2025 Annual Magazine INSIDE Leaders in Richmond and Leaders of Southside VI RG I N I A ANNUAL MAGAZINE page 11 40 YEARS RED BOOK of
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Virginia Capitol Connections, 2025 Annual Magazine 3 2025 Annual Magazine Volume 30 Number 1 • Editor – Miranda Wynne • Editor-in-Chief – Chris Bailey • Publisher – David Bailey • Art Director – John Sours • Advertising – info.davidbaileyassociates@gmail.com • Printer – Wordsprint • Virginia Capitol Connections Magazine (ISSN 1076-4577) is published by: Virginia Capitol Connections • 1108 East Main Street • Suite 1200 • Richmond, Virginia 23219 • (804) 643-5554 • Copyright 2025, Virginia Capitol Connections, Inc. All rights reserved. The views expressed in the articles of Virginia Capitol Connections Magazine, a non-partisan publication, are not necessarily those of the editors or publisher. CONTENTS VIRGINIA CAPITOL CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE Leaders in Richmond 4 I’ve Always Just Been Me 6 A Man of Contradictions 8 A Man of My Own Heart Leaders of Southside 10 A Transformer of Southside 11 40 Years of Redbook 12 From Washington Lawyer To Champion For Southern Virginia 14 Senator Frank Ruff September 1949 — October 2024 16 Growing Up Virginia Strong 18 Good Government Leadership Award 19 Why Virginia Needs a Gaming Commission Now 20 A New Option for Adult Education: The Story of the Excel Center at Melrose Plaza 22 Fresh Tracks in Capitol Square: Zach Jacobs 25 Is the Virginia Way Over? Let’s look at the numbers 26 Affordable Housing and the “Waste, Fraud, and Abuse” Solution 28 Passenger Rail Service to Return to the New River Valley 30 Smart Cookies Raise Awareness on Girls’ Issues 31 Trade Schools vs. College 32 On the Rise: Pulaski County 34 Virginia Government Simulation 35 Virginia Online News 35 The Blonde 36 The Guardian of the Chamber: Remembering Mr. Eddie Radden 37 Association and Business Directory page 4 page 6 SCOTT page 14 RUFF page 8 SUROVELL page 16 MCCLENNY page 12 STANLEY page 10 MARSHALL LUCAS
Virginia Capitol Connections, 2025 Annual Magazine 4 I’ve Always Just Been Me Senator L. Louise Lucas By DAVID BAILEY To meet Senator Louise L. Lucas is to meet someone with grit, political savvy, and impeccable fashion sense. But in spite of her standout achievements, she remains down-to-earth. The oldest of seven children, whose father worked in the Norfolk shipyard, she was a daddy’s girl from the start. “I wanted to follow in his footsteps,” she said. She took some of the federal exams, including the U.S. Post Office, but her dexterity scores for the shipyard apprenticeship were higher— so that’s the path she chose. Some mornings, she watched her father walk through the gate. All this, at the young age of 21, when she had three children to care for. Lucas still describes her father in glowing terms: “My dad was a tough guy—he was a hunter, a fisherman, and an all-around sportsman. Since he didn’t have an older son, I was kind of his chief sidekick. So, I grew up pretty tough, you know?” We know! Lucas’s life is filled with firsts and bests. “A shipfitter helps weld and attach component parts of the ship. Let me give you an example—if I was working in the galley and we had to install metal cabinets, we would build those metal cabinets and weld them to the bulkhead or wherever they were supposed to go. Louise Lucas donning her political boxing gloves. Louise Lucas on the Senate floor.
Virginia Capitol Connections, 2025 Annual Magazine 5 “As a matter of fact, my class worked on repairs to the port sponson on the U.S.S. Forestal. I believe that’s the ship where John McCain’s plane crashed. If my memory serves me right, our class did some of that repair work.” Understanding the discrimination that she might face, Lucas had the foresight to graduate from Norfolk State University. At this point, she has at degree, but also three honorary degrees from other institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth. She made bold moves when she accepted a job as executive director of Southeastern Tidewater Community Project (STOP). That was followed by her work with the NAACP. Next, she entered a world that she now practically owns: electoral politics. She was the first African American woman on Portsmouth City Council, and then a state senate seat opened up. Supported by political heavyweights, she told them, “…the best man for this job is a woman.” Lucas has proved her worth and her longevity. She won the seat in 1992 and is now first in seniority in the state senate. She reminisced about earlier days, when she worked with such legends as Hunter Andrews, Joe Gartlan, Stanley Walker, Richard Holland, John Chichester, Chuck Colgan, and Frank Nolen. “People were more collegial,” she said. “They’d go out to dinner and socialize.” Lucas said she has a good working relationship with people on both sides of the aisle. She said there was a “stretch” when “things got really partisan—I mean really partisan.” But now, she said, we’re seeing more cooperation—at least in Finance. She chairs Finance and Appropriations. And let’s not forget: Lucas is the first woman and African American to serve as President Pro Tempore. Does that pose any pressure on her? “I’ve always just been me,” she said. “I just wake up every day being Louise.” Surprisingly Affordable. Significant Impact. Offer affordability comparable to public institutions Welcome students of all ages, backgrounds, and financial means Drive Virginia’s economy by creating jobs and generating tax revenue Enrich communities statewide, including rural and underserved areas Guide students toward achieving their goals and aspirations $2.0B In associated wages & benefits delivered to Virginians VPC Institutions are a Top Employer in the State 1 of every 144 jobs in Virginia is supported by a Virginia Private College or University. Helping Sustain Underserved & Rural Communities Virginia Private Colleges provide convenient educational access to underserved and isolated areas of the state. 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Nearly 25% of Virginia Private College students are the first in their family to go to college. CICV.ORG *affiliate member Virginia Private Colleges offer key philanthropic and community based programs and services. @vaprivatecolleges The Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (CICV) was founded in 1971 and currently operates as Virginia Private Colleges, a nonprofit, 501(c)(6) organization representing 28 accredited nonprofit independent colleges and universities in Virginia. CICV is the collective voice of Virginia nonprofit private higher education. VIRGINIA'S 28 ACCREDITED PRIVATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES: CHRISTOPHER K. PEACE President Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia, Inc. 108 N. 8th Street Richmond, Virginia 23219 (804) 370-7708 Mobile Lucas said she considers her most consequential legislation to be Medicaid expansion, which helped people get health insurance. There are many more issues she is proud of initiating, challenging, and defending. “Because at the end of the day,” she said, “we all have the same goal in mind—and that is to do what’s in the best interest of the Commonwealth.” David Bailey has served as a lobbyist in Virginia since the 1980s. He is the President and Founder of David Bailey Associates and Virginia Capitol Connections.V
Virginia Capitol Connections, 2025 Annual Magazine 6 A Man of Contradictions Speaker Don Scott By BONNIE ATWOOD It was clear at the first handshake that Speaker Don Scott is a man who does his homework. He greeted this reporter by referencing every school she had ever attended. (We were kind of glad he didn’t get into the grade point averages, but he probably could have.) Our Speaker of the House Delegates is organized, dapper, and cordial. Both his appearance and his office are neat as a pin. Dressed in a matching sky-blue suit, shoes, and polka dot tie, he was impeccable. His 14th-floor office is adorned with contemporary art—not too much, not too little—and the furnishings are arranged with precision. (We actually searched for a speck of lint or crumpled paper and found none.) Scott is a man of contradictions. He grew up in humble beginnings, stunned his teachers with his brilliance, and hopped on a fast track to success. He encountered serious trouble along the way, only to emerge as perhaps the Commonwealth’s greatest comeback story. Even his childhood represents contradictions. He spent his early years going back and forth between the big, shiny city of Houston and the country town of Jasper, Texas. One of eight children, he showed early promise. That was largely credited to his mother, still living, at age 90. She was an avid reader, tackling three books at a time and writing a newspaper column. “It wasn’t all perfect,” says Scott. In some school years, he was one of few Black students, in others, not. He took speech therapy for a speech impediment, which is undetectable today. He rode the “short, yellow school bus” that other children associate with disability, and yet he was labeled gifted early on. He coped by “not saying a lot.” He got excellent grades academically, but he also got a few “U’s” for unsatisfactory in the less academic judgments. He said that was an indication of low expectations. Then came the Iowa test—a national assessment of basic skills, long considered the gold standard before the era of SOLs and test prep courses. Scott’s performance was so exceptional that the school contacted his mother. He was firmly placed in the “gifted” category. He began a lifetime of strict, yet comfortable, self-discipline. From grades four to rising at 5 a.m. for the long commute to school. When asked, he said he wanted to become an engineer, but that may not have been his heart’s desire. High school consisted of half a day of academics and half a day studying aerodynamics and avionics at the airport. He remembers all his teachers by name, gesturing emphatically with his hands as he recalls them. We shared an appreciation for written words. Nothing excites an old-school writer more than a nod to “The Elements of Style,” by E.B. White and William Strunk Jr., or the joy of diagramming sentences. There are a few detours to come, but words are surely one of his beautiful strengths. Scott attended Texas A&M University, studying agriculture. He intended to join the military (in his case, the U.S. Navy), as previous members of his family had done. After college, he attended Officers Candidate School in Rhode Island. Next came law school. Though he graduated at the top of his class, he lives by this advice: “You don’t have to be with the top people to be a leader.” That’s where the humility shines. He kept his 5 a.m. wake-up routine, calling it part of his “brand.” The brand thrived—until it didn’t. Someone asked him to pick up some illegal drugs, and in a moment of bad decision-making, Scott agreed to do it. The mistake cost him dearly. He was arrested, charged with a felony, pleaded no contest, and sentenced to 10 years. He served seven years and eight months, then relocated to Delaware for a welding job. Welding? Did the once-promising lawyer feel bitter? No—he felt “grateful.”
Virginia Capitol Connections, 2025 Annual Magazine 7 him, but it didn’t work. Having his story out in the open, Scott said, “freed me up.” Scott briefly references the musical “Hamilton,” while this reporter was reminded of another Broadway show that gave us the song “Feelin’ Good.” And now you see a legislator with positivity and confidence. He’s smart. He knows the law, understands politics, and reads the room. He is Speaker of the House. Bonnie Atwood is a retired lobbyist and award-winning writer for Tall Poppies Consulting and David Bailey Associates. He worked at two more low-paying jobs before deciding to return to law. “I worked my tail off,” he said. Scott joined the TANF program in Norfolk, where he was “the first one in, the last one out.” In 2005, he became engaged to a dentist who agreed to move to Norfolk—on the condition that Scott help her set up her private practice. Mission accomplished. Marriage followed, then a baby daughter. When she was young, his wife asked him to cut down on travel. That’s when he settled down in Portsmouth—the district he now represents. A wonderful thing happened in 2013 when then-Governor Bob McDonnell restored Scott’s rights. After navigating some red tape, he was allowed to take and pass the Virginia Bar Exam. He was sworn in by the Honorable S. Bernard Goodwyn, Chief Justice of the Virginia Supreme Court. With major hurdles behind him, Scott decided to throw his hat into politics. In 2018, he ran as a Democrat. But what about bad publicity from the prison story? Scott said his opponent did try to use it to discredit Transition • Employment Education • Benefits Veteran & Family Support Care Centers • Cemeteries Virginia War Memorial www.dvs.virginia.gov 844-VDVS-VETS (844-838-7838) Proudly Serving Those That Served Don Scott presiding over the House chamber. V
Virginia Capitol Connections, 2025 Annual Magazine 8 A Man of My Own Heart Senator Scott Surovell By BONNIE ATWOOD This is a story about The Honorable Scott A. Surovell. Professional news reporters writing interviews are never supposed to make the story about themselves. They are unbiased, skilled narrators who rarely, if ever, enter the story at all. This isn’t one of those times. Today, we break the rules. I may be one of a diminishing number of people who has spent time (as a reporter, that is) inside the old Spring Street Penitentiary. If you remember those days, that’s how long and how deeply I have fought the death penalty. My best friends can attest—it has been my number one priority among the things I wanted to change. Credit goes to Sen. Surovell, along with other legislators and fellow advocates, for the abolition of capital punishment in 2021— the first southern state to do so. Surovell did not hesitate to name this as his proudest legislative achievement. But back to the Scott Surovell story. He grew up in Mt. Vernon, in eastern Fairfax County, lives in his grandfather’s house, and now represents that district as its State Senator. His demeanor speaks of fearlessness, likely due to being in a politically active family—not to mention politically active classmates. His father was an attorney, practicing what he calls “real people stuff,” such as divorce, car crashes, and DUIs. That’s the kind of law Surovell, now aged 53, practices today. His mother worked in the U.S. Congress in various roles—assisting a senator, then as a Scott Surovell addresses the Senate floor.
Virginia Capitol Connections, 2025 Annual Magazine 9 health care lobbyist, and later in the Carter administration when the U.S. Department of Education was created. One of Surovell’s grandfathers was from a Jewish family that came to the U.S. in 1935. It was a malicious time. They were treated very badly—worse than the Jewish population that had settled earlier. They were given literacy tests and charged a poll tax in order to vote. Grandfather William Booth has the distinction, with his 8thgrade education, of being the electrician who wired the notable Mill Mountain Star. His mother’s family comes from a long line of Virginia farmers, and today Surovell, a 13th generation Virginian, insisted that we include, along with his political career, the title “farmer.” His parents divorced when he was very young, and they lived in adjoining houses. He scampered from house to house, not thinking of the arrangement as at all unorthodox. “It was fine,” he said. He attended James Madison University, majoring in political science and serving in student government (as did Ryan McDougle), and went on to the University of Virginia School of Law, where he rubbed elbows with our own Chap Petersen, Jennifer McClellan, and Rob Bell, among others. (“I was very social.”) Freshman year at JMU was during the days of Governor Doug Wilder. In his senior year came a lucky (but well-earned) break. He was called by Ron Carrier, JMU president, and encouraged to apply to become a Governor’s Fellow. In the summer of 1993, he was accepted and worked under the incomparable Bill Leighty, who has done everything in the world and at that time was heading up the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. Then it was off to law school, where his interest at that time was environmental law. He worked in that area after law school and then became a lawyer like his father. But before Surovell’s dive into state politics, he got busy with his love of biking and hiking—which could be a whole other essay. Right after law school, he biked across the U.S., from Oregon to Virginia Beach. As if that weren’t enough exercise, he now has a house in the Adirondacks, where he joined the elite “Club 49er.” To earn that, you have to complete 49 hikes. He did it two weeks before his 46th birthday. Not impressive enough, you say? He has hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Mount Kilimanjaro, and four Ecuadorean volcanos. Did I mention he attends more than his share of Nats games? The year 2009 marked his entrance into the Virginia House of Delegates. He served there until 2015, when he moved over to the Virginia Senate. One of the first things you learn at Capitol Square is that the House and the Senate are quite different. Surovell has a lot to say about that. And the differences intensify year by year as the two political parties vie for majority control. The logistics have changed since Surovell joined the House and moved to the Senate. He is a Democrat, whose party controls both chambers of the state legislature at this time. He’s using this moment in history to get things done. Observing Surovell on the Senate floor, we see a demeanor that one would describe as composed, confident, and passionate. The beard and mustache sometimes hide a wide, true smile. His speeches reveal the deep concern he has for those of us whose lives suffer the most. Surovell says the Senate has a more “friendly” way to get things done. He has a strategy—but we won’t share his trade secrets. Bonnie Atwood is a retired lobbyist and award-winning writer for Tall Poppies Consulting and David Bailey Associates. d in the Shockoe bblestone ct, the y provides etaway in tling ntown mond. 1200 E Cary St. Richmond, VA 23219 https://www.berkeleyhotel.com/ Whether you stay with us for business or leisure, the Berkeley will keep you coming back with its classic charm! Located in the historic Shockoe Slip cobblestone district, the Berkeley provides a cozy getaway in bustling downtown Richmond. 1200 E Cary St. Richmond, VA 23219 https://www.berkeleyhotel.com/ Whether you stay with us for business or leisure, the Berkeley will keep you coming back with its classic charm! Located in the historic Shockoe Slip cobblestone district, the Berkeley provides a cozy getaway in bustling downtown Richmond. Located minutes from the RoanokeBlacksburg Regional Airport and downtown Roanoke. Take in a meal at our top of brand bistro, featuring one the largest bourbon selections in Southwest Virginia! Stay at Courtyard Roanoke tonight - your stay, your way! www.marriott.com/roacy 3301 Ordway Drive NW, Roanoke, VA 24017 (540)563-5002 V
Virginia Capitol Connections, 2025 Annual Magazine 10 A Transformer of Southside Delegate Danny Marshall By DELEGATE TERRY KILGORE When the General Assembly convenes in January 2026, there will be a mix of new and old faces in the chamber—just as it has been for the past 400 years. One face that won’t be there is that of my friend, Del. Danny Marshall, who spent almost a quarter-century representing the people of Southside in Richmond. A businessman and race-car driver before politics, Danny was no stranger to marquee races like the 24 Hours of Daytona, where he finished third in his class in 1999 and 2000. Afterward, he moved into a new kind of race. Danny was first elected to the Danville City Council, serving from 2000 to 2001, before winning election to the House of Delegates in 2001. He took office in 2002 and has represented Danville, Pittsylvania, and Henry Counties ever since, winning re-election more than a dozen times. His impact started early. His very first bill, in 2002, created the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville. What began as a modest idea became one of the most important economic drivers in Southside, pulling in research, training, and partnerships that helped keep Danville from slipping into permanent decline after the collapse tobacco and textiles. “Danny was my mentor; of course, I needed a lot of coaching, and he was there to do that,” Del. Terry Austin, R-Botetourt, told Cardinal News earlier this year. “Danny’s just truly a good, genuine individual who cares a lot about not just the Commonwealth but his constituents back home.” His impact is undeniable. Danny really steps up, he knows the economic development game, he knew what rural Virginia needed—and he got results. Danny was a longtime member of the Tobacco Commission and leveraged it to transform Southside’s economy. Through that work, he shepherded the Southern Virginia Megasite at Berry Hill, which ultimately landed Microporous—$1.3 billion project expected to create more than 2,000 jobs. He also laid the groundwork for other major industrial projects, including Tyson Foods’ processing plant, the Caesars casino in Danville, and multiple manufacturing expansions across the region. Even smaller-scale efforts bore his stamp—like the $3 million whitewater project on the Dan River, designed to attract recreation while supporting redevelopment. Danny was not a show horse, or even a racehorse. Colleagues describe him as a workhorse: understated, polite, relentlessly focused on jobs and growth. He often joked he wasn’t “retiring,” just “stepping aside” for surgery and recovery. His own words summed it up neatly: he “can’t sit on the sidelines and watch the flowers grow.” That workmanlike ethic showed itself even in his final session. This year, Danny spent much of the session on a waiting list for a lung transplant, tethered to a hospital bed. Nonetheless, he participated remotely whenever possible—casting votes, speaking up, and representing his constituents until the last gavel fell. For colleagues who had called him dependable for years, it was proof in practice: even gravely ill, he showed up for his district. His departure leaves big shoes to fill. Danny’s fingerprints are literally on the budgets, bond packages, and bills that changed the trajectory of Danville and surrounding counties. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, the Megasite, the casino, the factory jobs—all of it bears his mark. Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler put it plainly in a social media post earlier this year: “Danny Marshall’s fingerprints are all over the comeback we’re experiencing.” Danny’s career also stands out for how it ended. In an era when too many lawmakers chase cable news hits or flame out in scandal, he leaves quietly, on his own terms, with a record of steady wins that will outlast him. He built institutions, recruited jobs, and helped change the economic destiny of a region long written off by the rest of Virginia. My friend did good work. That kind of legacy doesn’t make for fiery headlines. But for the people of Southside, it has meant livelihoods, paychecks, and hope. And that may be the highest compliment anyone in public life can earn. Delegate Terry Kilgore has been a member of the Virginia House of Delegates since 1994. He currently serves as the House Minority Leader. Danny Marshall addresses the Virginia Economic Developers Association. V
Virginia Capitol Connections, 2025 Annual Magazine 11 Reprint from Virginia Capitol Connections Quarterly Magazine, Winter 2016: It was spring of 1986 at the Virginia State House. Reconvened Day had ended, so it had quieted down a little at Chicken’s. Chicken’s, in case you’re fairly new here, was the cozy two-room eatery on the first floor of the Capitol, back in the day. That’s where legislators, lobbyists, reporters, and sometimes tourists, gathered for hot coffee, sausage biscuits and apple pie. The Capitol was a bustling place, with Carmella Bills stationed at the information table, pages running in and out of the bill room, and newsmakers wandering informally in and out of the Capitol newsroom. There were no mobile devices, not even cell phones. No metal detectors. No bag inspection. David Bailey, a new lobbyist on the scene, sat with two veteran lobbyists at the high stools at those round tables, surrounded by decorative plates from every corner of the Commonwealth hanging on the white plaster walls. The three, David Bailey, Sumpter Priddy, and “Judge” Williams were drinking coffee and chatting as they shuffled paperwork from the General Assembly Session. Back then, paper or conversation was THE source of all information. David Bailey’s clients, the Virginia State Firefighters Association and the Virginia Conference United Methodist Church, depended on him to keep up with the What, Who, When, Why and How of everything at the legislature. He pored over his copy of the familiar blue and white directory published yearly by the C & P Telephone Company. This was THE best source of portable information, and all the lobbyists found it to be very helpful. “I’m trying to get the date of the next Session,” he said. Sumpter Priddy known for responding quickly with his own unique wisdom gleaned from years of working on behalf of the Retail Merchants Association: “It's already begun.” Everyone who works in that sausage factory known as the legislative branch of government knows what that means. There is no real rest. There is always work to be done, and it is only the early birds who succeed. David Bailey contemplated his 60-year-old colleague’s advice and stapled more 3 X 5 index cards into his directory. He was supplementing each page with additional information about the legislators, and he told his friend that he wished somebody would publish a book with more of the facts already included. “Bailey, why don’t you do it?” It was quintessential Priddy. The solution was in motion even before the problem was fully articulated. If there is anyone almost as quick as Priddy, it is Bailey. “I’ll do it if you buy the first one hundred,” he said. “Put me down for a hundred.” And that was the birth of the Virginia Capitol Connections, later to become known as “The Redbook.” It is a pocket sized listing of the Session calendar, the names and contact information of both Legislative and Executive officials, district maps, and just about everything else that an advocate or legislator needs to have in the palm of his hand. Bailey got the book out that first fall. He remembers laying it out on his living room floor. The process was relatively simple that year, because it was not an election year. Later, he had help, most notably from printer Bill Groome and graphic designer John Sours. The book evolved into one with photos of each official (suggested by Speaker Bill Howell in 2003), their legislative aides, spouses’ names, birthdays, and much more. With each year, more people started asking for copies, and more were printed. Companies and individuals started underwriting the costs, with well-placed advertising. Now at about a half a million copies, the book is compared to, as Delegate Rich Anderson put it: “hotcakes.” Says Delegate Vivian Watts: The book helps us get to know our respected colleagues “as well as who to watch out for!” Delegate Margaret Ransone uses the book to plug her constituents into state government: It is “a great resource for visitors, students, and businesses...” she said. Lobbyist David DeBiasi uses not only the current books; he archives his old annotated copies “for posterity.” Consultant Donnie Ratliff agrees: It is “the most sought after, most used and most helpful printed item in the General Assembly Building.” And the book is more than just a convenience. Delegate Ken Plum says it “helps to make democracy better.” Senator Richard Saslaw likens the book to “a roadmap.” The addition of the photos especially was a hit. Delegate David Toscano cited the year 2013, when the House welcomed 19 new members, and the photos in the book were a lifesaver. Lobbyist James Dunn says he never leaves home without it. For a span of 30 years, there have been precious few glitches, and the book always comes out by Session, even when a Second Edition records later changes. It has been difficult to explain to some consumers that the book is not published with taxpayer dollars. Its availability is thanks to the generosity of David Bailey Associates and the book’s sponsors. Only once was a name misspelled, and the whole batch of books in error were tossed and replaced by a new printing. As we all know, technology has changed lightning fast in the past 30 years. The book is no longer laid out on Bailey’s floor. The legislators no longer have to be individually faxed with forms to fill out, and papers to return. Photos are all digital and pages are scanned and proofed much more easily. And Sumpter Priddy, dubbed the “Dean of Lobbyists,” now retired, can now enjoy retirement knowing what he put in motion with: “Bailey, why don’t you do it?” Bonnie Atwood, is a retired lobbyist and writer for Tall Poppies Consulting and David Bailey Associates. Publishers Notes There have been many people and firms whose contributions have made it possible for the Redbook to celebrate its 40th birthday. First among them is Bill Groome who worked at William Byrd Press in Richmond. During the decades we have had the best printers: Clinch Valley Printing in Tazewell owned by my good friend and creative entrepreneur Doyle Rasnick. Today, our printer is Bill Gilmer with Wordsprint. With my family roots in the coalfields of Kentucky and Virginia, our firm was honored that Donnie Ratliff and Alpha Natural Resources underwrote distribution of thousands of copies over several years. John Sours’ creative designs and Kristen Bailey-Hardy’s proofreading skills have been essential. For the last decade Hayley Allison, Cierra Parks, Chris Bailey, and many interns have created fantastic Redbooks. What's new after printing more than 500,000 copies? Wordsprint is printing special covers for legislators to distribute Compliments of and their names. Check it out. David L. Bailey, October 2025 40 YEARS RED BOOK of CONNECTIONS Capitol Virginia ★ ★ ★ ★ 2026 CELEBRATING 40 Years The Redbook 1987–2026 By BONNIE ATWOOD V
Virginia Capitol Connections, 2025 Annual Magazine 12 From Washington Lawyer To Champion For Southern Virginia Senator Bill Stanley By JAMES S. TURPIN How does someone go from being a Washington D.C.-based attorney in a highprofile national case to becoming a populist champion for Southern Virginia in the General Assembly? That is the story of Senator Bill Stanley (R-Frankin). Bill Stanely was born in Florida, the son of a Navy aviator. His ties to Virginia date back to when his family was stationed in Virginia Beach and Northern Virginia. During that time, the family bought a home in Franklin County. Stanley went on to attend Hamden-Sydney College and the University of the District of Columbia Law School. As a young attorney, he was part of the legal team in the case of Paula Jones v Bill Clinton, which held for Ms. Jones on a 9-0 vote in the Supreme Court. Following the death of his father, Sen. Stanley supported his mother’s desire to become an attorney at the age of 58. Today, they are still partners in the Stanley Law Group. Stanley was elected to the Virginia State Senate in a special election following the election of Robert Hurt to Congress in the fall of 2010. At the time, this gave the Republicans the majority in the State Senate. He has since been re-elected in a variety of configurations due to population changes and redistricting. The Senator jokes that some of his district includes bordering counties in North Carolina. However, the biography is only part of the story. In many ways, Senator Bill Stanley is a throwback to an earlier time when members of the General Assembly could influence or sway a debate by the sheer force of their will and personality. He combines a grasp of the facts, a quick wit, and a debating style honed in the courtroom. The respect in which the Senator is held cuts across party lines and can be surprising. During the recently completed 2025 session, Senator Stanley rose to give moving tributes to two recently deceased members – Congressman (previously Senator Donald McEachin (D-Henrico)) and Senator Henry Marsh (D-Richmond). Few outside the Senate would have known of these close and personal relationships between such seemingly different personalities. What is notable is that
Virginia Capitol Connections, 2025 Annual Magazine 13 these relationships have transcended racial, political, and philosophical divides that have become deeper in today’s political environment. Although known for his Republican and conservative philosophy, the variety of issues that attract Senator Stanley is broad and unconventional. Here are a few examples: • School Construction: Even in the face of opposition from the Governor, the Senator has been a leader in efforts to allow local governments to adopt an additional local option sales tax dedicated to school construction and renovation. A tax increase would be seen as an anti-Republican idea. However, the needs of Southside’s aging and deteriorating schools went beyond party lines. • Animal rights: No single issue probably defines Bill Stanley more than animal rights. Traditional wisdom in the General Assembly says to never sponsor animal legislation. However, every year since joining the Senate, the Senator has introduced some type of animal rights legislation. The best known of these was a successful effort in 2022 to shut down a company called Envigo in Cumberland County, which was breeding beagles for pharmaceutical research. Not only was the effort successful— nearly 4,000 dogs from the facility were resettled into new homes around the country. Again, not a typical Republican issue. • New College Institute: Senator Stanley continues to be the leading supporter of the New College Institute, a non-traditional institution of higher learning focused on workforce development located in Martinsville. Despite opposition and budget pressures, Sen. Stanley has been a tireless promoter of both the need for such an institution and its programs. • Auto Racing: Short-track auto racing is part of the history of Southside Virginia. Sen. Stanley not only acknowledges that fact but promotes it. He believes these local short tracks are part of economic development. This hits close to home for the Senator, as he owns a NASCAR modified team with retired driver Hermie Sadler. Everyone in the General Assembly has a story. Frankly, some are more interesting than others. Today, many of the stories in both parties are becoming more similar. That is why it is important that we have more people like Senator Bill Stanley in the Virginia General Assembly. James Turpin has served as a lobbyist in Virginia since the 1970s. He is an affiliated consultant at David Bailey Associates. Legislators may begin prefiling bills as early as July 15! 1108 East Main Street, Suite 1200, Richmond, VA 23219 (804) 643-5554 Visit our website at www.dbava.com DAVID L. BAILEY, Henrico cell: 804.405.8108 dbaileyadvocacy@gmail.com JIM TURPIN, Arlington cell: 434.964.6124 jamesturpin728@gmail.com CHRIS BAILEY, Amelia cell: 804.432.3270 csb.davidbaileyassociates@gmail.com JOYCE WAUGH, Roanoke cell: 540.354.5487 joyce.waugh@gmail.com Serving clients ranging from local governments, non-profits, trade/ professional associations, educational institutions, public campaigns, and more. Senator Bill Stanley makes remarks on the Senate floor. Bill Stanley is joined by his beloved beagles. V
Virginia Capitol Connections, 2025 Annual Magazine 14 Senator Frank Ruff September 1949 – October 2024 By GENEVIEVE LAZZAROTTI Gentleman, family man, college basketball fan, dog lover, penny pincher, math whiz, pun pro, faithful Christian, YMCA enthusiast, and sweets connoisseur. These are just a few of the ways to describe my father, Frank Ruff. I was lucky enough to learn from a young age that not all politicians fit the stereotype often portrayed. My father was the definition of a statesman—a sentiment I heard often after his passing. At first, I wasn’t sure of the difference, but thinking back on his nature and leadership style, the distinction became clear. A statesman is defined as “a politician who is distinguished by their wisdom, experience, and commitment to the long-term good of the nation or a particular field. While a politician focuses on winning elections and gaining power, a statesman prioritizes responsible governance and making decisions that benefit society.” I agree with these sentiments wholeheartedly. He wanted Southside Virginia to prosper for generations to come. He was the gold standard of how politicians should work for their constituents. He did not enter public office for recognition or power—he did it out of love for rural Virginia and a passion for helping others. The title of senator never changed my father. He remained true to himself and to his constituents throughout his decades in Richmond. His classic “Hey boy!” with a handshake will be missed by all. He remained the same man who started in Richmond in 1994. My father was a servant leader who prioritized Southside Virginia and its people. He truly cared about each and every constituent in his district. He listened to their problems, took endless phone calls, supported local businesses, and even moved furniture—just to make sure needs were met and voices were heard. He would spend hours driving throughout his district to attend meetings, fundraisers, and events. Yet somehow, he managed to be home for dinner most evenings and attend our games and performances. He worked 24/7 for the people of his district, but he still prioritized his family and faith above all else. He gave up his small business to dedicate his life to serving others. Although he was a lifelong Republican, he was always willing to listen to what the other side had to say. He asked questions to better understand others’ positions and reasoning. My father was calm and collected at all times. He rarely raised his voice or became argumentative. He was quiet but mighty—a man of few words, but when he spoke, it was with wisdom, and people knew it was worth listening to. I can’t count the number of times someone told me they knew my father, respected him, how he took their phone call, visited their business, or even remembered their name. He understood the importance of building relationships with his constituents and fellow senators, regardless of party. My father saw the beauty and possibilities that Southside Virginia holds. He worked tirelessly to bring jobs, education, and economic development to the small towns and communities he represented. He took the time to get to know his constituents personally, to hear their voices and concerns. He would answer calls and emails at any time of day. However, he knew calls had to wait once my mother had us all seated at the dinner table. Although he accomplished so much during his tenure, he stayed humble and never bragged. He wanted the spotlight to shine on others, despite all the work he had done behind the scenes. His modest and down-to-earth nature made him approachable and relatable to all. My father never met a problem he wouldn’t tackle or a question he couldn’t find an answer to. Long before his time as a politician, my father owned a variety of businesses. His entrepreneurial experience prepared him for the financial committees and positions he would later hold in his political career. He owned and ran the Buffalo Springs Inn from 1976 to 1980— a popular disco bar that Clarksville locals still fondly remember. After that, he managed Boyd’s Corner convenience store from 1981 to 1985. His final and longest-running business was Brentwood Manor Furniture, which he started from the family home. He owned and operated Brentwood Manor from 1984 to 2001. My father didn’t realize how busy he would be as a senator, so he sold the business shortly after taking office. He was a determined man with big dreams when he set his sights on working at the Capitol. He ran for State Senate for the first time in 1991 against Louise Lucas. Family lore says he wore through two pairs of shoes that summer from walking door to door to campaign. While he wasn’t successful in that first campaign, he made an impressive showing for a newcomer, with votes tallying 51% to 49%. Two years later, in 1993, he campaigned for a seat in the House against 23-year incumbent Lou Parker. While campaigning door to door and wearing down more shoe soles, my father learned that many constituents didn’t even know who their current delegate was. He vowed to be different. He wanted the people in his district to know him, his work, and that he would always lend a listening ear to their problems. His hard work paid off when he beat Lou Parker that fall— it was a big win for Virginia Republicans. However, his win wasn’t the only life-changing event that week. I was born less than 48 hours after his victory. Pink bows quickly adorned—and even replaced—Ruff campaign signs. My mom quickly realized how marriage to a politician would change our entire family’s life. The Ruff family landline was ringing off the hook for the new delegate. However, it wasn’t guaranteed he would answer— it’s possible a 9-year-old boy might pick up your call.
Virginia Capitol Connections, 2025 Annual Magazine 15 After a long week in session, my father couldn’t—or wouldn’t— simply come home to rest. He would host town halls almost every Friday evening until 10 or 11 at night to talk to his constituents about his work in Richmond. He was making good on his campaign promises. Here are just a few of the accomplishments my father attained during his career in the House of Delegates and Senate. He was especially passionate about workforce training, economic development, and education during his time in office. My father led the effort to create scholarships and forgivable loans through the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission tuition program. It was a way to educate the tobacco region’s young people and encourage them to return to the area to re-establish their roots. He worked with community colleges and businesses to create certification programs that allowed trades to be learned in weeks or months—leading to industry certifications that enabled employment much faster than traditional two-year degrees. My father recognized the gap in skilled labor and understood that not all young adults wish to pursue a college education. He was a leader in workforce training for today’s needs, helping to better align skills training with the modern economy and available well-paying jobs. This required community colleges to work closely with area businesses to better understand the skills needed in each region. He was also a leader in reforming economic development to expand existing businesses and attract new employers. He worked with prospective job creators to encourage them to come to Southside. From assisting with funding for industrial parks to enhancing tourism, from working with the Governor and local leaders to recruit new industries, to the creation of a much needed law enforcement hazardous driving school—he was a champion for small-town communities across his district. He helped found and fund GO Virginia to provide targeted economic development efforts for all regions of the Commonwealth. My father served as chairman of the Tobacco Commission and continued to serve on the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission as a citizen member in 2024, a title appointed to him by Governor Youngkin. He was the lead sponsor for founding the Center for Rural Virginia in 2004 and served on the original Rural Virginia Prosperity Commission, holding positions as Chair and Vice Chair of the Center. In March 2024, the Center for Rural Virginia was renamed the Senator Frank M. Ruff, Jr. Center for Rural Virginia in his honor, recognizing his hard work and dedication to the organization and to Southside Virginia as a whole. My father also served on the Advisory Board for the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute from its inception in 2022 until his passing in 2024. He contributed his expertise and countless volunteer hours to help establish the program as a model for cultivating the next generation of rural leaders. Even after his cancer diagnosis, he continued working on many commissions and committees, sharing his vast knowledge and experience. I was fortunate to be present with my family when a joint resolution was passed in his memory in February of this year. It highlighted just some of his many accomplishments. This spring, the Clarksville YMCA—of which he was an active member— honored his legacy by dedicating their new 25-acre expansion in his name. The Frank Ruff Memorial Park will be a community hub for all to enjoy. My father’s political career gave him the opportunity to serve the greater good. His business experience and sharp mind made him someone sought out on nearly every issue, with requests to serve on committees and boards beyond the standing committees he served on during session. He saw many young people leaving Southern Virginia due to a lack of opportunities, and he worked tirelessly to change that. Above all the awards and titles, his greatest achievement was having the honor of representing the people of Southside Virginia. He worked hard to make it possible for families to stay together by providing educational and employment opportunities that allowed them to remain in the area while still enjoying the quality-of-life rural Virginia offers. His work symbolized his life—if he saw a problem, he worked with both sides of the aisle to fix it and create a better outcome for all. He was the man behind the scenes, building a better life in our rural communities—not for recognition, but to strengthen them. Humble and unassuming, my father was a man of strong character, deep faith, a wonderful sense of humor, high intelligence, and compassion. He always saw the best in people and always worked for the good of the people. His passing hasn’t been easy for my family by any means. However, knowing how much heart and soul he put into his life’s work makes it easier. His love and care for Southside Virginia and its people are evident in everything he did. Genevieve Lazzarotti is the daughter of Frank Ruff. She is an elementary school librarian at Chesterfield County Public Schools. Frank Ruff (third from right) with his family in southern Virginia. V
Virginia Capitol Connections, 2025 Annual Magazine 16 Growing Up Virginia Strong By MIRANDA WYNNE Rita McClenny’s roots run deep in Virginia soil. Raised on a farm in Southampton County, Virginia, she learned that work was not something you clock in and out of; it is a way of life. “Our farm was a family business,” she recalls. “At an early age, you learn a lot of responsibility.” Her strong sense of discipline naturally extended into her years as a student-athlete. McClenny competed in four different sports: tennis, basketball, cheerleading, and track and field. Along the way, her coaches became her most trusted mentors, teaching her the teamwork, perseverance, and adaptability that would define her leadership style and professional outlook.” Teamwork is just different from the classroom,” she explains. “In sports, you have to develop character and learn how to negotiate and get along with people. If you are winning, great; if you are not winning, you have to know how to deal with that too.” Lights, Camera, Commonwealth Before becoming the face of Virginia tourism, McClenny spent years in the Virginia Film Office, where her mission was clear: shift from passive hosting to proactive pitching. “We changed the model to be more proactive,” she said. As she puts it, working with production companies is like “building a multimillion-dollar corporation in a few weeks and then shutting it down, over and over.” That mindset transformed the Commonwealth’s engagement with filmmakers. Perhaps the most enduring testament to her strategy is Dirty Dancing, filmed at Mountain Lake in 1986. The movie has become a pop culture classic, and even decades later, “Dirty Dancing” weekends continue to sell out, proving how a single film can elevate a rural economy and solidify a location’s place in the public imagination. Selling Virginia to the World Today, McClenny is at the helm of Virginia’s $35.1 billion tourism industry, which in 2024 alone generated $96 million per day in visitor spending. The ripple effects are vast as small businesses flourish, jobs are created, and state and local governments gain over $2.5 billion in tax revenue. Tourism, however, in Virginia is more than just beaches and battlefields. It encompasses transportation, lodging, food service, recreation, retail, and attractions, forming a network that connects communities across the Commonwealth. “It is a way to build communities, develop a path for growth, and help the Commonwealth,” McClenny explains. The work has taken on new meaning in the wake of the pandemic. Today’s travelers are not just booking trips; they are seeking experiences that feel safe, personal, and unforgettable. McClenny notes that technology has become an inseparable part of that journey, shaping everything from the way visitors plan and book to how they explore once they arrive. Digital reservations, touchless check-ins, and virtual previews now serve as the opening chapter to a trip, setting expectations and building excitement long before travelers step foot in Virginia.
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