Public servant. Those two words are often used, but rarely carry any real meaning. However, for Harvey Morgan, those words are the very definition of the man.

For nearly 32 years, Morgan has taken that mission to heart—quietly serving his friends and neighbors, listening to their cares and concerns, and representing them faithfully in Virginia’s General Assembly. Now that he has announced that he is stepping down from the House of Delegates at the end of the year, we wish him well in his retirement.

Growing up in Gloucester, Morgan knew the importance of a healthy Chesapeake Bay to this region’s financial, environmental and emotional well-being. He has worked hard to protect and preserve it for future generations, and fought for the men who made their living harvesting its bounty.

From his position as chair of the Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee, Morgan has not been afraid to oppose members of his own party when it comes to saving the b...