Recognizing Pat O'bannon

Floor Speech

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Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Supervisor Pat O'Bannon. A dedicated leader, Pat's career has taken her from high school English teacher to journalist to Certified Planning Commissioner, and these public service perspectives enabled her to serve on the Henrico County Board of Supervisors for 28 trailblazing years.

Pat's composed and congenial leadership style, coupled with her attentive listening, have defined her as an outstanding public servant who genuinely cares about the community's needs. Since 1995, she has been a steadfast advocate for the people of Henrico, weathering elections and securing re-election six times, while making history as the first female member of the Henrico County Board of Supervisors.

Her commitment to public safety and support for those who protect and serve showcases her unwavering dedication. Initiatives like Tuckahoe Town Hall Meetings, which have been newly live streamed since 2020, highlight her innovative approach to transparency and engaging residents in vital discussions in every way possible. Pat's single- minded focus on every community concern, from reducing citizens' tax burdens, to significant public waste and water infrastructure improvements, to multi-phase investments in the county's beloved Tuckahoe Creek Park, reflects her dedication to enhancing the county's amenities and making it such a wonderful place to live. Furthermore, her work with VACo's Telecommunications and Technology Committee showcased her proactive approach to addressing the impact of technology on rural neighborhoods like those in Henrico County, an issue close to my heart.

In 2023, the Tuckahoe Creek Boardwalk was fittingly named ``O'Bannon Way,'' forever commemorating her work for the community in preserving the beautiful Tuckahoe Creek Park. Pat's tireless service has left an indelible mark on Henrico County.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in honoring Supervisor Pat O'Bannon for her 28 years of dedicated service and commitment to her dedication to her constituents and for keeping the spirit of community alive in her county and in my District. I wish her the best in her well-deserved retirement.

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