A new initiative to foster closer relationships between Society members and their elected state representatives shows promise for the future. Instead of providing campaign contributions to candidates via mail, VSAIA members hand delivered the organization’s 2011 donations.
Although some appeared uncertain about the task they were asked to accomplish, all provided positive feedback from the short — 10-15 minute — conversations with their delegate or senator.
None of the architects discussed legislation. They were asked to talk about the economy, their work, their elected official’s work, or fishing. The goal was to make a connection with the legislator on any level other than legislation.
These people are elected to represent their constituency. The better they know architects within that constituency, the better they can represent the profession. Bill Brown, AIA, with BeeryRio Architecture + Interiors, for example, met with Del. David Bulova (D-Fairfax) for at least the third time.
However, this was the first time he delivered a contribution for the profession. The other times he was speaking on legislative issues. Perhaps because of their previous meetings and that talk of legislation was forbidden, Brown and Bulova discovered a common interest: playing guitar.
Kelly Southard, AIA, of Gillum Architects in Orange took a VSAIA contribution to Del. Ed Scott (R-Culpeper). This was Southard’s first experience representing the profession. “Thank you for asking me to do this, it was a very pleasurable experience,” he wrote.
In all cases, the VSAIA members were asked to offer their expertise on the various issues that may come before the legislators in the future and to reiterate the breadth of an architect’s range of work including building codes, planning, land use, sustainability, historic preservation, and design.
So far, the VSAIA has provided $7,250 to candidates — eight Democrats and eight Republicans — running in this November’s election. Those in hotly contested races might receive more. All were on the House or Senate General Laws Committee or in leadership positions.
Anyone wishing to contribute to the VSAIA PAC may do so by sending a check to VSAIA PAC, 2501 Monument Avenue, Richmond, VA 23220. The VSAIA suggests that each member contribute an amount equal to one billable hour and that each firm match that amount.
In addition to Brown and Southard, the members who participated in delivering the campaign contributions for the VSAIA included Bill Black, AIA, Jim Boyd, AIA, Jon Covington, AIA, Charles Enos, AIA, Lynden Garland, Jr., AIA, Keith Hayes, Assoc. AIA, Hunter Hurt, AIA, Wayne Mortimer, AIA, Charles Piper, AIA, David Puckett, AIA, Jeff Stodghill, AIA, Charles Tilley, AIA, and Kirk Train, FAIA.