SEARCH SITE

VIRGINIA LAW PORTAL

SEARCHABLE DATABASES

ACROSS SESSIONS

Developed and maintained by the Division of Legislative Automated Systems.

2018 SESSION

18100606D
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 111
Offered February 2, 2018
Commending Bernard J. Caton.
----------

Patrons-- Saslaw, Barker, Ebbin, Howell and McPike; Delegates: Boysko, Bulova, Herring, Hope, Krizek, Levine, Lopez, Plum, Simon and Watts
----------

WHEREAS, Bernard J. Caton, a respected professional who helped organize the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, retired as the longest-serving legislative director of the City of Alexandria in 2017, after a distinguished 40-year career in local and state government; and

WHEREAS, Bernard “Bernie” Caton holds degrees from Webster University in Missouri and the University of Virginia; he began his career as a research associate with the Virginia Division of Legislative Services, providing staff support to five committees; and

WHEREAS, from 1984 to 1990, Bernie Caton was the deputy director for the State Water Control Board; he organized the agency’s policy office and managed Chesapeake Bay clean-up efforts; and

WHEREAS, in 1990, Bernie Caton was appointed by Governor Lawrence Douglas Wilder to serve as deputy secretary of natural resources; he led the Commonwealth’s initiative to implement the 1990 federal Clean Air Act amendments and helped create the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality; and

WHEREAS, as deputy director of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality from 1993 to 1994, Bernie Caton oversaw the consolidation of several state agencies and boards and helped develop authorizing legislation for the new single entity; and

WHEREAS, Bernie Caton then served as a consultant for the Environmental Protection Agency before joining the City of Alexandria as legislative director in 1995; in that capacity, he worked closely with the mayor and the city council to advance major local and regional policies, including transportation policies; and

WHEREAS, Bernie Caton helped guide the city through great periods of growth and change throughout his tenure as legislative director, and he was crucial in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, attacks, working in Richmond and Washington, D.C., on key post-incident initiatives such as the reopening of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport; and

WHEREAS, throughout his career, Bernie Caton has been a trusted mentor to countless young employees and a valuable resource to all of his colleagues as both an expert parliamentarian and a Virginia historian; and

WHEREAS, after his well-earned retirement, Bernie Caton plans to spend more time with his wife, Kathy, and their daughter Rebecca and her family, as well as to seek new opportunities to continue serving the community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Bernard J. Caton on the occasion of his retirement as legislative director of the City of Alexandria; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Bernard J. Caton as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for his legacy of contributions to the Commonwealth.