HISTORIC TRIANGLE — “Ten Questions with” is a series that allows readers to get to know local business leaders, volunteers and community members in the Historic Triangle.
This week, meet U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman.
What is your job title and description?
I represent the residents of Virginia’s 1st District in Congress. In this role, I proudly advocate for the interests and priorities of residents in the Historic Triangle including Poquoson, the Northern Neck, Middle Peninsula and the Richmond suburbs.
Who do you interact/work with regularly?
I live full-time in Montross, so I interact with my neighbors at our local grocery store and gas station on my way to and from our nation’s capital, and I’m constantly meeting with veterans, parents, business owners, and other community members at local businesses, schools, community meetings and other places across the district when Congress is in recess.
How do you interact with the Historic Triangle communities?
I regularly visit the Historic Triangle when Congress is in recess. I have a district office in Yorktown, and I’m frequently in Williamsburg to meet with constituents at places like Patriots Colony Retirement Community and to tour local medical centers and schools.
What is something about your job most people wouldn’t know about?
Most Members of Congress have residences in their district and in Washington, D.C., but I live full-time in Virginia’s 1st District and commute to and from Washington every day that Congress is in session.
Living full-time in the community I represent keeps me grounded and focused on the unique needs of our neighbors.
How do you define success in your life?
Success to me is doing everything I can to enable success by others. I have a sign on my desk that says: “There is no limit to what you can do or where you can go if you don’t mind who gets the credit.” Helping others achieve their dreams and find their own successes is what’s most important to me.
What is your most successful accomplishment to date in Congress?
Getting my bipartisan America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Reauthorization Act signed into law in December! The investments from this law will help preserve Virginia’s natural resources, wildlife, and habitats — it’s a game changer for the preservation of our Chesapeake Bay, which is so integral to our way of life in Virginia. I grew up spending time fishing in the Northern Neck and worked on a fishing boat in Reedville, so this is personal for me.
What is your most successful personal accomplishment?
I feel incredibly blessed to have a loving wife who has supported me every step of the way and to have raised wonderful kids and grandkids whom I get to see chart their own path in school, on the athletic field, in their careers and in their communities here in Virginia’s 1st District. I couldn’t be more proud.
What is your favorite thing about the Historic Triangle?
My wife Kathryn and I had our honeymoon in Colonial Williamsburg after we got married in 1981! When I’m back there to meet with constituents, I’m reminded of such fond memories.
What do you do for downtime/to relax?
Before my career in public service, I loved working with my hands. I worked as an apprentice electrician, operated the water system for the Town of Montross, and even worked at a tomato canning factory. Now, I spend my free time working on home renovation projects. Whether it’s re-tiling a bathroom or installing a new electrical system, these projects give me a sense of tangible accomplishment and help me decompress.
What is the next step in your journey?
I can’t think of a greater honor than representing my community in Congress — I intend to continue serving the people of Virginia’s 1st District for as long as they entrust me with this responsibility.
Do you want to learn more about your community and the people that live and work in the Historic Triangle? We are looking for people with interesting jobs, super volunteers, or community leaders to showcase. Reach out to let us know if you (or someone you know) would like to be considered for Ten Questions.
