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2013 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 543
Commending Randal E. Arno.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 11, 2013
Agreed to by the Senate, January 17, 2013

 

WHEREAS, Randal E. Arno, the longtime director of the University of Virginia Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, Southside Office, known for his dynamic leadership and commitment to rural Virginia, retired in 2012; and

WHEREAS, a graduate of Florida State University, Randal “Randy” Arno brought a wealth of experience to the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, Southside Office, gained from service as a county administrator in Virginia and city administrator and county-city coordinator in Nebraska; and

WHEREAS, deeply committed to the needs of rural residents in Southside Virginia and across the state, Randy Arno served as an invaluable resource and trusted advisor to community and local and Southside state government leaders as they deliberated significant rural public policy issues; and

WHEREAS, the depth and breadth of Randy Arno’s contributions to rural life in Virginia can be seen in the enhanced services and new institutions that now serve the residents and businesses of Southside Virginia and the Commonwealth as a result of his efforts through the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, Southside Office; and

WHEREAS, Randy Arno and the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, Southside Office, provided valuable insight and guidance to support the development of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, Southern Virginia Higher Education Center, New College Institute, and Regional Center for Applied Training and Technology, which today provide area residents with higher education and employee development opportunities; and

WHEREAS, Randy Arno actively participated in the creation of the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission, the Rural Virginia Prosperity Commission, and the Center for Rural Virginia, and the establishment of a Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry; and

WHEREAS, Randy Arno has been a key figure in such programs and projects as the Workforce Investment Act, E-58 special projects, Southside Virginia Tourism Development Authority, Roanoke River Basin Bi-State Commission, Halifax County Service Authority, IMAX complex at the Danville Science Center, exploration of community foundations, relocation of the Estelle H. Womack Museum, and Mayo River Rail Trail as well as many others; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Commonwealth University L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs awarded its 2009 Excellence in Virginia Government Awards Unsung Heroes Award to Randy Arno in recognition of his superior service; and

WHEREAS, as Randy Arno enjoys a well-deserved retirement, Virginians will continue to reap the benefits of his dedicated efforts through the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, Southside Office, that helped develop vital institutions, programs, and services; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Randal E. Arno for his many extraordinary contributions to the Commonwealth on the occasion of his retirement; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Randal E. Arno as an expression of the General Assembly’s congratulations and appreciation for his faithful public service.