State delegate critical of Bristol coal magnate’s selection to Virginia redistricting committee

Blacksburg Delegate Chris Hurst voiced his opposition to the selection of former coal magnate Marvin Gilliam, Jr., of Bristol, to a committee that will redraw Virginia’s legislative boundaries for the next decade.

Hurst said on social media that no representation of the New River and Roanoke Valley on the commission is a major oversight. Gilliam was selected by judges from a number of candidates submitted by state lawmakers.

you think Bristol and Roanoke are the same area?

that someone from Bristol knows the communities of interest in Lynchburg and Campbell Co?

— Delegate Chris Hurst (@ChrisHurstVA) January 6, 2021

Live along I-81? Your only voice on redistricting is a coal magnate who lives in Bristol! https://t.co/xDd805xZ21

— Delegate Chris Hurst (@ChrisHurstVA) January 6, 2021

The commission is the creation of a voter referendum that will draw the legislative lines for Congress and the General Assembly.

Hurst noted that Gilliam has contributed more than $1 million to Republican campaigns.

(PHOTO: Partners for College Affordability and Public Trust)