It is hard to believe, but it was 10 years ago – January 11, 2014 – that my 22-year career in public service ended: Bolling the picture of serenity as he puts down the gavel [1] (Richmond Times-Dispatch).
I enjoyed my service in state and local government a great deal, and I’m proud of what we accomplished; but I honestly think I got out of politics at the right time.
Over the past decade it seems as though the quality of our elected leaders and the civility of the political process has declined dramatically.
For the sake of our collective future, I hope we can soon return to a time of serious, mature, and responsible public leadership where the focus is on solving problems and getting things done, not just creating controversy and breaking the dishes.
Here’s a great article from the Richmond Times Dispatch that reflects on my final days in office.