SEARCH SITE

VIRGINIA LAW PORTAL

SEARCHABLE DATABASES

ACROSS SESSIONS

Developed and maintained by the Division of Legislative Automated Systems.

2004 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 367
Commending A. Victor Thomas.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 13, 2004
Agreed to by the Senate, February 19, 2004

WHEREAS, A. Victor Thomas of Roanoke, the senior Democrat in the House of Delegates and a diligent and effective advocate for the Roanoke Valley and Virginia's natural resources, retired effective January 13, 2004; and

WHEREAS, a native of Roanoke County and the owner of E. J. Thomas Market on Orange Avenue in Roanoke, Vic Thomas was elected to the House of Delegates in 1973 and was easily reelected 15 times; and

WHEREAS, representing the citizens of the 17th House District, Vic Thomas served on the Rules, Conservation and Natural Resources, Militia and Police, and Privileges and Elections Committees; and

WHEREAS, Vic Thomas served on the House Appropriations Committee and for his last two years in office was a member of the budget conference committee; and

WHEREAS, throughout his distinguished legislative career, Vic Thomas has been a strong supporter of Roanoke institutions, including the Roanoke Valley Graduate Center and the Roanoke Higher Education Center, Center in the Square and its museums, the Virginia Transportation Museum, Mill Mountain Zoo, and the Roanoke Valley Greenways; and

WHEREAS, a former member of the House Health and Human Resources subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee, Vic Thomas worked diligently to assist mental health programs across the Commonwealth and in the Roanoke Valley; and

WHEREAS, Vic Thomas was a longtime legislative voice for hundreds of thousands of hunters, anglers, boaters, and wildlife enthusiasts; and

WHEREAS, over the years, Vic Thomas played a monumental role in helping to conserve and protect Virginia's rich hunting and fishing heritage for all sportsmen and women across the Old Dominion; and

WHEREAS, Vic Thomas was instrumental in the passage of legislation that addressed funding for the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries to benefit wildlife-related recreational opportunities for hunters, anglers, and wildlife enthusiasts; and

WHEREAS, Vic Thomas, who worked tirelessly to advance the idea that the Constitution of Virginia should be amended to include the right to hunt and fish, has been a leader and an icon for all who care about the outdoors and Virginia's wildlife resources; and

WHEREAS, over a long and exceptionally distinguished career in the House of Delegates, Vic Thomas served the citizens of Roanoke and the Commonwealth with diligence, dedication, and integrity; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend A. Victor Thomas on the completion of an unparalleled career in the House of Delegates; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to A. Victor Thomas as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration and best wishes for a long and fulfilling retirement.