2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26106466D

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 117

Offered February 19, 2026

Commending Thomas D. Harvey.

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Patrons—Deeds; Delegate: Laufer

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WHEREAS, after a total of 41 years of service in local government, Thomas D. Harvey of Afton retired from public office as the longest serving member of the Nelson County Board of Supervisors; and

WHEREAS, a lifelong resident of Nelson County, Thomas “Tommy” Harvey was elected to the Nelson County Board of Supervisors in a special election in November 1984 at the age of 30; he was subsequently elected to serve 10 consecutive terms as the North District supervisor; and

WHEREAS, Tommy Harvey has distinguished himself as a dedicated public servant who worked to support policies that are in the best interest of all local residents; during his tenure, he has worked with 23 supervisors, eight county administrators, and countless staff members, building strong relationships that led to more efficient and effective governance; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure on the Nelson County Board of Supervisors, Tommy Harvey enhanced utilities through the formation of the Nelson County Service Authority, which supported improvements to public water and sewer systems in Lovingston, Shipman, Schuyler, Gladstone, Piney River, and Wintergreen; and

WHEREAS, Tommy Harvey also helped create the Nelson County Broadband Authority, which successfully initiated the county's fiber broadband project and contributed to making high speed internet connectivity available to homes and businesses throughout Nelson County; and

WHEREAS, Tommy Harvey was a strong supporter of Nelson County Public Schools, and oversaw the construction of Tye River Elementary School, Rockfish River Elementary School, and Nelson Middle School, as well as renovations to Nelson County High School; and

WHEREAS, throughout his career, Tommy Harvey made many important contributions to the community, including efforts to secure adequate funding for local emergency services, the implementation of Enhanced 911, improvements to public safety radio communications, and road safety improvements throughout Nelson County; and

WHEREAS, Tommy Harvey also assisted with the expansion of the Nelson Memorial Library and the courthouse complex, the completion of the Blue Ridge Railway Trail and the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail, and countless other projects and endeavors over the years; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Thomas D. Harvey for his 41 years of service as a member of the Nelson County Board of Supervisors; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Thomas D. Harvey as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his incredible legacy of contributions to the residents of Nelson County and the Commonwealth.