When one first meets Suzette, one
appreciates her charm and warmth. She is vivacious and
interested in those she meets. Friendly and helpful, she is
never in too much of a hurry to exchange news and views on the
good thing in life. As time goes on, Suzette reveals herself as
highly intelligent, disciplined and incredibly organized. I
have worked with her on many endeavors which called on her
varied skills and interests and which probed the depth of her
knowledge and commitment to master the task at hand. A
wonderfully capable person, but more than that a delightful,
generous friend.
- The Hon. Mary Margaret Whipple
(D) Arlington Virginia Senate
(D) Arlington Virginia Senate
Last year was an outstanding one in terms
of achievements for the Virginia Municipal League as one of
their own, Suzette Denslow, came back into the fold after
having served in the Governor’s office for a few years.
It was also the organization’s 100th anniversary. We
asked VML expert Mary Jo Fields to tell us more about the
state’s municipal association. Thanks to her for the
following.
On December 12, 1905, about two dozen
municipal officials met and decided to form the League of
Virginia Municipalities. These officials represented the cities
and towns of Alexandria, Bedford, Culpeper, Danville, Hampton,
Newport News, Portsmouth, Richmond, Roanoke, Smithfield,
Staunton, Suffolk, Warrenton, and Williamsburg.
One of the purposes of the association was
to bring together “the cities and sections of the
Commonwealth for the greater glory of Virginia.” The other
purposes were to exchange ideas and experiences and to secure
helpful legislation. Two significant accomplishments were that
the Virginia Municipal League was the driving force behind the
creation of the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the
University of Virginia, and they were instrumental in the
creation of the National League of Cities.
The Virginia Municipal League observed the
100th anniversary throughout 2005 with centennial designs on
letterhead and publications. Thousands of commemorative
anniversary pins were distributed to local elected officials
and friends of the league. Virginia Beach Mayor Meyera
Oberndorf chaired the year long celebration.
Currently, there are 68 on staff, about 55
of whom who work primarily for the VML Insurance Programs that
started its 25th anniversary in 2005. The Virginia Municipal
Group Self Insurance Association and the Virginia Municipal
Liability Pool have become the largest group self insurance programs
in Virginia with combined annual premiums of $50 million. 
easy thing to accomplish. However, if they
can communicate, a lot more can be accomplished, she said.
“For example, when I worked in the
Governor’s Office, the lobbying we did for the Governor
would be to work with Secretary of Commerce and Trade Mike
Schewel and say, ‘Mike, you need to go and meet these
people, and I’ll go with you, but you need to do it in
this order, you need to stress certain points,’ and he
was
Suzette Denslow—an exceptional asset
wherever she may be! Her true love of working with and for
people has been demonstrated through the four stages of her
employment and life during which I have had the pleasure of
knowing her. Suzette is a very knowledgeable and capable individual,
particularly in the field of municipal government. Her word and
advice can be relied upon. The Virginia Municipal League is
fortunate that she has returned to them, as she brings much
experience which is invaluable to urban counties, cities, and
towns.
- The Hon. Harry J. Parrish
(R) Manassas
(R) Manassas
