RICHMOND, VA – Following yesterday’s special election in House District 91 to replace former Delegate Tom Gear, Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today congratulated former long-time Poquoson Mayor and how Delegate-elect Gordon C. Helsel, Jr. for his overwhelming campaign victory. Immediately following the required certification by the State Board of Elections, which meets at 4:30 PM today in the Virginia State Capitol, Delegate-elect Helsel will be sworn into office.
“I wholeheartedly congratulate Gordon Helsel on his very strong win in yesterday’s special election,” said Speaker Howell. “Delegate-elect Helsel combines distinguished service in business, the military and government with an energetic style and common-sense approach to problem solving. As a dedicated proponent of keeping taxes competitively low and expanding job-creating opportunities, Gordon possesses not only a valuable understanding of these and other central issues but also a desire to advance practical solutions that produce real results for those he serves. These and many more admirable characteristics make him an ideal addition to our once-again 61-member strong House Republican Majority. Like so many, I look forward to serving with Delegate Helsel in his latest leadership position.”
Speaker Howell has decided to appoint Delegate Helsel to two important standing committees of the House of Delegates. He will serve on the House Health, Welfare and Institutions (HWI) Committee as well as the House Science and Technology (S&T) Committee. Among other matters, the HWI Committee considers issues concerning person with disabilities, public buildings and public health professions as well as public policies surrounding drugs, social services and welfare and the regulation of health care professionals and associated occupations. Helsel will replace Delegate Clay Athey who volunteered to give him up seat on that committee. The S&T Committee focuses primarily on matters relating to technology, engineering, research and development; standards and measures; and the critical area of enhancing the effectiveness of government through technology.
In addition, the Speaker is appointing Delegate Helsel to the Fort Monroe Authority Board of Trustees. He will fill former Delegate Gear’s position on this panel that’s so important to the future of the Lower Peninsula.
William J. Howell is the 54th Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates and has led the 100-member chamber since 2003. First elected a delegate in 1987, he represents the 28th House District, which includes parts of Stafford County and the City of Fredericksburg. As Speaker, Howell performs a number of duties, including assigning all bills to House committees and appointing the chairs and members of each of the 14 standing committees of the House. He also name delegates and citizens to various boards and commissions.
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