ARLINGTON, Va. (WTVR) – Today at a press conference at the Arlington County Courthouse, Governor-elect Terry McAuliffe nominated former Delegate Brian Moran to serve as Secretary of Public Safety in his administration.
Moran represented Northern Virginia’s 46th district in the House of Delegates from 1996 until 2008. He resigned his seat to face off against now governor elect McAulliffe, in the 2009 gubernatorial race.
Moran also previously served as the Democratic Caucus chairman.
This will be the third leader the agency has had within six months. Bryan Michael Rhode currently serves, and was appointed by Governor Bob McDonnell to replace Secretary Marla Decker when she departed Nov. 1.
The Secretary oversees eleven state agencies, including military affairs, state police and Alcohol Beverage Control. The agency’s tasks, in addition to training firefighters and other first responders as well as members of the Army and Air National Guard, also includes the planning and coordinating of the state’s emergency preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation efforts.
As a state representative, Moran is credited with helping pass key public safety legislation that includes Alicia’s Law, which provides resources for multi-jurisdictional Internet Crimes Against Children Centers, and stiffer penalties for people convicted of multiple drunk driving offenses.
Moran was previously named legislator of the year, multiples times by public safety organizations like the Virginia Sheriff’s Association, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and the Network for Victims and Witnesses of Crime.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports on the prior drama between the former candidates, flashing back to the annual Shad Planking of 2009, when Moran “skewered McAuliffe.”
None of that old tension was present in the press release distributed by the McAuliffe camp.
“Creating jobs, growing our economy and making life better for Virginia families all begin with safe communities,” said Moran. “I am eager to get to work alongside the thousands of firefighters, state and local police officers, sheriffs and deputies, first responders and so many others who devote their lives to that critical mission.
“Keeping Virginians safe is the highest priority of state government, and Brian Moran has the talent, experience and dedication to undertake that important mission as a member of my cabinet,” said Governor-elect McAuliffe.
“From his work fighting crime as an Arlington County prosecutor, to his leadership in the House of Delegates protecting children from internet predators and cracking down on drunk driving, Brian has always put public safety for Virginians first. He will be an outstanding leader in my administration as Secretary of Public Safety.”
