by Dick Hall-Sizemore

While recently lamenting to myself the sad state of local journalism, I began ruminating about the outstanding reporters for the Richmond Times-Dispatch who used to kept us informed. There was James Latimer, the dean of political reporters; Charles McDowell with his wry wit and columns about national politics; Shelly Rolfe and his insights into state finances; and Dale Eisman and his investigative reporting.

But, my favorite was Joe Gatins, who covered the General Assembly for many years. Joe retired from the RTD in 1996 and died from a heart attack in 2013. In appearance, Joe seemed to be a reporter from a 1940’s movie. He seemed to be always disheveled. He wore wide floral print ties that were often stained. His tweed sport coat was frayed. 

Despite his appearance, he was persistent and respected. “In my dealings with him, I found his word to be his bond,” Jay Cochran, former director of the state police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, said of him. “His reporting was always accurate, without editorializing or inflammatory language.”

His obituary describes him as the “tormentor of Virginia’s political class.” One incident illustrates this role perfectly. Late during a General Assembly session, the Senate Finance Committee was meeting late in the afternoon. As it recessed for dinner, Sen. Ed Willey, the crusty chairman, admonished the members not to imbibe too much during dinner because they had a lot of work ahead. Nevertheless, when the committee members reassembled after dinner, it was obvious that several had had more than a couple of glasses of wine for dinner. Seriously perturbed, Willey lectured them soundly. Then, turning to Gatins, who was covering the committee meeting, he said (paraphrased), “Now, Joe, if you print any of this, I’m going to throw you out that window.” (The committee met on one of the upper stories of the old General Assembly Building.) The story in the next day’s edition of the RTD related the lecture Willey delivered to his members along with Willey’s threat to throw the reporter out the window.

We need more “tormentors of the political class.”