March 27, 2003 -- H. Benson Dendy III describes former Governor Jerry Baliles as someone who "knew how to get the job done and he believed that government could work and he made it work for Virginia’s people." This is just one of many thoughts and reflections of former governor Gerald L. Baliles shared by friends, family, and colleagues at the 2002 Virginia Governors Conference. The Conference was held July 18th and 19th at the Boar’s Head Inn in Charlottesville, Virginia, and was co-sponsored by the Center for Politics and the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. The Baliles Conference highlighted the administration’s effort to improve the Commonwealth by confronting issues ranging from transportation infrastructure to educational advances at all levels.

Starting out as a young lawyer in 1975, Jerry Baliles challenged the incumbent, Howard Carwile, for the Richmond House of Delegates seat. This victory helped him earn the description "boldly cautious" that was given to him by journalist Jeff Schapiro. This would follow him all the way to the governor’s seat. In 1981 Baliles managed to upset a seasoned veteran to become Attorney General. In 1985, Baliles seized the Democratic nomination and subsequently the governor’s seat.

The conference began with remarks from Center for Politics director Larry Sabato, who acknowledged the visions and goals of the Baliles administration and its ability to deliver results. The first panel, entitled "The Pre-Gubernatorial Years," focused on Baliles’ emergence in the House of Delegates and then his transition to the office of the Attorney General. The second panel, "Trade and Economic Development," included more of Baliles’ associates, all of whom stressed the importance of economic development throughout their work with the administration. Curry Roberts was quick to point out that between the years of 1986 and 1990 "$100 million was committed to new housing initiatives." The next panel, "Transportation," reflected on state funding for various construction projects and other items relating to public transportation.

The panels were followed by a reception, during which law partner and long-time friend of the governor, Gordon F. Rainey, Jr., provided some comic relief as he critiqued the picture that was used for Baliles’ portrait. Following an introduction by his former secretary of health and human services Eva Teig Hardy, Governor Baliles spoke to the audience and paid tribute to everyone for their commitment to excellence throughout his political career. He then addressed the growth of the Commonwealth through globalization, rapid communications, and advancing technologies.

The evening concluded with an after-dinner program during which Jerry Baliles, Larry Sabato, and others gathered for an informal session, "The Baliles Years, Scenes from the Cutting Room Floor". The governor and others took this opportunity to share some of their personal memories of the administration.

The second day began with a panel highlighting the educational impact of the Baliles administration on K-12 students. Former president of the State Board of Education Suzanne Thomas commented on Baliles’ leadership and support of the Commission on Excellence in Education and how his efforts propelled the document. The final panel of the conference, "Health and Human Resources," looked at topics such as the mental health budget, hospital reaccreditations, and child care services.

Baliles and other conference participants will appear in the corresponding annual documentary "No Higher Honor," now in production by WHTJ Charlottesville PBS. The documentary, which will air in June of 2003, will cover Baliles’ legacy and political career. Transcripts of the conference, as well as photos and a 2-hour video highlight tape, are available at http://www.centerforpolitics.org/programs/govcon.