[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 201 (Wednesday, December 6, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1175]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING PAT O'BANNON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 6, 2023

  Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Supervisor 
Pat O'Bannon. A dedicated leader, Pat's career has taken her from high 
school English teacher to journalist to Certified Planning 
Commissioner, and these public service perspectives enabled her to 
serve on the Henrico County Board of Supervisors for 28 trailblazing 
years.
  Pat's composed and congenial leadership style, coupled with her 
attentive listening, have defined her as an outstanding public servant 
who genuinely cares about the community's needs. Since 1995, she has 
been a steadfast advocate for the people of Henrico, weathering 
elections and securing re-election six times, while making history as 
the first female member of the Henrico County Board of Supervisors.
  Her commitment to public safety and support for those who protect and 
serve showcases her unwavering dedication. Initiatives like Tuckahoe 
Town Hall Meetings, which have been newly live streamed since 2020, 
highlight her innovative approach to transparency and engaging 
residents in vital discussions in every way possible. Pat's single-
minded focus on every community concern, from reducing citizens' tax 
burdens, to significant public waste and water infrastructure 
improvements, to multi-phase investments in the county's beloved 
Tuckahoe Creek Park, reflects her dedication to enhancing the county's 
amenities and making it such a wonderful place to live. Furthermore, 
her work with VACo's Telecommunications and Technology Committee 
showcased her proactive approach to addressing the impact of technology 
on rural neighborhoods like those in Henrico County, an issue close to 
my heart.
  In 2023, the Tuckahoe Creek Boardwalk was fittingly named ``O'Bannon 
Way,'' forever commemorating her work for the community in preserving 
the beautiful Tuckahoe Creek Park. Pat's tireless service has left an 
indelible mark on Henrico County.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in honoring Supervisor Pat 
O'Bannon for her 28 years of dedicated service and commitment to her 
dedication to her constituents and for keeping the spirit of community 
alive in her county and in my District. I wish her the best in her 
well-deserved retirement.

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