Gov. Terry McAuliffe has been the ranking state official for less than a week, though he has already issued several executive orders on topics that included workplace discrimination and executive gifts.
His first executive order — signed Saturday, immediately following his inauguration — prohibits discrimination in Virginia state government on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, political affiliation or against otherwise qualified people with disabilities.
“My administration is committed to keeping Virginia open and welcoming to all who call our Commonwealth home,” McAuliffe (D) said in a news release issued after the order was signed. “Executive Order Number 1 sets the tone for an administration that will not accept discrimination in any form, and one that will work tirelessly to ensure all Virginians have equal opportunity in the workplace, no matter their backgrounds, race, religion, or whom they love.”
The order brings back protection for sexual orientation and gender identity that existed during Tim Kaine’s years as governor. When Bob McDonnell was elected to office, he issued an executive order authorizing protections for several categories, though sexual orientation and gender identity were not included. He later issued another executive order that said “employment discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated by this Administration.”
McAuliffe’s second executive order, also signed Saturday, establishes a $100 cap on gifts given to him, his family, members of the Executive Branch and their families. The order also establishes an Executive Branch Ethics Commission to oversee the execution of his new order.
“Virginians have placed great trust in their elected officials and expect transparency and decision-making that avoids improper conflicts,” McAuliffe said in a statement. “This Executive Order will assure citizens of the Commonwealth that members of my Administration will be held to the highest of ethical standards. Additionally, I look forward to working with members of the General Assembly to enact the strongest possible ethics rules for all Virginia elected officials.”
The order comes in the wake of a scandal involving McDonnell and his wife, who are alleged to have improperly accepted gifts. According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, federal authorities are investigating whether McDonnell agreed to take official action to aid nutritional supplement company Star Scientific while accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars of gifts and money from its CEO.
In his first days in office, McAuliffe has also announced expansions of a few businesses, though none are in the Historic Triangle. Carnival Cruise Lines will begin operating out of Norfolk in 2015. The company ceased operations there in 2012. Cybersecurity company Telos Corporation is also boosting its operations in Virginia, adding 160 new jobs in Loudoun County.
McAuliffe’s other two executive orders deal with continuity of government. Those orders allow his chief of staff to direct the administration of the state government’s planning and budget process and to direct the administration of the state government’s personnel system in the event the governor is incapacitated or cannot be reached. The orders do not grant full powers to the chief of staff, with exceptions including final determination on employee compensation plans and submission of the budget and accompanying documents to the General Assembly.
The current chief of staff has a connection to the Historic Triangle. Paul Reagan graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1982. He joins McAuliffe after having served as chief of staff for U.S. Senator Jim Webb (D-Va.) and Rep. James Moran (D-8).
McAuliffe has three other William and Mary graduates in his cabinet.
Ric Brown from the class of 1968 is the secretary of finance. Brown has served as secretary of finance since August 2008, when he was appointed by Kaine. McDonnell reappointed him in 2010. He has also served as the director of the Department of Planning and Budget beneath Kaine and Gov. Mark Warner.
Molly Ward from the class of 1987 is McAuliffe’s secretary of natural resources. Ward, the former mayor of Hampton, resigned in early October to take a position as deputy director for the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs in Washington, D.C.
Karen Jackson from the class of 1991 is the secretary of technology. She previously served as the deputy secretary of technology beneath Kaine and McDonnell.
