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SJ 290

Commending D. Thomas Ross.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by David Bulova and 1 co-sponsor

The resolution commends D. Thomas Ross for his decades of service and leadership on the Fairfax City Council and in the community.

Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ290ER)
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Bill Summary · SJ 290

Summary: Senate Joint Resolution No. 290 (SJ290ER)

Overview

SJ290ER is a ceremonial Senate Joint Resolution that commends D. Thomas Ross upon the completion of his tenure on the Fairfax City Council. The resolution expresses the General Assembly’s admiration for his service to Fairfax City and the Commonwealth and extends best wishes for his future endeavors. The enrolled version SJ290ER reflects passage by both chambers.

Purpose and Intent

  • Recognize and honor D. Thomas Ross for his decades of public service, leadership, and community involvement in Fairfax City.
  • Acknowledge his contributions to local governance, development, and civic life.
  • Provide an official expression of appreciation from the General Assembly.

Key Provisions

  • The resolution contains a series of “WHEREAS” statements detailing Ross’s:
    • Education (bachelor’s in recreation education; master’s in public administration from Northeastern University)
    • U.S. Air Force service and federal government career (National Park Service)
    • Local government service (two terms on the Fairfax City Council)
    • Community leadership roles (Fairfax 2020 Commission, Planning Commission (chair), Charter Commission, Fairfax City Citizens for Smarter Growth, Electoral Board chair)
    • Volunteer and community activities (neighborhood associations, Little River UCC, Cub Scouts, programs for disabled young adults)
  • The core operative clause:
    • “RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend D. Thomas Ross as he concludes his tenure on the Fairfax City Council.”
    • “RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to D. Thomas Ross as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for his contributions to Fairfax City and the Commonwealth and best wishes for his future endeavors.”
  • No legislative or fiscal changes; no funds or policies are created or modified.

Beneficiaries and Impact

  • Primary beneficiary: D. Thomas Ross (honor and formal recognition).
  • Broader impact: documents official acknowledgment of local leadership and civic contributions; provides a historical record of appreciation from the Commonwealth for Ross’s service.
  • Fiscal impact: None; ceremonial in nature.

Procedural History and Timeline

  • Introduced: January 20, 2025
  • Patronage: Senator Salim; Delegate Bulova
  • House actions: Agreed to by the House (voice vote) on January 27, 2025
  • Senate actions: Engrossed January 23, 2025; Agreed to by the Senate (voice vote) January 23, 2025
  • Enrolled Version: SJ290ER
  • Related actions: Received January 24, 2025; Laid on Clerk’s Desk January 24, 2025

Background on D. Thomas Ross

Ross has been a Fairfax City resident since 1980, with service across local government, state-level advisory roles, and federal public service, including work with the National Park Service and Maryland Recreation Parks Association. His leadership roles and volunteer work across community organizations are highlighted in the resolution.

Notes: This bill is strictly ceremonial, serving as an official commendation rather than creating or altering laws or appropriations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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