Barbara Lipskis introduced the Rotarian of the Day, John McLemore. John was president from 2002-2003 and has been involved in numerous initiatives over the years. For several years John spearheaded the annual visit by Russian judges who were housed in Rotarian homes (per a United States law). John’s task, to introduce fellow Rotarian, Shep Miller, who was president from 2008-2009, was a challenge. Shep was born and raised in Norfolk, majored in Political Science at Hampden Sydney College, worked for a local congressman, earned an MBA at William and Mary, and worked at Newport News Shipbuilding. In 1957 he was recruited to be the CEO of Kitco Fiber Optics, which became one of the fastest-growing companies in Virginia. Eventually, it was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway, and Shep had to find other challenges.

Shep Miller, Secretary of Transportation for the Commonwealth of Virginia, decided to pay Happy Bucks because he learned on his arrival Tuesday that he still owed his dues to the club. But the ‘check is in the mail.’ Shep explained how he got involved in fundraising for Glenn Youngkin’s campaign, then participated in the planning and organizing of the Transportation Department. It seems that his wife, Gigi, was persuaded to encourage his ongoing participation as Secretary; he still seems puzzled about how that was done!

Department of Motor Vehicles was the first focus of his tenure. Shep noted that the people were good and sincere, but not well-managed. The Youngkin administration focuses on metrics and cost-benefit analyses. If it’s important, it should be measured. Wait times at DMV averaged 38 minutes across the state; now the average wait time is 8 minutes—as of last week. Shep personally went to a local office to obtain a RealId. He waited an hour and twenty-five minutes. He learned a lot about the process bottlenecks. Those have been addressed. As a bonus, his photograph was sent to all the offices with a note that he would be out to visit them.

The Transportation budget is $10B, which doesn’t include partnerships with private entities; there are 10K employees. He discussed the Elizabeth River Tunnels partnership with a Spanish firm. Of note, due to a recent arrangement, folks making less than $50K annually can get a one-half price for tolls. Shep also commented on the Port of Virginia which was recently cited as ‘the most efficient container port in the US.’ He has also toured the Amazon facility in Suffolk; 3M square feet and the second largest building in Virginia (second to the Pentagon).

Shep expounded on the importance of the 1cent sales tax which goes to paying for the maintenance of roads and tunnels. The focus of the administration is on spending to make a difference, i.e., to unlock economic potential. Road work helps unlock potential in various ways: it improves the tourist experience so which increases benefits in areas focused on tourism, but it also improves access for daily workers, helps move cargo from the port to inland distribution centers, etc. Shep discussed spending on I81, as well as 3 miles in Northern Virginia which will cost $600M. Shep was not a believer in tolls, but he has been converted. Traffic management and shifting demand can be done through tolling; the behavior of drivers is affected by tolling.

Finally, Shep turned his attention to local projects. He discussed ‘smart scale’ metrics which compare projects and how they will improve conditions. Traffic studies are key to these metrics. Shep asked: how many studies were conducted on bike lanes? Answer: none. They are not safe; they are not used. How much money was spent to reorganize streets with bike lanes? Answer: too much.

As for trains, there is a plan to spend $1B on a corridor for the trains. A bottleneck at the Potomac River leads to delays. A new bridge, just for passenger trains, would go a long way to improving this situation. Shep pointed out that inflation has hit his budget hard. Original estimates have had to be increased by $120M this year due to inflation. Obviously, projects may have to be cut back or delayed.

During the Q and A, Shep was asked about the toll on the new HRBT. He encouraged us to lobby our local elected officials as they are on the committee that decides. But he predicted that our current system of HOV lanes at certain times of the day will be changed so that they are permanently tolled.

Everyone was appreciative of such a candid and nuanced presentation. Thanks to Shep!

The Meeting

President Laurie had Randy Garrett attempt to use the microphone, which had a pronounced droop. Randy and Pam Tubbs on the keyboard led us in “Happy Days are here again,” and “Grand Ole Flag.” After the usual Pledge of Allegiance and The Four-Way Test, Julie Keesling offered the invocation. (Remember the 3 B’s: be clear, be brief, and be seated!)

Visitation/Introduction of Visitors

Dave Duncan had a lengthy list of visitors due to the unique appeal of our speaker, Shep Miller. John McLemore introduced Shep’s wife, Gigi, and son, Wills. Barclay Winn, no stranger to Rotary, was also there. John Padgett introduced Garry Hartlieb, a fellow lawyer and prospective member. Linwood Beckner hosted Carley Brierre and Victoria Pickett. Jim Tucker brought Casey Dunn. Bill Eisenbeiss introduced Bill Rachels.

Club Business

President Laurie thanked Julie Keesling for her club service over the years. This a reminder of the float being organized for the Grand Illumination parade on Nov. 19th. And there will be an excellent opportunity for community service on Saturday, Dec. 10th, from 9 AM to 1 PM to help the Salvation Army set up for the annual holiday distribution.

Happy Bucks & Fines

There were many happy bucks to share!

• Bob Batcher of the matchless voice served as a master of ceremonies using the microphone so the call could hear the news.
• Sally Hartman has a new car (after an unfortunate accident).
• Michael Desplaines celebrated the acquisition of cacti for the new conservatory at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens.
• Jeff Wells handed out Rotary decals for the parade;
• Chris Bugg made a pitch for seeking a non-profit partner for next spring’s Suds ‘n Buds.
• Ed Kellam reminded us of the 247th Marine Corps birthday.
• Linwood Beckner noted that Ben Mason’s daughter ran the New York Marathon. President Laurie added that Tom Koller walked the marathon.