Bill Text: VA HJR427 | 2018 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending John B. Gilstrap.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 2-0)
Status: (Passed) 2018-03-09 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ427ER) [HJR427 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2018-HJR427-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, John B. Gilstrap, a respected public servant who has provided sound advice and leadership as Mayor of Danville for two years, will retire at the end of his term on June 30, 2018; and
WHEREAS, a graduate of Clemson University and a veteran of the United States Army, John Gilstrap began his service to the City of Danville in 1972 as assistant director of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism; he later became the department's director and served admirably in the role for 30 years; and
WHEREAS, John Gilstrap has also served as director of community engagement for the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research and as interim director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Danville Area; and
WHEREAS, John Gilstrap was elected to his first term on the Danville City Council in 2010 and was reelected four years later; in 2016, the Council selected him for a two-year term as mayor; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure as Mayor of Danville, John Gilstrap has won the respect of his colleagues and constituents for his sound judgment, integrity, and dedication to the community; among other accomplishments, he has fostered a strong working relationship with the school board; and
WHEREAS, John Gilstrap served on the boards of numerous organizations during his 50-year career in public service, including the Community Improvement Council, the Danville Area Association for the Arts and Humanities, Haven of the Dan River Region, the Womack Foundation, and the West Piedmont Planning District Commission; and
WHEREAS, John Gilstrap has also worked with Head Start, the Danville Riverview Rotary Club, the March of Dimes, and the Coalition for a Safe Danville, among many other organizations; he was twice elected president of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society and was the recipient of its highest recognition, the Fellows Award; and
WHEREAS, in his well-deserved retirement, John Gilstrap plans to spend time with family, including his three grandchildren; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend John B. Gilstrap on his years of outstanding service to the Danville community on the occasion of his retirement as mayor; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to John B. Gilstrap as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his dedication to making Danville a desirable place to live and work.
