[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 209 (Tuesday, December 19, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1253]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING THOMAS BRANIN

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. ABIGAIL DAVIS SPANBERGER

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 19, 2023

  Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to thank Mr. Thomas Branin, 
Supervisor for the Three Chopt Magisterial District on the Henrico 
County Board of Supervisors, for his years of service to Henrico.
  Mr. Branin, known to everyone in the community as Tommy, has 
represented thousands of community members--including me--over the last 
eight years with distinction--and with his beloved dog Newman, by his 
side. He has been a strong advocate for growing Henrico's economy, 
increasing pedestrian and cyclist safety, and bringing Henrico 
together.
  After his election to the Henrico County Board of Supervisors, Tommy 
became the first Henrico Supervisor to place crosswalks throughout the 
entirety of his district. His focus on safety made it possible to 
install 14 miles of sidewalk in his communities--making it safer for 
pedestrians, runners, and bikers alike. His focus on community building 
made it possible to bring pickleball courts, bike tracks, and cricket 
games to his district. And his focus on the betterment of Henrico 
County drove his work to help facilitate the construction of two new 
high schools, replacing aging structures to provide Henrico students 
with a strong and healthy learning environment.
  Tommy has proven to be a strong collaborator and leader. He has 
worked hard with regional partners to connect Henrico County and has 
encouraged partnerships at all levels to provide his constituents with 
better parks and trails to promote healthy, active lifestyles. Tommy 
has been a strong, passionate advocate for safety and his work to 
improve walkability throughout Henrico will continue to have a positive 
impact in the community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Mr. Thomas 
Branin, whom I am proud to call a friend--except on days when Tucker 
plays Freeman--for his service on behalf of the Three Chopt District 
and the entire Henrico County community and for his contributions to 
making Henrico a safer place for all.

                          ____________________