Richard L. Fisher

Richard Leland "Dick" Fisher (September 16, 1947 – August 27, 2012) was an American politician and energy executive from Virginia. He was a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 1990 to 1997, representing the 35th district in Northern Virginia. He was also a member of the town council of Vienna, Virginia, for 4 years. Outside of politics, Fisher worked for Washington Gas Light Company for about 30 years, and served for several years in the Army Reserve.[2]

Richard L. Fisher
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates
from the 35th district
In office
January 10, 1990 – January 1, 1997
Preceded byDorothy McDiarmid
Succeeded byGeorge Lovelace
Personal details
BornOlney, Maryland[1]
DiedAugust 27, 2012(2012-08-27) (aged 64)
Culpeper, VA
Political partyRepublican
SpouseKristen Fisher
Children3
EducationVirginia Commonwealth University

Education and career

Fisher was the son of Emily and Martin Fisher.[3] His father co-founded Fisher Brothers, a real estate development firm, with his brothers Larry and Zachary.[3] He earned a bachelor's degree in business management from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1971.[1] He served for several years in the Army Reserve as an LCM-8 operator, departing with the rank of Specialist 7.[4] From 1971 to 2000, Fisher worked for the Washington Gas Light Company, retiring as vice president of operations.[2]

From 2006 to 2008, Fisher worked for the US Department of Education, as Chief of Staff of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.[2]

Electoral politics

After serving for many years on various planning and safety commissions, Fisher was elected to the Vienna Town Council in 1985.[1] He served until 1989, supporting sidewalk building initiatives, recycling efforts, and a sales tax on meals and lodging.[1][5]

In 1989, Fisher ran for the Virginia House of Delegates in the 35th district. The seat was open, as Democrat Dorothy McDiarmid was retiring. Fisher ran as a Republican, facing Democratic nominee David H. Battaglia, a young lawyer.[6] Fisher prevailed in the general election with 51% of the vote.[7] While in office, Fisher was reportedly most proud of his efforts on behalf of special needs children, including a law mandating equitable class sizes for children with mild mental disabilities. Fisher also passed legislation that helped to regulate and legitimize the massage therapy industry, and touted his support to Northern Virginia rail lines and George Mason University.[2][8]

Fisher announced his intention to resign from the state house in November 1996, citing conflicts between his full time and part time jobs.[9]

Personal life

Fisher was married to Kristen Fisher.[3] He had three children, Hadley, Winston and Alexandra.[3] Fisher died on August 27, 2012, of a heart attack. He was honored by a Virginia General Assembly Joint Resolution in 2013.[4]

References
  1. Trompeter, Brian (August 30, 2012). "Former Delegate, Vienna Council Member Richard Fisher Dies at 64". Inside NOVA. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
  2. Robertson, Ellen (August 31, 2012). "Former Del. Richard L. Fisher dies at 64". The Richmond Times Dispatch. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
  3. Saxon, Wolfgang (February 7, 2001). "Larry Fisher, 93, Developer and Philanthropist". The New York Times.
  4. "Delegate Mark Keam honors former Delegate Dick Fisher in the Virginia House of Delegates" (Press release). Office of Delegate Mark Keam. February 19, 2013. Retrieved 2020-08-31.
  5. Fisher, Richard L. (October 1989). "Vienna a Leader in Recycling". Vienna Newsletter. Town of Vienna. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
  6. "Lawyer David H. Battaglia Dies During Climbing Trip". The Washington Post. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
  7. "1989 House of Delegates General Election District 35". Virginia State Board of Elections. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
  8. Fountain, John W. (November 2, 1995). "Rivals Go Head-to-Head After 3-Way Race in '93". The Washington Post. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
  9. "Va. Delegate Resigns". The Washington Post. November 20, 1996. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
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