RICHMOND, VA – Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today commented on the announcement by Delegate Clifford L. “Clay” Athey, Jr. (R-Front Royal) that he has decided not to seek re-election to the Virginia House of Delegates for a sixth term in November 2011:

“Clay Athey not only is a principled, fair-minded and trusted leader but a person of the highest character who is genuinely committed to serving others.  That’s why I and so many more of our legislative colleagues will miss him in the House but certainly understand and respect his very personal decision.

“Clay has been a true champion for the interests and values of the citizens he ably has represented from Warren, Frederick and Fauquier Counties since 2002.  His legal acumen and steady stewardship of the Civil Subcommittee of the House Courts of Justice Committee, of which he also was Vice Chair,  garnered well-deserved praise on both sides of the aisle.  He also has been a long-standing advocate for government reform, especially in the vital areas of transportation, education and health care.  His success in these and many other policy areas have resulted from his uncanny ability to listen and bring people together around sensible solutions to the every day challenges faces by hard-working, law-abiding and tax-paying Virginians and their families.

“Family is a true blessing and, like so many, I’ve known Clay as a loving family man, which was the impetus for today’s decision so he could spend more time with his wonderful wife, Stacey, and be more involved in the raising of his beautiful children Madagan and Clayton.  I commend and thank Clay for his distinguished service and wish him continued success in what I hope will be a rewarding life beyond the General Assembly.”

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