October 2015 Newsletter

VMA Welcomes Mason Byrd

The VMA Executive Board had the opportunity to meet with Mason Byrd, the new Magistrate System Coordinator. Mason talked about his vision and strategy for the Virginia Magistrate System and also discussed some specific ideas. Here is a brief synopsis of what Mason discussed with the board.

1.       No major structural changes to the magistrate system: Mason said that he wants to focus on making sure that the existing system is functioning optimally.

2.       An openness to and respect for professional diversity: Mason said that while attorneys will still be highly valued in the appointment process, professionals from other fields could still be appointed as magistrates.  Mason cited some recent examples where professionals with experience as probation officers, pre-trial screeners, and juvenile intake officers were considered to be highly qualified for magistrate positions.

3.       Possible Restoration of Part Time Magistrate Positions: Mason also said that he wanted to closely examine the possibility of creating part time positions for retired magistrates who wanted to rejoin the magistrate system on a part time basis.

Overall, Mason’s comments were very well received by the Executive Board.   In previous meetings, the board voiced its support for professional diversity and part time positions for retirees.  

Board Discusses New Member Benefits

At its October quarterly meeting, the VMA Executive Board discussed various ideas for increasing member benefits.  The two primary ideas that were discussed were insurance for individual member cash bond liability and insurance for legal aid for members.  Board members are going to conduct more research before making a final decision on the matter.  However feedback from the membership is always welcome and appreciated!

In addition, a new scholarship committee was established that will present proposals for overhauling the scholarship system at the next quarterly board meeting.  The committee plans to propose at least one additional scholarship for current or former magistrate’s continuing education. 

New Code Book Planned for Fall 2016 Publication

The board also discussed plans for the next edition of the VMA Code Book Index.  According to code book chairman Ray Stanfield, the new edition should go on sale in the Fall of 2016 and will cover changes in Virginia’s laws for the 2015 and 2016 legislative cycles.  

July 2015 Newsletter

On July 20^th, the Executive Board of the Virginia Magistrates Association met in Richmond for its quarterly meeting.  The following events transpired during the course of the meeting

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• A $500 college scholarship was awarded to George L Betts, the son of Tamyra Whitehead.  George is currently attending Virginia State University.
• Nominations for the upcoming 2015 election were officially authenticated and closed.  The following candidates will be running for office in the upcoming election: Kevin Lacey, President; Kara Akins, 1^st Vice President; Kyle Schumacher, Treasurer.  The election will be held via survey monkey on September 1^st. 
• Tamyra Whitehead will now be chairing a welcoming committee for new members, and old members that have chosen to renew their membership with the Association. 
• The board voted to hire an external auditor to ensure that all taxes are paid, and to render a full accounting of the finances of the association. 
• A motion to re-organize the VMA as a chapter of the Virginia Government Employees Association through the whole sale replacement of the VMA’s bylaws was tabled after a formal discussion.  The discussion turned on whether the VMA was willing to sacrifice its independence in order to potentially work under a larger organization to improve the working conditions of all state employees.