Retirements

I mentioned in my earlier post today that we needed to focus on November’s General Assembly elections. As if on cue, two legislators – both Democrats – announced their retirements today.

First up was Del. Albert Pollard. Recall, if you will, that Pollard “retired” in 2005. At that time, it was, according to this, to pursue other business interests and to spend time with his young family. Pollard ran for the seat again in a 2008 special election when then-Delegate Rob Wittman was elected to Congress in a special election after the death of Rep. JoAnn Davis.

Next was Senator Mary Margaret Whipple, who also serves as the chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus.  In a press release today, Whipple, who has been in public service for 35 years, said this was a year of milestones as she celebrated her 70th birthday and her 50th wedding anniversary.

I leave you with unfinished work and many challenges. Pay attention to resource depletion and all its implications; continue to provide educational opportunity and access for the children of Virginia; care for the least among us, as I know you will.

Senator Mark Warner had this to say regarding Whipple:

We will miss the calm, steady leadership of Mary Margaret Whipple. Mary Margaret has always provided a principled voice within her caucus. She also consistently demonstrates the power of civility and courtesy to her colleagues in the Senate, and we will miss her leadership.

I wish both Del. Pollard and Sen. Whipple the very best as they move on to the next chapters in their lives.