Senators debate non‑reappointment of former governor’s appointees as resolution passes unanimously
Loading...
Summary
Senate Joint Resolution 70, covering confirmation of gubernatorial appointments, passed unanimously but drew objections from multiple senators who said the chamber had not reappointed several experienced appointees; supporters said these were reappointments under review and characterized the process as vetting, not removal.
The Senate considered multiple confirmation resolutions and recorded unanimous passage of Senate Joint Resolution 70 after an extended floor debate over whether the chamber had "removed" or simply declined to reappoint certain of the prior governor's nominees.
The senator from Stafford said he stood in strong opposition to the removal of members appointed by the previous governor—citing the example of a constituent removed from the Board of Veterans Services and arguing the removals weakens institutional knowledge and undermines trust. The senator from Rockingham detailed further examples he found "inexplicable," including individuals slated for the Clean Energy Board, the board of visitors for Richard Bland College and the board of visitors of the College of William & Mary.
The junior senator from Virginia Beach, who led the motion to agree to the resolutions, responded that the body had not "removed" anyone but rather had reappointment opportunities and that the Senate has a duty to vet appointees. He also emphasized that most of the prior governor's appointments were confirmed and that reappointments are not lifetime offices.
Despite the heated exchange, the clerk recorded Ayes 40, Nos 0 on SJR 70, and the resolution passed.
