at Martha Jefferson Health Services and Hospital, and Carol Craig, government relations specialist at the University of Virginia Medical Center, addressed how cost and access for Virginians will be affected by the Act.

The panelists spoke at the September 8, 2010 meeting of the Senior Statesmen of Virginia. The meeting was held at The Charlottesville Senior Center. Following the presentation, questions were taken from the audience. The program was moderated by SSV board member and secretary Bill Davis.

Saunders Midyette

Since 1998, Saunders Midyette has served as vice president and national sales director for the St. Clair Group, Inc., and President, Jackson Group, L.L.C., in Charlottesville. In the three decades previous to that he held the positions of vice president and chief financial officer with the Sisters of Providence Health System in Springfield, Massachusetts (1996-1997); senior associate with The Hunter Group in St. Petersburg (1995-1996); vice president and chief operating officer for the Greater Southeast Healthcare System in Washington, DC (1994-1995); chief operating officer with the University of Virginia Medical Center (1991-1994); associate director and administrator with the University of Michigan Hospitals (1987-1991); associate director and chief financial officer with the University of Michigan Hospitals (1979-1987); associate administrator and chief financial officer with the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City (1976-1979); and controller and chief financial officer with the Hospital of University of Pennsylvania (1966-1976).

Mr. Saunders received his BA from the University of North Carolina, and his MBA from the Wharton Graduate School, University of Pennsylvania. He is a member and past fellow of the Healthcare Financial Management Association, and a past fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Mr. Saunders and his wife Shirley of 47 years moved to Charlottesville from Ann Arbor Michigan in 1991. Shirley serves as an interpreter at Monticello and when Saunders is not being called upon to present his wisdom and knowledge, he is an avid reader, tennis player, sports and classical music enthusiast.

James Haden

James E. Haden was named president and chief executive officer of Martha Jefferson Health Services in 1993. Mr. Haden received a master’s degree in Public Health/Health Services Management from UCLA in 1971. He completed his administrative residency at Scripps Hospital in LaJolla, California, and received the 1988 Alumni of the Year Award from the UCLA Health Services Management Alumni Association. Mr. Haden served as president / CEO of Queen of the Valley Health Services in West Covina, California (1986-1993). Prior to that, he served as chief operating officer of Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach, California (1978-1986). He served as associate administrator at Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena, California (1976-1978). In 1992, Mr. Haden was chairperson of the California Association of Catholic Hospitals and was a member of the Hospital Council of Southern California (1988-1993).

Mr. Haden served as a board member on the Federal Reserve Board of Richmond from (1998-2003). He is a former board member of the Charlottesville United Way, the Piedmont Virginia Community College Foundation and Charlottesville Chamber of Commerce. He is currently a board member of the Optima Health Plans of Virginia Beach; a board member of Virginia National Bank; a board member of Voluntary Hospitals of America – (VHA) Central Atlantic; and, in 2008 and 2009 he served as chair of the United Way Excellence in Non-Profit Leadership Award Committee. Mr. Haden is a member of the Senior Statesmen of Virginia.

Mr. Haden served as a preceptor at UCLA Health Services Management Program (1981-1987) and has served as a preceptor for VCU’s Masters Program in Health Care Administration. In 2003 Mr. Haden was the recipient of the American Heart Association, Charlottesville Chapter, "Billy" Gitchell Award. In 2006 Mr. Haden was the recipient of the National Multiple Schlerosis Society Blue Ridge Chapter Silver Hope Award. Mr. Haden is the 2008 recipient of the Beta Kappa Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau, UVa School of Nursing Community Service Award. Mr. Haden is married to Sue Haden and they have three children.

Carol Huston Craig

Carol Huston Craig was appointed government relations specialist at the University of Virginia Medical Center in April 2010. In this position she is responsible for tracking state and federal legislation impacting the Medical Center; preparing advice statements on legislative and regulatory issues impacting the Medical Center; planning and organizing on-site educational programs for legislative guests and off-site visits to legislators; assisting in the preparation and submission of COPN applications; and assisting in the review of Medical Center policies.

Prior to joining the UVa Medical Center, Ms. Craig served as university counsel at the University of Maryland Baltimore (2000-2004), and previously as assistant university counsel (1997-2000). She was associate legal advisor at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Georgia (1995-1996), and an assistant legal advisor (1990-1995). She was assistant general counsel at Baylor University in Waco, Texas (1987-1990), and staff attorney (1986-1987); and an associate in private practice in New Orleans, Louisiana (1984-1985).

Ms. Craig received her B.S. in Marketing at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, attended Loyola University School of Law in New Orleans, and received her J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law.

She and her husband, Stewart, have two children, Mary Grace and Colin, ages 15 and 12, respectively. Although working and raising her children leaves little time for leisure activities, she enjoys reading, fine dining, attending UVa sporting events, traveling, and helping others.

August 11, 2010 3:13 pmMay 1, 2022 10:58 am

Fifth Congressional District Candidates Showcase

The Congressional Candidates Showcase Forum is a biennial event sponsored by the Senior Statesmen of Virginia. This year, two candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives, Democratic incumbent Tom Perriello and Independent challenger Jeffrey Clark spoke at the event. Republican challenger Robert Hurt declined the SSV’s invitation to attend.

The event took place at the August 11, 2010 meeting of the Senior Statesmen of Virginia. The meeting was held at The Senior Center in Charlottesville. Following the presentation, questions were taken from the audience. The program was moderated by best-selling author, historian, political analyst and host of WINA’s “Charlottesville – Right Now!” Coy Barefoot.

Tom Perrillo

Congressman Tom Perriello was sworn into office on January 6, 2009, and is proud to represent the 5th District of Virginia. He serves on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. During his short time in Congress, he has already successfully passed into law a $2,500 tuition tax credit for college and community college education; worked to extend job training benefits for veterans; and supported economic recovery efforts in Congress.

Born and raised in the 5th district, Congressman Perriello previously served as a national security consultant, working in conflict zones such as Afghanistan, Darfur, Kosovo, and Liberia. His work with child soldiers, amputees, and local pro-democracy groups in Sierra Leone played a significant role in the peace and reconciliation process that ended the blood diamonds war in that country. He also served as Special Advisor and court spokesperson in the prosecution of Liberian dictator Charles Taylor, peaceably forcing him from power.

He has also founded a number of nonprofit organizations aimed at bringing together faith communities to fight for children’s health care, economic fairness, environmental stewardship, and responsible solutions in Iraq. Mr. Perriello was educated in Albemarle County public schools, St. Anne’s-Belfield, and has his undergraduate and law degrees from Yale University.

Mr. Perriello has outlined the major issues to be addressed in the 5th district:

Economic R.E.V.I.V.A.L.
- Relief for small businesses
- Energy solutions
- Vocational training and strong schools
- Infrastructure
- Virginia Workers First
- Agriculture
- Leadership
Education and job training
Lobbying and corruption
Supporting our troops and honoring our veterans
Health care
Oil independence
Farming
Second Amendment rights

Jeffrey Clark

Jeffrey A. Clark was born and raised in the tide-water area of Virginia. After high School he joined the U.S. Army and served 4 years. He was stationed for two years in Germany and the remaining two in Texas. While in Germany Jeff traveled to other European countries and he took advantage of college classes offered to soldiers. Jeff met his wife Gerri of 25 years while stationed in Texas. They have four adult children and three grandchildren.

After serving in the U.S. Army Jeff settled into a career in hospitality management, managing hotels and restaurants. Corporate relocation resulted in Jeff and his family moving up and down the east coast as well as stints in the Midwest. It was during this period of frequent relocation that Jeff’s wife Gerri began home schooling their four children. Their oldest child was home schooled from 3rd through the 12th grade. Each of their three other children were home schooled until reaching the 9th grade. Three of their children graduated from Tunstall High School in Pittsylvania County.

In 2004 Jeff and his wife chose to make Danville Virginia their new home and soon started a property inspection business drawing on his experience working summers with his grandfather who owned a commercial contracting company. In 2005 Jeff and Gerri purchased a water testing laboratory in Danville. Both Jeff and his wife are Virginia State certified laboratory directors. Gerri runs the day to day operations of the laboratory and Jeff conducts residential and commercial property inspections in Virginia and North Carolina.

Jeff has a renewable energy concept currently under patent consideration. He has presented project details and research to several universities as well as collaborated with the Department of Defense and the Department of energy. In the process Jeff has become very familiar with our country’s energy needs and shortcomings and has a fundamental understanding of the benefits, weakness and limitations of current renewable sources of energy such as wind, solar, hydroelectric and current energy storage systems.

Jeff and Gerri’s current household consists of their youngest daughter Erica and their youngest son Jeffrey Jr. and Jeff’s 93 year old grandmother Ruth Clark and his 91 year old great aunt Louise Wilson. Erica is part of the management team at a local theater and Jeffrey Jr. works at the lab and assists his father with inspections. Their oldest daughter Ashley is married and has three children and lives in Norfolk and their oldest Son Donald is in the U.S. Marine Corps stationed in California and recently returned from his first combat tour of duty in Afghanistan. They have three dogs a Great Dane named Hoss and two mixed breeds named Lilly and Little Jo.

Jeff has never run for nor held elected office. Like most citizens he has observed the abuses and corruption and mismanagement of Government and thinks things can be, and should be done different in Washington. He believes in the concept of citizen legislators serving in Washington as our Founding fathers had intended. He believes that its time to elect everyday Americans to federal office and to interject some common sense into the daily management of our Government.