VACo Executive Director Dean Lynch recently met with the newly-elected Speaker of the House, Delegate Kirk Cox, to discuss issues of importance to county governments. Speaker Cox has represented the 66th District in the House of Delegates since 1989 and was unanimously elected the 55th Speaker of the House on January 10. Prior to his election as Speaker, he served as House Majority Leader.
Lynch outlined VACo’s priorities during the conversation, including providing full funding for K-12 education and protecting local land use and taxing authority. Speaker Cox previously served on the House Appropriations Committee and as a budget conferee, so he brings a thorough knowledge of the state budget to his new role. Legislation of major concern to counties under consideration in the 2018 session was also a topic of discussion, such as legislation opposed by VACo that would limit local control over the placement of wireless infrastructure.
VACo thanks Speaker Cox for his generosity with his time and looks forward to continuing to work with him.
VACo Contact: Dean Lynch, CAE