2018 Legislative Committee
Chair: Don Harris, Mayor, Town of Bluefield
Vice Chair: Roger Fawcett, Council Member, City of Suffolk
City Section
Andrea Oakes, Council Member, City of Staunton
Mary Person, Mayor, City of Emporia
Dan X. Sze, Council Member, City of Falls Church
Gene Teague, Mayor, City of Martinsville
William “Billy” Withers, Council Member, City of Fredericksburg
Benming “Benny” Zhang, Council Member, City of Williamsburg
Town Section
Michael Barber, Mayor, Town of Christiansburg
James Bradley, Council Member, Town of Gordonsville
Donald R. Harris, Mayor, Town of Bluefield
Jonathan “Bucky” Miller, Mayor, Town of Mt. Jackson
Phil Miskovic, Council Member, Town of Crewe
W.T. “Bill” Rush III, Town Manager, Town of Marion
Urban Section
Ted Byrd, Council Member, City of Harrisonburg
Katie Cristol, Board Chair, County of Arlington
Roger W. Fawcett, Council Member, City of Suffolk
Robert C. Ike Jr., Council Member, City of Chesapeake
Shannon Kane, Council Member, City of Virginia Beach
Sherman P. Lea, Sr., Mayor, City of Roanoke
John L. Rowe, Mayor, City of Portsmouth
Christine Snead, Councilwoman, City of Hampton
Levar Stoney, Mayor, City of Richmond
Tina L. Vick, Vice Mayor, City of Newport News
Legislative Committee process
What is the role of the Legislative Committee? The Legislative Committee is responsible for considering and developing positions on existing or proposed state and federal legislation or regulations, and urging the enactment or amendment of, or opposition to, such legislation or regulations.
How is the Legislative Committee appointed? VML’s Constitution spells out the composition of the Legislative Committee. The committee consists of 24 individuals holding local elective or appointed positions, all appointed by VML’s President. Of the 24 members, 12 must be representatives of cities and urban counties with populations in excess of 35,000, six must be representatives of cities and urban counties with populations of 35,000 or less, and six must represent towns.
What is included in VML’s Legislative Program? The legislative program adopted by the Legislative Committee reflects specific legislative objectives that VML hopes to achieve during the upcoming legislative session. It is subject to the approval of VML’s membership at the annual conference.
What is the relationship between the legislative committee and VML’s policy committees? The Legislative Committee meets prior to the policy committees to identify issues that it would like the committees to consider for potential inclusion in the league’s legislative program. It meets again after the policy committees have met to consider their recommendations.
