The only woman ever elected to a statewide office in Virginia was in town recently for a meeting of the Roanoke “Farm Team” chapter, an organization she started to help encourage female candidates on every rung of government. Former Attorney General Mary Sue Terry, who later ran unsuccessfully against George Allen in the ’93 governor’s race, sat at a back table during the meeting at Hunting Hills Country Club as several speakers, including 17th District Democrat nominee Gwen Mason, talked about their interest in politics.
Mason regaled those gathered with tales of growing up in Richmond, the daughter of a judge, where political discussion often ruled the day. She also noted that “there weren’t people that looked liked me,” in that field. Mason called Terry “my hero,” and said her trip last fall to Terry’s Patrick County farm helped cement her belief in the Farm Team concept.
The chapter meeting took place one day after Mason, also a Roanoke city council member, found out that she would be meeting Republican challenger Bill Cleaveland this fall.
Roanoke County Supervisor Charlotte Moore, elected to her first position in the Cave Spring magisterial district in 2007, called the Farm Team, “a great idea…We’re here supporting women.”
Women have multi-faceted roles, often juggling family and careers, something that Mason thinks might hold some back from running for office. In any case, she’s apparently ready to role up her sleeves and duke it out with Bill Cleaveland on the issues.
“I have experience that my opponent doesn’t have…I’ve balanced budgets. [and lobbying trips to Richmond are another plus] said Mason. “You darn well better put someone in the General Assembly who knows what they’re talking about.”
Former Roanoke city councilwoman and current 6th District Democratic chair Linda Wyatt (all of those present were Democrats) said she was, “really excited about the Farm Team” concept.
Attendees were asked to become Farm Team members (if not already) and were asked to list skills and talents which could be accessed by female candidates.
“[Even] if you can baby sit while someone goes out to campaign,” implored Wyatt.
Terry, who served two terms as State Attorney General, told those gathered, “all great movements begin with small groups. Lets not underestimate what we can do between now and November.”
A practicing attorney now, Terry hopes to see Democratic Lt. Governor hopeful Jody Wagner become the second women elected to statewide office this November.
Two more women announce runs: hard on the heels of Charlene Waybright’s announcement that she will run for Roanoke County supervisor in the Hollins District, a last minute entry came from the Democrats in Windsor Hills. English teacher and realtor Sarah Goodman filed at the deadline and will challenge Ed Elswick, who deposed GOP incumbent Joe McNamara in a primary.
A Cave Spring High School graduate and Roanoke College alumna, Goodman made her formal debut earlier this week.
“As a realtor and a tax-payer, I understand the value of keeping our county government efficient to keep our taxes low,” said Goodman.
“We deserve better decisions than we’ve seen from the Board of Supervisors over the past several years. Whether it’s the 37 million dollar multi-generational rec. center being built in north Roanoke County, or the down-sizing of the planned replacement for the obsolete library headquarters here in Windsor Hills, we all know our government can and should do better,” Goodman said.
Meanwhile, House of Delegates Majority Leader Morgan Griffith will not go unchallenged in the 8th District. Democrat Ginny Weisz, who teaches nursing at Radford University, touted an extensive background in health care while making her announcement.
The Bent Mountain resident stated, “we need to create more jobs, preserve Virginia’s natural environment, promote law enforcement and public safety, and increase access to health care and education. To do this, we need to end partisan gridlock in Richmond.”
