Continuing Coverage by:

Kaine Taps Liaison For Relatives

June 30, 2007

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine has designated a liaison between the families of the Virginia Tech shootings and the review panel investigating the massacre.

Kaine's action came in response to concerns raised at a meeting last weekend with the relatives. He has asked the eight-member panel to name member Carroll Ann Ellis, director of the Fairfax County Police Department's Victim Services Division, to serve as the go-between.

In an e-mail to Thomas J. Fadoul Jr. of Fairfax, a lawyer for 20 of the families, chief gubernatorial counselor Lawrence Roberts outlined seven steps Kaine plans to take, including sending weekly e-mail updates to relatives about the activities of the panel.

Kaine "thinks this is a sensitive and reasonable and responsible way to allow those families who choose to participate more fully in the review panel's activities going forward," spokesman Kevin Hall said.

Richmond Times-Dispatch Report