WHEREAS, in 2023, David Poole retired as executive director of the Virginia Public Access Project, which he founded in 1997, after 26 years of exemplary service to state officials and residents of the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, David Poole has been instrumental in advancing the mission and goals of the Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP), significantly enhancing transparency in government and public access to important information; and

WHEREAS, under David Poole's visionary leadership, VPAP has grown into a reputable and indispensable resource for citizens, journalists, policy makers, and researchers, providing comprehensive and reliable data on campaign finance, lobbying, gift and conflict of interests reports, and other critical aspects of state government in the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, David Poole's steadfast commitment to integrity, accuracy, and unbiased reporting has earned VPAP the trust and respect of stakeholders across the political spectrum; and

WHEREAS, David Poole has demonstrated exceptional dedication and innovative leadership in promoting informed civic engagement and empowering Virginians to actively participate in the democratic process; and

WHEREAS, David Poole oversaw the organization and presentation of data related to more than 152,000 campaign finance reports, 6.2 million transactions consisting of more than 4.5 million contributions and 1.5 million expenditures totaling an estimated $2.5 billion raised and $2.5 billion spent, and more than 43,000 lobbyist registrations, as well as the compilation of nearly 150,000 news articles for VaNews, a daily aggregation of news reporting about Virginia politics and government; and

WHEREAS, throughout his tenure, David Poole was a trusted source of institutional knowledge, who mentored and inspired countless individuals, fostering a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and excellence at VPAP; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That David Poole hereby be commended for his 26 years of service and exceptional leadership as founder and executive director of the Virginia Public Access Project; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to David Poole as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for his unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability in public service, gratitude for his contributions to strengthening democracy in the Commonwealth, and best wishes on his well-earned retirement.