VCC Magazine Fall 2017

In Memoriam

E. Hatcher Crenshaw, Jr. October 14, 2017 • Virginia House of Delegates, 1986-1989 By Jim Rothrock

In the early 80s, I got a great job leading a disability advocacy o r g a n i z a t i o n — H a n d i c a p s Unlimited of Virginia. One of my new duties was the coordination of grass roots advocacy in support of a bill introduced by then Governor Charles Robb. It was the most advanced disability rights legislation heard by any state government at that time and generated significant debate.

Tazewell County is working hard to help diversity and attract hi- tech companies to our region. We are now, more than ever, “Open for Business.”

As a rookie in the legislative process, I had daily problems remembering the “R’s” and “D’s” of the process while dealing with what had been “PBI’d”, and discerning the meaning of bills on green, blue, and yellow paper—yes, paper was big!

Where T echnology exists with Nature

• Aggressive Business Assistance • Pro-Business Environment • Enterprise Zone • Workforce Training • Competitive Utility Rates • Abundant Natural Resources • Affordable Land • Safe and Economical Place to Live • Excellent Quality of Life

One of the highlights of this frustrating, but exciting, time was the kindness and good humor shared with me and so many others by Delegate Hatcher Crenshaw. Even with his busy schedule, he met all with a ready smile, and to me, he was always glad to offer a tutorial on what I was witnessing. One day he was chatting about what he could do to “better my cause.” He looked around the House chamber area and saw that if anyone became ill, there was no wheelchair that could be used in case of emergency. It was not necessarily a major task he wished to accept, but it was a step—though small—in the right direction. Somehow he found, to his delight, an old wheelchair, l think from his basement, cleaned it up and brought it to the GAB. But he was not satisfied. He called me to his office and asked if I would approve—as if I had any authority—his final product. Somehow he had located a big state seal, suitable for any door, and successfully duct taped it to the back of the chair. The next day he presented it to his colleagues during the Morning Hour and proclaimed it as the “ Official Wheelchair of the Commonwealth.” His accomplishment was one of many that came—though not as much fun—and after a year of study, the bill passed. Oh, that we had more like Delegate Hatcher Crenshaw! James A. Rothrock is the Commissioner of the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services.

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