Sen. Tommy Norment's Oct. 16 statement

James City, October 16, 2009: Senator Thomas K. Norment, Jr. (James City) today issued the following statement:

“In response to media inquiries concerning my work for the College of William and Mary, I have cited an opinion issued by the Office of the Attorney General.  In reviewing that opinion to fully respond to those inquiries, I made special note of a sentence in the opinion that stated, in part, that I should avoid actions ‘that will affect the confidence of the public in [my] ability to perform [my] duties impartially.’ 

“Although the opinion concludes that my employment at the College does not present a conflict of interest, news accounts referencing the opinion and citing my reluctance to release it have resulted in a situation markedly similar to one it advised me to avoid.  As the ‘client’ in this matter, it is my right to break attorney-client privilege.  Accordingly, I am releasing today my letter to then-Chief Deputy Attorney General William C. Mims seeking an opinion and the advisory opinion I subsequently received from then-Attorney General Robert F. McDonnell.

“In my request for an opinion, I described the three distinct roles I play at the College: as the Williamson Fellow in the School of Law, as a Distinguished Lecturer in the Government Department, and as an advisor and counselor to the President of the College.  The opinion offered by the Attorney General is specific to the fact scenario that has governed my working relationship with the College over the past fifteen months and concludes that I ‘do not have an impermissible conflict of interest’ in holding this employment while serving in the Senate.  I did not finalize my contract with the College until after I received this opinion.

“My working relationship with the College has been performed in full compliance with and under the guidance of this opinion; and it will continue to be in the future.  I will continue to advocate for the College in Richmond through budget amendments and other legislative actions.  The Attorney General has ruled that I can do so as long as the issues before the General Assembly do not affect my direct employment.  And, my constituents expect me to advocate for the College, one of the main economic drivers in the 3rd District.

“I have drawn tremendous energy from working with students in the classroom and in advising roles, helping them to better understand and experience both the legislative process and the law.  I will continue to advise and consult with the President in a manner protected through working papers; and to consult as necessary with the Office of the Attorney General, which continues to perform fine work in its function as the official legal counsel to the College.”