Margaret Thatcher was quoted as saying, “There is little hope for democracy if the hearts of men and women in democratic societies cannot be touched by a call to something greater than themselves.”
If former Prime Minister Thatcher reviewed the ranks of Virginia Wesleyan alumni who have answered the call to serve their communities through participation in the democratic process, she would very likely be encouraged about the future of democracy in America.
Many alumni honorably serve municipal, state and federal government entities in various capacities, and others dive into the political waters as elected officials or campaign staffers. Here are representatives of some of VWC’s alumni who are making a difference where they work and live through political and civic action.
Reardon is involved in small-town politics in Massachusetts.
Mike Reardon ‘79
Perhaps no place else in the United Sates has one of the purest forms of democracy than New England communities still using the “open town meeting” form of governance. This system requires the active involvement of informed residents in deciding the course of the town.
In Belchertown, MA, Mike Reardon participated in a town meeting several years ago and was unhappy with the town selectmen’s response to a request for more athletic playing fields. Reardon decided to do something about it, and today, he’s one of the selectmen. On May 17 Reardon was re-elected to the Board of Selectmen for a third term .
“I find it fascinating, and I especially like the social interaction between different groups of people,” he explained. “It’s about conflict resolution and reaching consensus. Sometimes people get so polarized over issues.”
Reardon serves on the town’s finance committee, which sets the budget for town approval. “It’s been a great experience and teaching tool. I realize how little I knew.”
Neil Forbes (second from left) campaigns with friends for his
father, Congressman Randy Forbes, (center) of
Chesapeake, VA.
Neil Forbes ‘00
Family ties often lead to political involvement. That was true for Neil Forbes, who joined the Republican State Leadership Council in January as deputy political director.
His father is Congressman Randy Forbes of Chesapeake. After working on his father’s first congressional race, he fell in love with politics. He went on to become campaign manager for two successful attorney general candidates in Michigan and Mississippi.
“Our wins resulted from incredible grass roots efforts,” he said. “I like the campaign side and helping people that I believe in to get elected.”
In his current position, Forbes works with candidates for attorney general and lieutenant governor positions in all 50 states. With the upcoming presidential election, voter registration looms as a big issue with both political parties.
“There’s a lot of apathy. People who complain about politicians but don’t vote are a pet peeve,” Forbes said. “We hope to change that. Based on the 2000 presidential election, people can no longer say that one vote doesn’t make a difference.”
Kirwin serves on t he Performing
Arts Theatre Advisory Committee
in Virginia Beach, VA.
Brian Kirwin ‘91
With 14 political campaigns under his belt, Brian Kirwin probably enjoys elections more than the average person. He’s also been a candidate himself.
Kirwin ran unsuccessfully for Virginia Beach School Board in 2000.”I learned the hard way how to run a campaign,” he said. Since then, he has been approached several times to seek elected office, but for now, prefers to work on other people’s campaigns.
“It’s much more effective to be able to go where I am needed,” he said. “I can stay one step behind the candidate and remain flexible.”
Over the years, Kirwin has been very involved with the Virginia Beach Council of Civic Organizations, helping to resolve local issues. He also regularly shares his political views through local media.
Recently the Virginia Beach City Council appointed him to serve on the Performing Arts Theatre Advisory Committee, for which he chairs a subcommittee on public awareness.
“This opens up more opportunities for me to serve. I like being nimble.”
Reynolds (right), shown here with Virginia
Governor Mark Warner, has found her
niche with the Democratic Party of
Virginia.
Lindsey Reynolds ‘98
As the youngest executive director ever for the Democratic Party of Virginia, Lindsey Reynolds jokes that she got her job because she had been there the longest.
Although she describes her family as “a-political,” Reynolds knew at a young age that she would be involved in politics. “At three, I stood with my hand on my hip and announced I wanted to be president. From then on, it was bye-bye tutu, hello podium.”
Right now, Reynolds said she has no plans to run for elected office. “I love what I do. At the end of the day I go home, knowing I’ve done something to help Virginia,” she said.
Helping people get elected is Reynolds’ forte. “I excel at names and faces, and I have a good institutional memory. I also love fundraising. That’s easier for me than calling and asking people to vote for someone,” she said.
In her visits around Virginia, Reynolds said she sees renewed interest in politics. “People are starting to perk up and pay attention. They’re showing up at meetings and volunteering. They understand that they need to get involved.”
Simone Scigliano ‘02
Although he lost in his first bid for elected office, it’s likely that Simone Scigliano will continue in politics. As a candidate for Virginia Beach School Board, Scigliano said he was motivated to run because he saw a need for improved understanding of what students and teachers face in classrooms.
“There’s a severe disconnect between the school board and the students. Everyone’s talking about budget, but they’re not talking about our children,” he said. “I believe a school board member needs to understand what’s going on in the classroom, as teachers and as students do.”
Substitute teaching in Virginia Beach schools while pursuing a master’s degree in public policy at Regent University has given Scigliano a first-hand perspective. “Even if I don’t win, it’s important to bring these points up,” he said.
His first taste of a political campaign provided some surprises. “I have been impressed by how much time and motivation a person needs to be a candidate. It’s very draining and requires a very strong character.”
Latourneau serves as press secretary for Congressman
John Olver in Washington D.C.
Nicole Latourneau ‘94
Informing constituents in her congressman’s district keeps Nicole Latourneau busy and satisfied. She’s press secretary for Congressman John Olver of Massachusetts.
“It’s important to let people in district know what the congressman is doing. People look to him for leadership and information on making choices,” she said. “It’s important for him to be heard and shape other people’s views. That helps the democratic process.”
As a former reporter who covered state politics in Massachusetts, Latourneau understands what reporters need. “I love the whole package, and I really do enjoy talking to reporters and helping them do their jobs,” she explained. “I also like the instant gratification and am rewarded by seeing the congressman's name and message in the media.”
Although she never considered herself a “political person,” Latourneau said she’s always been interested in politics. “I agree with my boss on issues, and I can speak confidently on his behalf with my heart behind the words.”
Szafran (left) is an aide to Congressman Greenwood (right)..
Joe Szafran ‘97
His father has been in politics for many years, yet Joe Szafran never really got involved. However, he worked for a state senator while pursuing his master’s degree at Villanova University, which helped put him on the path to politics. He’s now an aide to Congressman James Greenwood from Pennsylvania.
“I like being able to make a difference in the county where I grew up and where I live now,” he said. “My children and grandchildren will benefit from some of the initiatives we’re putting in motion today. These are major projects that will change the way we live.”
Szafran is active in several political organizations, helps other candidates and serves as an alternate delegate to the Republican National Convention. “It seems like I’m involved in politics 24 hours a day.”
With regard to others, Szafran expressed a desire for everyone to play a role in the democratic process. “Everyone should be civically involved at some level. Some people don’t vote, and I can’t imagine that,” he said. “Some people are very interested in politics, while other people, for whatever reason, leave it up to the elected officials.”
Freeman assists planning
and zoning volunteers.
Weldon Freeman ‘85
Helping citizen volunteers oversee planning and zoning issues in their communities is one of the ways that Weldon Freeman is making a difference. Freeman is an outreach and community affairs officer for the Maryland Department of Planning, and he also coordinates training for the Maryland Citizens Planners Association.
“These people are not professional planners, but are overseeing the physical development of their communities,” he said, referring to planning commissioners and zoning board members. “We give them information and help them to be effective at their jobs.
Freeman said he has known for a long time that he wanted to work in the public sector. “I’ve always liked the social sciences and that was reinforced at Wesleyan, where we talked about the high ideals of political science – constantly striving for improvement and better circumstances.”
Through his work, Freeman finds people are very politically active. “Growth management is one of the hottest local issues – people are talking about where to live, historic preservation, traffic issues and the like,” he said. “I find most folks are very politically savvy and well-organized.”
Virginia Senator John Warner, show here after speaking at
VWC's 2003 graduation, has two Wesleyan alumnae on his
staff, Victoria (left) and Eileen Mandel.
Victoria Stackwick ‘99
Virginia Senator John Warner has two Wesleyan alumni on his staff. Eileen Mandel ’74 runs his Norfolk office, and Victoria Stackwick is a legislative aide in the Washington office.
“When you’re looking at professions, you tend to look at what comes easiest, taking the path of least resistance. My father works for the Army, my grandfather was active in local politics, and it was always a topic at our dinner table. Politics was a natural,” she said.
Immediately following graduation, Stackwick landed a job with House Majority Whip Tom Delay. “I had stars in my eyes and was really ambitious. I didn’t let anyone discourage me,” she said. Stackwick joined Warner’s staff about three years ago.
“As an aide, I’m the first line of defense for the Senator in dealing with constituents,” she said. “I serve as a liaison, helping people, although dealing with everyone who has a problem can be kind of negative sometimes.”
As a consumer affairs specialist, Stackwick points to the national “Do Not Call” list as an example of citizen achievement. “That was purely consumer-driven,” she said.
“I like what I do and I really enjoy my work, she said. “I don’t mind the erratic hours. The job is very demanding of my time, but I have a strong supportive family, and I’m good at it.”