VCC Magazine Spring 2019

V irginia C apitol C onnections , S pring 2019 34 Administrative Assistants By Keller Craig Among the crowds of theVirginiaGeneral Assembly Session sits an administrative assistant outside each legislator’s door. Fresh flowers placed upon their desks, given as a token of appreciation for their hard work. At a glance, it appears these women spend their time answering phone calls and sorting mail during the 46-day Session. But there is more to their story. These women come from all walks of life. Some recent college graduates figuring out their next move, others are retired professionals. “It keeps your mind sharp,” says Irene R. Murray-Pope, a retired fiscal analyst of 35 years. Like many others, Murray-Pope loves the bond she has developed with the other assistants. She describes the group of women as a family. “We come from all age groups and backgrounds. It’s why I keep coming back.” The administrative assistants serve a bigger function than taking calls and sending mail for their legislators. They act as the barrier to the legislators, or a gatekeeper according to Delegate Keith Hodges, who says he could not do his job without them. Citizens pack the Pocahontas building in Downtown Richmond every day during the General Assembly for the chance to voice their concerns or support particular bills. During busy Session days, hallways are cramped and catching an elevator is a nearly impossible task. On these days, legislators are slammed with committee meetings and are constantly meeting with constituents. While citizens crowd the hallways trying to talk to their legislators, administrative assistants like Minta Brown tame the crowd. Brown says they are “responsible for keeping track of what the delegate is doing and where he is.” Allene Cahill, who is in her second year as an administrative assistant, says it is important for them to prioritize who gets to see the legislator. She says that “sometimes the delegate is so busy that I am the only face they will see.” She adds that the administrative assistants have the vital role of listening to them talk about their passions, to make sure they feel important and are not overlooked by the busy legislator who might not be able to meet with them that day. It is crucial they feel their opinion is accounted for during their visit to the general assembly. Administrative assistants set the pace. They determine who the legislator will meet with, and they deal with any problems that occur throughout the day. Especially on days where the bills being voted on are controversial, you never knowwho or what could happen in the halls of the Pocahontas. “You deal with so many personalities every day that you always have to stay positive, especially for them. You are the first person they see,” says Murray-Pope. Many people walk into the building thinking they can meet directly with the legislators right away. Mike Brown, working for Delegate Dickie Bell, says “it has always annoyed me that some people walk in this building with a certain agenda and will see past the administrative assistants.” He goes on to say that many people do not realize how difficult their job is, and admits that these women do not get thanked as much as they should. No matter who you talk to, everyone who works in the Pocahontas building will agree on one thing: the administrative assistants are a vital role to a smooth running General Assembly Session. So, if you are planning to take a visit to your legislator, remember to thank the administrative assistant. They are the best kept secret to an efficient and functioning general assembly session. Keller Craig is a graduating senior at Randolph-Macon College. She is a Communications major and Journalism minor.  Betsy Barton Overthirtyyearsago,whileemployed with the Division of Legislative Services, I was assigned to assist the Department of Education (DOE) in drafting the History and Social Studies Standards of Quality and Standards of Learning. My DOE partner was the petite and vivacious Betsy Barton, a former teacher and an avid lover of history. Immediately, Betsy and I became fast friends. We remained friends until God called her to Glory on March 1, 2019. Betsy dearly loved children and teaching; she found her true gift in the professional preparation of teachers for the classroom. A loquacious, bubbly, and enthusiastic lover of people, Betsy never met a person that she did not like. She was devoted to her husband, Reverend Jon Barton, her daughters Archer and Liza, son-in-law Alex, and other relatives and many friends. History and social studies enjoy a robust reputation in the Commonwealth due to Betsy’s relentless dedication to ensure that Virginia’s students and teachers appreciate the state’s status and role in the formation of the United States and on the global stage. She freely gave of her time, talent, and resources to highlight the existence and contributions of Virginia’s Native American people, making longtime friends with several of the Chiefs. She was a proud supporter of United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), based in Richmond. Betsy was an active and highly respected member of several legislative committees and professional organizations. Meetings were not considered officially started until Betsy entered with her cheery smile, camera, and signature, “hello sunshine.” She never stopped teaching and always kept her friends informed about events and activities and would go out of her way In Memoriam Senator Jennifer McClellan also had this to say about Betsy Barton: “ Betsy was guided by a passion for education and truth that was infectious. Her work over many years to support projects of the Virginia Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Commission was invaluable, and to every project she brought unparalleled energy. Her participation in the Commission’s efforts to shed light on Virginia’s complete history all bear her imprint, It is rare to know someone who puts so much love into every undertaking. I will always remain grateful for Betsy’s service to the Commission and to the Commonwealth. ” to introduce them to experts and other people in their respective professions. Betsy adored the arts, photography, flowers, crafts, doting on family and friends, following interesting subjects on Facebook and Twitter, and drawing peace and solace by sitting alongside “Katie’s Pond.” Betsy adopted my family and grandchildren as her own and was supportive of them and integrally involved in their lives. Betsy was the “energizer bunny” and her death has been a cataclysmic event in my life. Betsy and I were night hawks. She would call me late at night to chat. I can still hear her voice saying, “you still awake, sunshine?” I remarked to a family member, “now who will I text or talk to at midnight and later during the week?” Betsy left this world suddenly and all too soon. However, her legacy will continue to challenge us to be better persons, our love for her is fresh every day, and her memory will never die. Her Friends, Brenda Edwards, Dr. Lauranett Lee, and Valerie Braxton-Williams Editor’s Note: We have lost many cherished people over this past year. In our Fall Issue, we will be remembering many of them. V V