Delegate Rob Krupicka retiring (Va 45 district)

[Raine1967]

He'll be missed, that is for sure.

http://www.krupicka.com/blog/it-has-been-honor-serve

Serving the people of Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax has been one of the greatest honors of my life. For the past 12 years, I have had the chance to serve as an elected official in one of the most vibrant, diverse, civically-engaged places in the United States. It is always humbling to talk to my constituents because they always know so much about so many issues and they always teach me something.

Coming back from session this year, I was forced to evaluate the number of hours in the day and how I fill them. Between business, family, and public service, it is clear that I’m burning more candles at more ends than I can sustain.

I have a growing business with employees and investors that depend on me---a business that gives me a chance to put my values into action by supporting local non-profits, promoting a strong wage, and by giving people a second or third chance to get on their feet. I have also spent time in the last weeks reflecting on the fact that my family has tolerated me missing a lot due to public responsibilities.

Having spent over half of my adult life involved in public service in some way or another, it is time for me to step back from elected life to focus on my growing business and on my family. I don’t like to do anything halfway and the demands on my time make it impossible for me to be the engaged, active public servant that I have always tried to be.

I believe in Virginia’s part-time public service model. It is designed to minimize politics as a career and to give a variety of people the chance to serve and better the Commonwealth. It also inevitably creates conflict with an individual’s family, financial, and career needs. After 12 years, that conflict has become too stark for me.

There are many good people who have the time and passion to serve the 45th district well. I know the district will be well-served by whomever holds the 45th district delegate seat.

It will take years to say thank you to all my friends and family that have enabled my service and supported me over the years. You all put up with the all too frequent requests to volunteer or donate and much more. I know our work together has left things a bit better than we found them. I know we have more to do. I am looking forward to finishing my term, with a focus on my early childhood work, and then continuing civic activities and working with all of you through my business and as a community volunteer.

In Service,

Rob

[mahatmakanejeeves]

1. He just got there.

I see him every now and then, usually near the elections, shaking hands at the Braddock Road Metro station.

I was wondering what his day job will be. I need wonder no longer:

Rob Krupicka quitting legislature to focus on doughnuts

By Rachel Weiner March 16 at 2:51 PM
@rachelweinerwp

Virginia state Del. K. Robert Krupicka Jr. (D-Alexandria) is retiring after three years in office to focus on the doughnut business he opened earlier this year.

“Between business, family, and public service, it is clear that I’m burning more candles at more ends than I can sustain,” he said in a letter to constituents. “I don’t like to do anything halfway and the demands on my time make it impossible for me to be the engaged, active public servant that I have always tried to be.”

In January, Krupicka opened a branch of the Richmond-based doughnut company Sugar Shack Donuts in the Parker Gray neighborhood of Alexandria. “Lines often stretch out the door for flavors like Irish creme, salted caramel and espresso with mini M&M’s,” The Post wrote earlier this month. The retiring delegate has plans to open a speakeasy-style bar alongside the shop.

He can walk to work.

[Raine1967]

2. Sugar Shack is great and a big asset to the community.

In keeping with the community focus of the shop, as well as Krupicka’s personal values, Sugar Shack Alexandria has partnered with Together We Bake to provide part of his kitchen staff. Together We Bake is a non-profit workforce training and personal development program for women in need of a second chance. Coffee is sourced from a local small-batch roaster. Even the shop’s location in Alexandria’s historic Parker-Gray neighborhood was chosen for its diversity and unique community character.

http://patch.com/virginia/delray/sugar-shack-donut-shop-grand-opening-date-set-alexandria

I was surprised to read the news, but I an understand why he is not running for office again. I don't think he went to Richmond with the idea of opening this place up.

I am more than sure we will still see him around town!

http://www.togetherwebake.org