Del. Tom Gear resigns from House of Delegates....

There are rumors swirling on the Internet right now that Hampton Del. Tom Gear has resigned his seat in the Virginia House of Delegates.

Gear, a longtime Hampton Republican, won his seat in the Virginia General Assembly in 2001 and has been a staunch advocate of lower taxes and lower government spending. Gear has been privately mulling stepping aside from the job over the past year because of his own physical problems and a series of sicknesses within his immediate family.

Gear was in instrumental player in the failed 2002 transportation referendum when the state asked voters in Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia to approve higher sales taxes to fund roadwork. The 1-cent increase on the sales tax would have paid for major construction projects, but Gear and a handful of lawmakers openly fought against the plan arguing that it was a bad idea to send more money to Richmond.

Voters rejected the referendum by more than 2 to 1 margin.

In the General Assembly, Gear serves (served?) as vice-chairman of the General Laws committee and also heads up the sub-committee on ABC and Gaming - where state leaders consistently rejected bans on smoking in bars and restaurants. The legislation eventually passed out of the committee and became law in Dec. 1, 2009.

Some lawmakers have also heard the rumor that Gear has resigned   but they couldn't confirm it.

UPDATE: Tom Gear resigns effective Dec. 31, 2010.

We'll be back later with more.

 

Comments

[Devremülkler]

Nice post. I love it. Waiting your new posts. Thank you...

[Lynn Larmore]

Danny Diggs isn't running, I know that much. But, I have never heard of the others, so I couldn't say.
Chris Stuart is running. He is a very admirable man and has been giving his Council paycheck to non-profits since he was sworn in. That alone shows his character. He is a business owner and has created hundreds of jobs, maybe even more. Isn't that the kind of person we need in Richmond?

[John at Dulles Airport Parking]

If the reason of his resignation is his family, then I admire him for his courage. Not everyone can do that. But at this point, I am more interested who will replace his position!

[Terry Williamson]

Maybe York County and Poquoson can get a Circuit Court Judge now.......

On a serious note. Good call Mr. Gear. I wish you and your family peace and a speedy recovery. I admire you for placing your family first.

[J. Tyler Ballance]

I lived in Hampton when Tom Gear was on City Council and volunteered at the polls when he ran for Delegate. Tom and I were also in the American Legion Post over in Phoebus. In service to his country and throughout his many years serving his community, Tom Gear has always been a Virginia Gentleman of the highest order.

Tom has been a superb representative for the citizens of Hampton, and he has my deep and heartfelt gratitude for his many years of service.

Well done, Tom Gear! You have earned the genuine friendship and great respect of innumerable citizens whose political affiliations range across the political spectrum.

May God bless you, and your family.

[Paul Thompson]

I have heard a few names mentioned the other day. York Sheriff Danny Diggs, Adam Hankins who ran for York County board of supervisors, Don Wiggins on the Board of Supervisors and Scott Williams a Newport News Police officer and State FOP member were passed around the table @ POP drive in the other day as running for that position. I am sure there will be a few and this was coming from the York County side.

[A. R. Johnson]

Lynn Lamore I would suggest Chris Stuart a newer Councilman from Hampton he seems to be the right mix for the 91st.

[SE VA MWC Alum]

I am sorry to hear about worsening health problems in his family. I knew that he and several other members of his family had not been well.

That being said he was a lousy delegate. His big issue was taxes yet he paid his own (personal and business) city taxes late something like 20 times in the last 20 years. Twice he bounced checks for taxes that were already late. (the fact that they were returned for insufficient funds means either he didnt carry overdraft protection or overdrew it.) His printing business closed because his presses were repo'ed. The sale didnt cover the deficit and the lawsuit is still in the courts-he is being sued for about $600,000.

As a delegate he did nothing to help with our transportation problem. I can accept being against proposals but did he ever put forth a serious proposal for transit?

[Lynn Larmore]

Wondering who would run to replace him? I have heard some names kicked around -wondering what others think?

[GOP SUX]

One of the worst of the worst in hostory. Happy New Year!