By Alexandra Morton

Capital News Service

Rick Morris, former chairman of the Isle of Wight County Republican Party, moved into his office this week as the new delegate representing the 64th House District in Virginia’s General Assembly. Morris won the seat last fall from Del. William Barlow, a Democrat who held the position for 20 years.

The 64th District was redrawn during the redistricting process last year because of population shifts. It now includes parts of the cities of Suffolk and Franklin, as well as parts of Isle of Wight, Surry, Southampton, Sussex and Prince George counties.

In an interview Thursday, Morris said, he wants to address issues that are important to the people in those areas.

“Right now, the biggest issue is economic development and helping business get back to business. We need to make the 64th District the most business-friendly district that we can,” said Morris, a 43-year-old lawyer.

He said his priority for this session is to help businesses thrive through tax credits and less intrusive regulations. It is important not only to create jobs, he said, but also to ensure people work in the best possible environment.

Even though Morris has been a delegate for only a few days, he already has introduced six House bills and a resolution for consideration this legislative session.

Among other things, he has been working with Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli on HB 630, which would allow funds from criminal investments in racketeering operations to be forfeited.

“For example, if an individual with drug trafficking invests $200 into a business, right now the law is only that we can get that $200. But if they (criminals) profit as a result of that illegal activity in any way, they don’t have a right to keep that money, either,” Morris said.

HB 630 has been sent to the House Courts of Justice Committee.

Delegates received their committee assignments this week, and Morris was placed on three: the Courts of Justice Committee; the Counties, Cities and Towns Committee; and the Militia, Police and Public Safety Committee.

He said he couldn’t be happier with those assignments.

“I feel very fortunate that I was lucky enough to get some great committees,” Morris said. “Every single one can directly impact our citizens. … I look forward to getting in there and doing what I can do to help.”