[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 201 (Wednesday, December 6, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1184]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING FRANK THORNTON ON HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JENNIFER L. McCLELLAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 6, 2023

  Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my constituent 
Frank J. Thornton for his 28 years of service on the Henrico County 
Board of Supervisors representing the Fairfield Magisterial District. 
Frank is a history maker, becoming the first African American elected 
to the Henrico Board of Supervisors in 1995 representing the Fairfield 
Magisterial District. He was elected as the Board's chairman for the 
sixth time in January 2023 and will complete his tenure with his 
retirement at the end of this year.
  A native of Richmond, Mr. Thornton co-founded and served as president 
of the Henrico Civic League. His academic accomplishments include a 
bachelor's degree from Virginia Union University and a master's degree 
from American University. Mr. Thornton retired in 2014 after a 
distinguished 40-year career as a professor of French at Virginia 
Union, where he earned accolades such as the Teacher of the Year award. 
Mr. Thornton left an indelible mark on his students, community members, 
and our Commonwealth.
  In 1987, Mr. Thornton initially sought election to represent the 
Fairfield District, and though unsuccessful, he played a pivotal role 
in a successful federal lawsuit alongside the Henrico Civic League and 
the American Civil Liberties Union. This lawsuit challenged and 
overturned Henrico's magisterial district lines, with the court ruling 
against county officials who had ensured that Black residents were the 
minority in every district.
  As Henrico County Supervisor, Mr. Thornton demonstrated unwavering 
commitment to the residents of the Fairfield District. Under his 
leadership, initiatives were implemented to expand the Greater Richmond 
Transportation Company (GRTC) bus service to Short Pump, construct 
several libraries and recreation centers in the county, and expand 
access to public health services.
  Beyond his local responsibilities, Mr. Thornton extended his public 
service to various organizations, including the Richmond Regional 
Transportation Planning Organization, the Capital Region Collaborative 
Organizing Council, and the Maymont Foundation Board of Directors, 
among others.
  Virginia's Fourth Congressional District has been privileged to 
benefit from the passionate and devoted advocacy of Mr. Thornton for 
civil rights and social change. Mr. Speaker, I commend Mr. Thornton for 
his outstanding leadership and extend my best wishes for a fulfilling 
retirement from the Henrico County Board of Supervisors. His legacy, 
marked by tireless dedication, will undoubtedly endure.

                          ____________________