Bill Text: VA SJR44 | 2024 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Commending the Honorable Mark C. Simmons.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 7-0)
Status: (Passed) 2024-01-29 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ44ER) [SJR44 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-SJR44-Introduced.html
WHEREAS, after a distinguished legal career, the Honorable Mark C. Simmons will retire as a judge of the Fairfax General District Court of the 19th Judicial District of Virginia in 2024; and
WHEREAS, Mark Simmons is a lifelong Virginian who grew up in Arlington and Alexandria and graduated from T.C. Williams High School; he continued his education by earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia and a law degree from The College of William and Mary in Virginia; and
WHEREAS, in between attending college and law school, Mark Simmons worked as a radio reporter and announcer for WRXL and WRNL in Richmond, as well as the Virginia News Network; in addition to general news reporting, he was a member of the Virginia Capitol Correspondents Association and covered all aspects of state government; and
WHEREAS, Mark Simmons began his legal career with the U.S. Department of Labor, then joined the Office of the Fairfax Commonwealth's Attorney in 1987; in that capacity, he prosecuted a wide range of more than 1,000 cases, including 125 that ended with a jury trial, and successfully represented Fairfax County in a voting rights challenge that was heard before the Supreme Court of Virginia; and
WHEREAS, in 2000, Mark Simmons was appointed as a judge of the Fairfax General District Court of the 19th Judicial District of Virginia and presided over the court with great fairness and wisdom for more than two decades; and
WHEREAS, during his time on the bench, Mark Simmons served on numerous committees and was a faculty member of the Virginia State Bar's Harry L. Carrico Professionalism Course and the National Judicial College at the University of Nevada in Reno; and
WHEREAS, in all of his endeavors, Mark Simmons has enjoyed the love and support of his wife of 29 years, Tracey, and their daughter, Casey; outside of his career, he is an avid fan of the Washington Nationals and has held season tickets since the team relocated to Washington, D.C., in 2005; and
WHEREAS, Mark Simmons has served the Commonwealth and the Fairfax community with the utmost dedication, integrity, and distinction; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Honorable Mark C. Simmons on the occasion of his retirement as a judge of the 19th Judicial District of Virginia; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Honorable Mark C. Simmons as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his legacy of achievements and best wishes on a well-earned retirement.
