Freshman 98th District Del. Keith Hodges (R-Middlesex) officially moved into his Richmond legislative office earlier in the week and attended his first session of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, Jan. 11. The Gazette-Journal caught up with Hodges Monday afternoon, already busy at work planning for the then-upcoming session.

"It’s going very well," Hodges said. "I already have a full plate meeting with folks." The whole experience is definitely going to be a "learning curve," he said, "but I’m ready to grab onto it and move forward."

Hodges said his overall experience so far has been positive. "It’s been a lot of fun," he said. "The people (here in Richmond and at home in the district) have been absolutely fantastic in helping me get prepared."

Though Hodges won’t know the committees he will be serving on until the Speaker of the House appoints each freshman delegate to them, he has his wish list.

A pharmacist by trade, Hodges said he is hoping to be appointed to the Health, Welfare and Institutions Committee. Wishing to continue to work with the legacy left by his predecessor, Harvey Morgan, in protecting the Chesapeake Bay, Hodges said he also hopes to be appointed to the Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee.

"You never know," Hodges said. "However, I don’t envy the Speaker for making the committee appointments." This year’s General Assembly has a very large freshman class with very diverse experience and background, he said.

Hodges can be reached in Richmond during the legislative session at 804-698-1098 or at DelKHodges@house.virginia.gov.