WHEREAS, James E. Barnett, former county attorney of York County who provided legal counsel to the York County Board of Supervisors and the county's administration for many years, retired from his position on April 28, 2023; and

WHEREAS, prior to his career with York County, James Barnett earned a bachelor's degree in political science and government from Wake Forest University and a juris doctor degree from the Washington and Lee University School of Law before working as assistant county attorney for Prince William County and as an associate with what was previously Walsh, Colucci, Stackhouse, Emerick and Lubeley, PC; and

WHEREAS, James Barnett joined York County 32 years ago as the attorney advising the county's school division and department of social services, and he was promoted to county attorney of York County, the locality's chief legal role, in 1999; and

WHEREAS, throughout his career, James Barnett consistently applied a proactive approach to his practice of the law, working tirelessly to stay informed and aware of legal developments impacting county agencies and departments and striving to always obviate any potential legal problems before they occurred; and

WHEREAS, James Barnett's legal acumen and astute approach to the practice of the law has facilitated the successful operation of York County's government over the past three decades, helping to make the locality a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend James E. Barnett for his remarkable career on the occasion of his retirement from his role as attorney of York County; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to James E. Barnett as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his service to York County and best wishes in his future endeavors.