David Hathcock Retires
NBC12 broke the news last night that David Hathcock, top aide to Kathy Graziano is retiring and his last day at work was Friday.
In a statement to NBC12, Hathcock said it’s been an honor working for the city, but said, quote: “The political climate makes it very difficult for those of us who believe in public service.”
It is my opinion that the Hills and Heights community has lost a hard working advocate who wanted to make the 4th District and the city of Richmond a better place.
I agree. We’ll miss you, David.
Agreed. Mr. Hathcock was truly an asset to the community. He will be sorely missed.
I third that emotion.
Don’t blame him. I wish him well.
Am I the lone dissenter? I think: It’s about time! Graziano protected him too much after that harassment suit, he was a liability, it’s good he’s retired. I have always been perplexed by this blog’s support of Hathcock in light of the charges against him by Jennifer Walle. Apparently in the 4th district, it’s OK to grab a young woman’s butt, as long as you’re an older dude in a position of power? Ugh.
No it’s not alright, but the point is not if he did or didn’t but what he has done to help the neighborhoods in Richmond and for that I commend him and know we have lost an effective advocate.
No, Veronica, you’re not the lone dissenter…but most of the commenters here will tell you that you’re crazy BECAUSE KATHY AND DAVID GOT US A FARMERS MARKET SO SHUT YOUR MOUTH! or something similar.
Hopefully David’s former boss decides to retire soon too.
I for one prefer to stick with the facts of which I have first hand knowledge. Mr. Hathcock was an excellent council liason who was always available and helpful, even tot hose of us who were not constituents.
As for the alleged incident with Miss Walle, my take is that it was a personnel issue that was poorly handled by all parties, including Walle and her boss. The facts will never be fully known, let alone understood.
Which brings us back to Mr. Hathcock’s qualities and merits as a council aide, which are/were, IMHO, excellent.
Was there ever a public apology or is this the closest we can expect?
AreaMan: It’s not just the Farmer’s Market. How about the conservation easement for James River Park, and the renovation of the lake in Forest Hill Park? Both of those projects were led by Kathy Graziano (with David playing a key role.) Even more important is the responsiveness we’ve always received from both Kathy and David. If your experience has not been the same, maybe it has something to do with your own attitude? (You certainly aren’t a ray of sunshine on H&H.)
David Hathcock’s retirement is a loss for Westover Hills and all 4th District neighborhoods. In addition to the specific projects he helped bring to fruition (such as the farmers’ market), he has been the ‘go to’ guy who can get things accomplished for citizens. His ability to cut through red tape and make things happen has been unprecedented, and much appreciated. Thank you, David, for all you did to help individual residents and neighborhoods with problems large and small.
Kathy and David’s response to an issue I had with public utilities a few years back was a blessing. I think we are certainly lucky to have David’s help and Kathy’s representation.
Thanks, Anon, for proving my point. “I got mine, so something must be wrong with you!”
AreaMan, it appears that you didn’t get yours and you’ve got some sour grapes. Was it a single incident or many? Was it even something that City Council would have jurisdiction over? Your tone here makes me think you may have not been the most pleasant customer to deal with, which may have hindered your efforts.
Since none of us were in the room during the incident, I think it unfair to jump to conclusions about guilt or innocence.
One of the things I’ve loved about living in Westover Hills is the superb representation in the 4th by Councilwoman Graziano and David Hathcock as her liaison. As with any district, I’m sure there are citizens whose needs could not be met. I think they’ve done a great job of dealing with both the big issues, as well as the minutia. They have definitely made this district and the City better. I’m sorry to see David go.