December 31, 2008
Contact: J. Tucker Martin or David Clementson
www.vaag.com 804-786-2071Tucker.Martin@oag.state.va.us or dclementson@oag.state.va.us
Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell issued the following statement today commending the public service record of outgoing Richmond Mayor L. Douglas Wilder. Today is Mayor Wilder’s last day in office.
“As Richmond’s first popularly elected mayor in more than 60 years, Mayor L. Douglas Wilder has made the City of Richmond a better and safer place through his service. As he leaves office today Mayor Wilder is to be congratulated for his lifetime of service to the Commonwealth.”
“Our office was pleased to work with Mayor Wilder on crime prevention initiatives. The dramatic decline in the city's crime rate is a testament to the positive impact of federal, state and local crime-fighting partnerships. This is not just good news for Richmond; it is good news for the entire Commonwealth. Virginia’s economy benefits when our cities are made safer. Under Mayor Wilder’s leadership Richmond has become a safer place to call home.”
“As the nation’s first African American Governor, Wilder made history. He governed Virginia well during a period of economic difficulty, and ensured that the Commonwealth would be well positioned to benefit from economic recovery.”
“I congratulate Mayor Wilder for his service to our nation in the Korean War, to the Commonwealth of Virginia as a Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and State Senator, and to the City of Richmond as Mayor. I also look forward to working with Mayor-Elect Dwight Jones as he builds upon the achievements of Mayor Wilder.”
“L. Douglas Wilder has dedicated his life to public service, and his contributions to Virginia will long be remembered.”
