Saturday, February 28, 2009
Fralin announces retirement from House of Delegates
RICHMOND — Del. William Fralin, R-Roanoke, announced this morning that he will retire from the House of Delegates, ending a six-year legislative career in which he made a mark on education and child welfare issues.
Fralin made the announcement on the House floor this morning, touching off a procession of tributes from colleagues in both parties.
Fralin, who works as general counsel and senior vice president for Medical Facilities of America, said he took on greater job responsibilities in December. His said his workload and family duties made it difficult to devote as much time to legislative work as he considers necessary.
"As we started going through the session, it just became increasingly clear that I was not going to be able to do both," Fralin said in an interview shortly after his announcement.
"You want to be able to serve your constituents and make sure you’re doing the best for them, as well, but my job duties had increased to the point where I just didn’t feel like I could do that," Fralin said.
Fralin’s district includes parts of Roanoke, Roanoke County and Botetourt County. Fralin was first elected to the seat in 2003 following the retirement of Roanoke Democrat Vic Thomas, who served for three decades in the House.
"I’ve really enjoyed this job," Fralin said. "It’s been the highest honor you can really have, in my opinion, to be able to serve in the body where basically democracy started in this country. It’s been a very rewarding job."
House Majority Leader Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, was emotional as he lauded Fralin in a House floor speech. Griffith served as a mentor to Fralin and said his Roanoke Valley colleague was just beginning to emerge as a legislative leader.
"I told him, ‘You’re turning into a really good delegate; you’re doing good things,’ " Griffith said.
Fralin’s announcement will likely set off intense political positioning from potential candidates. Griffith, who is heading House GOP recruiting efforts, declined to discuss potential candidates but said he is confident Republicans can keep the seat.
Roanoke councilwoman Gwen Mason, who was in the Senate gallery because her daughter is a legislative page, said she "would think long and hard" about running for the 17th District seat.
Staff writer Mason Adams contributed to this report.
Fralin made the announcement on the House floor this morning, touching off a procession of tributes from colleagues in both parties.
Fralin, who works as general counsel and senior vice president for Medical Facilities of America, said he took on greater job responsibilities in December. His said his workload and family duties made it difficult to devote as much time to legislative work as he considers necessary.
"As we started going through the session, it just became increasingly clear that I was not going to be able to do both," Fralin said in an interview shortly after his announcement.
"You want to be able to serve your constituents and make sure you’re doing the best for them, as well, but my job duties had increased to the point where I just didn’t feel like I could do that," Fralin said.
Fralin’s district includes parts of Roanoke, Roanoke County and Botetourt County. Fralin was first elected to the seat in 2003 following the retirement of Roanoke Democrat Vic Thomas, who served for three decades in the House.
"I’ve really enjoyed this job," Fralin said. "It’s been the highest honor you can really have, in my opinion, to be able to serve in the body where basically democracy started in this country. It’s been a very rewarding job."
House Majority Leader Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, was emotional as he lauded Fralin in a House floor speech. Griffith served as a mentor to Fralin and said his Roanoke Valley colleague was just beginning to emerge as a legislative leader.
"I told him, ‘You’re turning into a really good delegate; you’re doing good things,’ " Griffith said.
Fralin’s announcement will likely set off intense political positioning from potential candidates. Griffith, who is heading House GOP recruiting efforts, declined to discuss potential candidates but said he is confident Republicans can keep the seat.
Roanoke councilwoman Gwen Mason, who was in the Senate gallery because her daughter is a legislative page, said she "would think long and hard" about running for the 17th District seat.
Staff writer Mason Adams contributed to this report.
