Covington okayed for judgeship, resigns supervisor’s seat

Supervisor W.S. “Wally” Covington, Brentsville District, submitted his letter of resignation from the Prince William Board of County Supervisors on Friday, Sept. 19, to accept an appointment by the General Assembly as a Judge in the General District Court of Prince William County.

According to Virginia law, judges or those confirmed as judges, cannot serve as political figures. As a judge elect, Covington was obliged to move quickly to resign his position on the Board. “In accordance with the Canons of Judicial Conduct for the State of Virginia, and consistent with advice I have received from officials at the Virginia Legislative Services, I must hereby resign from my position as the elected representative of the Brentsville Magisterial District on the Board of County Supervisors, effective at 6:00 PM tonight,” Covington stated in his resignation letter.

Supervisor Covington was first elected to the Board of County Supervisors in 2003. He was quoted as saying, “Serving the people of the Brentsville District has been one of the greatest joys of my life.”

He particularly noted accomplishments during his tenure including: addressing critical transportation infrastructure needs, the partnership with George Mason University, growth of Innovation Technology Business Park, commitment and support of the arts through the Hylton Performing Arts Center, establishment of a “hub of commerce” at Virginia Gateway, and plans for the VRE station in Gainesville.

“I am honored to have had the opportunity to have worked with my esteemed colleagues on the Board of County Supervisors of Prince William. Serving the people of Prince William County these past ten years has been a privilege for which I am truly grateful.”

With Covington submitting his letter of resignation, the Board now must declare the vacancy, which may happen tomorrow, Sept. 23, during the regular Board meeting.

Once the vacancy is declared, the Board will direct the County Attorney to file for a Writ of Election with the Prince William County Circuit. A judge must then determine the election date to elect a candidate to fill the remainder of the term, which runs through Dec. 31, 2015.

Virginia Code 15.2-502 governs the timing of elections when a seat is left open on a local elected body.