VADP

Dear Abolitionists,

I write to thank you for your outpouring of opposition to the execution of Teresa Lewis and to share with you some important news about the future of VADP.

During the weeks and days leading up to Teresa's execution on September 23, VADP members and supporters wrote and telephoned the Governor urging him to intervene, signed petitions, wrote letters to the editors of newspapers throughout Virginia, and attended vigils expressing opposition to the execution and support for all victims of violence. Although our opposition did not halt the execution, it galvanized opponents of capital punishment not only in Virginia but throughout the country. As we said in a joint statement with the National Coalition Against the Death Penalty released the night of the execution:

Thousands of people from across the state of Virginia and the country have signed petitions, called the Governor and sought to meet with him, among them, people who call themselves liberals, conservatives, people of faith, agnostics, Republicans, Libertarians and Democrats, pro-life and pro-choice. People representing law enforcement concerns as well as victims also united in the effort to stop this misguided execution. We pledge to knit together the voices of these people, many newly raised in response to this disturbingly arbitrary use of government power, for change.

Thank you for your efforts, which we will build on as we continue the work to end the death penalty in Virginia.

I am extremely excited to tell you that VADP will soon have a new Executive Director to lead us in that work. The Board has chosen Steve Northup, a VADP board member, who applied for the position soon after deciding to retire as a partner with a large Richmond law firm. While we were fortunate to have a number of well-qualified applicants for the position, Steve's credentials separated him from the others by a wide margin. In addition to his skills as an attorney developed over more than 34 years of practice, he has a strong commitment to ending capital punishment formed in part through representing a number of death row inmates. Steve also has a unique ability in communicating successfully with people from all facets of the political spectrum - in short, Steve brings us increased credibility. Steve will officially assume his new duties later this fall, at which time he will resign from the Board. He will work closely with our Administrative Director, Matt Sellman, as well as with the Board, which has pledged to remain deeply involved in the work of VADP.

Of course, having a strong leadership team is only part of what we need to pursue our long range plan to end capital punishment in Virginia. We need your help to make this plan a reality. Please help us by making a tax-deductible credit card donation by clicking here (be sure to put “VADP” in the Designation field). You can also make a contribution via PayPal by clicking here, or call us toll-free at (888) 567-8237.

Regards,

Jonathan Sheldon, Board President