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Bill Cleaveland

Del. Bill Cleaveland, R-Botetourt County, announced this morning he’ll retire after this term.

Our news story is posted here.

Cleaveland won election in 2009 to the seat that had previously been held by William Fralin. Cleaveland defeated a fairly large field of candidates in the Republican primary, then cruised to a general election win over Democrat and then-Roanoke City Councilwoman Gwen Mason.

Cleaveland was the architect of a bill that will allow city schools to start before Labor Day. That’s something school officials had been requesting for years. Because of the tourism industry’s opposition to the legislation, though, regional legislators had a tough time getting it through the General Assembly.

Cleaveland, however, was able to write the bill and assemble the support to make it happen. (Dan Casey fans can read his column about it here.)

The 17th District as Cleaveland won it is about 45 percent Roanoke County, 45 percent Roanoke and 10 percent Botetourt County.

That will change for the next election, which now is for an open seat.

Under the new lines, the district becomes much more Roanoke County-centric. Population-wise, it’s now about 64 percent Roanoke County, 21 percent Roanoke, 10 percent Vinton and 5 percent Botetourt County.

I haven’t looked at all the demographics in detail, but it appears the redrawn district is somewhat more favorable for a Republican.

After the jump find the news release announcing Cleaveland’s retirement, along with reaction from Del. Greg Habeeb:

Del. William Cleaveland ANNOUNCES THAT HE WILL NOT SEEK REELECTION FOR THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES

Roanoke – Delegate William Cleaveland (R-Botetourt) announced today that he will not seek reelection to the Virginia House of Delegates this coming November. “It has been an honor and privilege beyond description to serve in the House of Delegates and to represent the citizens of the Seventeenth District during this term. Although my tenure has only been one term, I will treasure the experiences I have had, the friends I have made, and the opportunity to play a small part in Virginia’s rich history.  I have been impressed by the level of commitment, dedication and professionalism shown by the Members of the General Assembly, and in particular, the staff and support personnel who work so hard to make our Commonwealth a jewel of a place to live and to work. I am humbled by the trust that the people of the Roanoke Valley have given me in this opportunity to serve.  This was an extremely difficult decision, but after consulting with my family, it is clear that as a small business owner with significant family commitments, I would not be able to provide the level of commitment to my legislative duties that I feel the job deserves.   I look forward to continuing to be active in the community and will do whatever I can to help better the Roanoke Valley,” said Delegate Cleaveland.

Delegate Cleaveland’s term expires next January at the start of the 2012 General Assembly Session.  He will continue to work hard for the people of the 17^th until then.  The Roanoke office will remain open until January and can be reached at the number listed above.

Delegate Cleaveland represents the 17th District in the House of Delegates and is a member of the Courts of Justice, Militia, Police and Public Safety and Transportation Committees.  The district encompasses parts of the City of Roanoke, Roanoke County, and Botetourt County.

SALEM – Delegate Greg Habeeb (R-Salem) made the following statement Monday on the decision of Delegate Bill Cleaveland (R-Roanoke County) to retire:

“I am sad to hear Delegate Cleaveland will not seek another term in the Virginia House of Delegates. He has served his community and the Roanoke Valley effectively and with dedication.

“It was an honor to work closely with Bill during my first session in Richmond and I appreciate all that he has done for me and for our region.

“Delegate Cleveland worked tirelessly this past session to gain passage of a bill that gives local schools control over their calendars. His work on this bill was just one example of his dedication to the Roanoke Valley and its citizens. Bill always put people before politics.

“I know I speak for many people here and in Richmond when I express my thanks to Delegate Cleveland for his service. We will miss him going forward.”