Local Government Day with Lead Culpeper

Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

May 19, 2014

Jim Charapich

The Lead Culpeper Class of 2014 met last Wednesday for a day on Local Government. We began the morning at The Center for the Constitution at James Madison’s Montpelier. We were joined by Mr. Bob Gibson, the Executive Director at the University of Virginia’s Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership. Mr. Gibson invested 90 minutes with our leadership group discussing “Civility in Government.” The lessons discussed offered a commonsense approach to civility. As leaders, we set the tone. If we are civil in our conversation, then that sets the standard for others to follow. If others choose not to be civil, then lowering the standard by joining them has consequences. As a leader, you still have to wake up and conduct yourself in the same community every day. A good rule of thumb is, how will it feel the next day if you choose to lower your standards today? Preserving your honor and dignity will open future doors whether you win or lose on the issue of the day.

 

We followed this program with a tour of the renovated mansion described as - “Madison and the Constitution - Liberty, democracy, and the ideas that inspired a nation and changed the world come alive in this tour featuring the life and career of James Madison, Father of the Constitution, as well as the political philosophies and debates embodied in the U.S. Constitution. Gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the "spirit" not just the "letter" of America’s greatest document.” An interesting take away was the story of James Madison upon returning from his studies at Princeton University. He observed the unfair treatment of the Baptists in Culpeper. As the story goes, this influenced his view of freedom of religion. The tour at Montpelier offers a rich and rare view of the birth of our great nation.

 

The Lead Culpeper Class of 2014 reassembled for lunch at Germanna’s Daniel Technology Center for a dynamic afternoon. We were honored to have both business and local government leaders join us in half hour segments to address their areas of expertise; the following is just a highlight of the insights shared with the group.

 

The first session was a new addition to the program. Anthony Clatterbuck spoke about the often untold stories of the development of the Shenandoah Park and its long lasting impact to families that once lived on the mountain.  We will never see Old Rag Mountain the same way.

The next speakers were Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins & Captain Chris Settle, Culpeper PD. This discussion was very engaging regarding the teamwork between the Town and County law enforcement departments. The presentation left the class with the confidence that our tax dollar investments in law enforcement are essential. The discussion led to the awareness that decisions as leaders may have unintended results. It is also important to consider the social costs and consequences to the community in making leadership decisions.

The next discussion was led by Delegate Ed Scott, who discussed the importance of the committees that our state legislators serve on in the General Assembly. He also discussed the opportunities for leadership on State Boards and Commissions. These are not commonly understood and yet they can have a significant impact on legislation and policy in your area of interest.

The next discussions were led by Steve Walker (graduate of the inaugural Lead Culpeper class), Chairman of the Board of Supervisors for Culpeper County and David Lochridge, Culpeper Town Council. They were followed by Frank Bossio - Culpeper County Administrator and Dewey Cashwell - Culpeper Town Manager. The combined discussions provided an overview of the way local government is defined by the Dillon Rule and the Town Charter.

The final session was led by Tripp Butler, VP Virginia Community Bank in Culpeper. Mr. Butler, a graduate of Hampden Sydney College, spoke about service on local boards and commissions. Mr. Butler serves Culpeper through numerous boards, commissions and committees.  He has held a seat on one commission for more than 10 years! When asked how many hours a week he volunteers, he replied, “Over 10 hours a week.”  Mr. Butler, also a graduate of Lead Culpeper, offered a persuasive message about the importance of investing in your community.

We are fortunate to have an opportunity to pass along such knowledge to the next generation of community leaders. Thank you to our leaders for taking time to invest in the Lead Culpeper Class of 2014.