In the modern world of political and physical warfare, an increasingly bright spotlight is shining on the leaders of the United States. Although many believe that only federal-level politicians have an impact on the lives of American citizens, this could not be farther from reality. The truth of the matter is that local politicians such as those in the Virginia General Assembly and those leading the legal efforts within the state are the true backbone of Virginia communities. Such individuals have a profound influence on the lives of citizens all across the state, namely State Senator Schuyler VanValkenburg and Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor. This article captures excerpts of my interviews conducted with both Senator VanValkenburg and Attorney Taylor. 

Excerpts from Interview with Senator VanValkenberg

The battlegrounds of the U.S. Senate are a secret to no one. However, it is the Virginia Senate that truly decides on many of the big bills that directly affect Virginian lives. Senator VanValkenburg, a former delegate in the Virginia House of Delegates, was recently elected as one of the forty state senators in Virginia. In the summer of 2023, he ran against incumbent Senator Siobhan Dunnavant, collecting roughly fifty-five percent of the votes in the election. However, the elections of 2023 were not the starting point for VanValkenburg to make change. As a state representative, delegates are only in session for forty-five or sixty days, depending on the year. The rest of the year, VanValkenburg is a government teacher at Henrico County’s Glen Allen High School. During the interview, Senator VanValkenburg was asked several questions regarding his pathway to government as well as his plans for the future. 

When asked about how his teaching career and previous role as a delegate influenced his current role as a state senator, VanValkenburg explained that both roles heavily influenced his understanding of politics. In fact, being a teacher was one of the main reasons the senator became involved in politics in the first place. He referenced the fact that our state had been “asleep” on certain issues like public education, an issue he holds close to his heart. VanValkenburg remarks that becoming a senator was the “best opportunity to make…positive changes” and the “most important position in terms of stopping things [he] didn’t want to happen.” Senator VanValkenburg has had first-hand experience with students that has allowed him to bring a certain level of expertise to the Senate floor. The senator’s relationship with his students has allowed him to gain insights on “seeing all [the] sides” of an issue. His students have also had an influence on the legislation he presents in session. VanValkenburg expressed that being around his students allows him to “see what’s on their minds,” which in turn allows him to see what their parents and community care about. 

Party polarization in the Capitol is very different from the atmosphere in Richmond, according to VanValkenburg. In fact, VanValkenburg stated that he has worked with the governor’s education office “in spaces where [they] agree,” showing the more collaborative environment of the Virginia government than the government at the federal level. The senator pointed out that the main difference between the General Assembly and the U.S. Congress is that “in Richmond [the representatives] have disagreements but we don’t make it personal.” VanValkenburg went on further to say that the representatives are able to “bridge gaps” and compromise. This collaboration embodies the spirit of Maggie Walker, and goes to show that core values are necessary at every level – in school and in our government. For the rest of the year, VanValkenburg hopes to work on big policy issues and be more involved in the community in the coming year. When asked about one message Senator VanValkenburg would send to the students at MLWGS, he stated, “Politics is all about who shows up, and who puts in the hard work.”

Excerpts from the Interview with Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor

Another important figure in Virginia is Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor, who has specifically made a profound impact on the justice system. The role of a Commonwealth’s Attorney is to help in the longer-lasting cases of the county. Attorney Taylor has been a leader in Henrico for roughly twelve years and has made a tremendous impact on not just the county, but the surrounding communities as well. Taylor originally became involved as a prosecutor to help protect those who had experienced tragedy in their lives. 

When asked about her favorite part of her job as Commonwealth’s Attorney, Taylor said the district she represents is “like a little U.S!” Henrico is an extremely diverse community, and that is what Taylor enjoys the most. Throughout her time as an attorney, Taylor has been able to see how Henrico has changed over the years from a more rural county to becoming an “amazing quilt” of cultures. On the flip side, Taylor also believes that there are disturbing parts about being the Commonwealth’s Attorney. She said that it is always a tragedy when “good people make bad decisions.”

Although the justice system may seem separate from the local government, Taylor said that one big issue that her office has to deal with is decreasing funds and an increasing workload. Often, the General Assembly increases the “responsibilities” of Taylor’s office, but does not adequately “compensate” for the extra work they are doing. Taylor remarked, “You don’t want to be the elected public safety official having to pick and choose what are going to be the priorities in your community.” In the future, Attorney Taylor hopes to foster an office and a community that is “well-run” and encourages good public safety. She hopes to work with everyone and advocate for compensation for prosecutors. Additionally, Taylor recommends to students at MLWGS, “Don’t worry about who you want to be today, you’ve got plenty of time to figure that out. But certainly engage in activities that make you happy. Engage in activities that you believe will enrich your life.”

In the end, it is the local leaders of Virginia that keep the community together. People like Senator VanValkenburg and Attorney Taylor have the ability to advocate for justice and equity to those who are in need. If there was one message to take away from these interviews, it would be to continue working hard, continue living the student life, and continue engaging and strengthening your community. One individual has the ability to cause a chain reaction and change the world.