Del. Frank D. Hargrove Sr., who announced he will not seek re-election to the 55th District seat he has held since 1982, leaves the General Assembly knowing he has made a difference not only in Hanover County but the Commonwealth of Virginia as well.

In a statement released on Jan. 26, Hargrove pointed out that he has “represented Hanover’s citizens in 28 General Assembly sessions, which is the longest tenure of any state legislator” in the county’s history.

In expressing his appreciation “for the wonderful, unflinching support given to me, and my wife Oriana, over the years,” he said he had done his “utmost to represent all of the people of Hanover County to the best of my ability, as well as in an honest and straightforward manner.”

Earlier this week, the delegate took time out of his busy schedule to respond to a few questions about his career in public service.

He said he decided not to seek re-election “because my hearing ‘difficulties’ have made effective representation extremely difficult. There are many times that a delegate must debate issues either in committee, or on the floor; obviously not being able to enjoy 100 percent hearing makes this aspect of the job nearly impossible.”

As for entering politics, Hargrove said he believes “in the ‘representative republic’ and I thought that I had the ability to be an effective voice for the people of Hanover County.”

Politics was nothing new to Hargrove, whose father served on the electoral board and the planning commission.

“My mother was a suffragette. I was raised by parents who stressed the importance of public service.

“I became involved in the Hanover Democratic Committee, during the ‘Byrd Machine’ years, but was later kicked out of the Democratic Party because I helped lead the effort to elect Sen. Barry Goldwater president back in 1964.”

It was 1981 when Hargrove decided to run for the House of Delegates as a Republican.

The evolution and emergence of the two-party system in Virginia has been “probably the most rewarding experience during my tenure,” Hargrove said. “When I began my service in the House, there were only about 30 Republican delegates and 70 Democrats. The Republicans are now the majority party in the House of Delegates.”

In listing some accomplishments he has been “most proud to have been a part,” Hargrove said he was “the chief patron of legislation that increased the ‘drinking age’ from 18 to 21 years of age. I am confident that this legislation has saved at least hundreds, maybe thousands of lives.”

He also said he has “had the privilege of being appointed as a legislative member of the Board of Trustees of the Virginia War Memorial, where I have served as the chairman for over 10 years.

“The Virginia War Memorial was in dreadful condition 15 to 20 years ago, but through the hard work of the board and staff, the Virginia War Memorial has seen significant ‘physical’ improvements, as well as the creation of an ‘educational’ foundation that is bringing the message of service and patriotism to the public and private schools in Virginia.”

Hargrove also said “The Virginia War Memorial is now a shrine in which every Virginian can take pride.”

“Finally, I also had the privilege of being the chairman of the Joint Republican Caucus of the Virginia General Assembly. While the Joint Caucus was a political entity, I believe that focus on sound public policy were instrumental in making Virginia one of the most prosperous states in the nation.”

Since he was first elected in November 1981, Hargrove said Hanover County “has changed drastically. First, the growth. In 1981, Hanover’s population was probably around 35,000; in 2009 we have exceeded 100,000! This has required Hanover to change from a mostly rural county to a suburban county. I believe that Hanover accomplished this amazing transition well.”

The delegate also offered praise to the county Sheriff’s Office, which he referred to as “one of our success stories.”

“Under the leadership of Col. [V.] Stuart Cook, Hanover’s Sheriff’s Department is one of the most professional law enforcement agencies in Virginia.”

Hargrove also talked about the improvements to the county school system, “which, despite amazing growth,’ is now recognized as one of the best in Virginia.”

“Finally, Hanover has seen considerable economic development since 1981. This has allowed the county to broaden the tax base and keep taxes relatively low for our citizens.”