As the Governor of Virginia and the top policy maker (Bowman & Kearney, 2018, p. 170), I
would have to approach the situation wearing that hat. The conflict between myself and the
bureaucracy will be addressed through intense meetings. I would have several avenues to take
during this process. It would be beneficial to everyone if we can come to an amicable solution
and avoid offering pork barrel rewards (Bowman & Kearney, 2018, p. 172) or my veto powers
(Bowman & Kearney, 2018, p. 183). I would assert my authority as the top policy maker and let
the legislature know that I do have the last say on any enactment of the law. I would let the
residents of Virginia know that I will work with their elected officials to come to an agreement
that is in the best interest of every citizen.
The COVID pandemic has brought about some serious tension between the Democratic
Governor and many Republican legislators. I live in Campbell County, Virginia and have seen
many local legislatures that opposed the mandates that were imposed by the Governor. The most
publicized legislative decision was the Campbell County Board of Supervisors voting to not
approve using any county funds to enforce the Governor’s mandates. This included the Sheriff’s
department being able to remove citizens from public buildings for not wearing a mask. The
occurrence of similar actions throughout the state and the election of a new Republican Governor
reinforces that resistance of the citizens to those mandates.
We have also had counties declare themselves First and Second Amendment sanctuaries. The
Governor of West Virginia even offered to accept those counties in their state. Parents are upset
with how the state is forcing certain courses and theories into the schools. The citizens of the
Commonwealth have spoken and now they will have a new Governor to work to close the chasm
between the people and their elected officials.
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