We commend the appointment of Tessie Bacon, an attorney with the Harris, Matthews & Crowder firm, to advise the town council in Kenbridge as the town’s attorney. We also recognize Calvin Spencer, the town’s attorney since 2000, for his time spent serving Kenbridge in that capacity. Spencer said during a Dec. 19 meeting that he would be stepping down due to the demands of his position at Harris, Matthews & Crowder.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time serving here,” Spencer said.

Bacon, a native of Lunenburg County, had previously been employed with the CowanGates Law Firm before joining Harris, Matthews & Crowder and had served as an adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Richmond School of Law, according to a biography on the Harris, Matthews & Crowder website.

Bacon also represents the towns of Blackstone, Crewe and Chase City, Spencer said during the meeting.

“I wish there were 100 citizens in here tonight to hear this, but I don’t think people recognize how much work goes on behind the scenes,” Spencer said at the meeting, “the work that you do on behalf of the town because you want to see this town get to be the best it can possibly be. It’s not about any sort of financial benefit or personal gain. I think it’s remarkable.”

“Cal and I have worked closely together on a lot of different issues, and the majority of the time, he acted more like a council member than an attorney,” said Town Mayor Emory Hodges. “He’s always had his heart and soul within this town for a long time. He has given this town solid advice, a lot of it free.”

Bacon said she was excited to serve the Town of Kenbridge and to assist the town council.

There’s no doubt that the work done in the best interest of the town is just that — remarkable.

We commend both Bacon and Spencer for having a serving heart.