Bristol coal company owner resigns from Virginia Redistricting Board

A Bristol businessman who was one of eight citizen appointees to a board that will determine Virginia’s legislative districts is leaving that position.

Marvin Gilliam, Jr. announced his resignation from the state Redistricting Commission. He did not state a reason for leaving the post he was appointed to in January.

Gilliam, a former coal company owner who has donated almost $1 million to Republican candidates, was chosen from a pool of over 1,200 applicants to fill one of eight citizens seat on the board.

A referendum vote in November prompted the new commission that will draw Virginia’s voting district boundaries based on US Census data that is delivered later this year.

(IMAGE: From Partners for College Affordability and Public Trust / public file)