Richard L. Fisher

Richard Leland "Dick" Fisher (September 16, 1947 – August 27, 2012) was an American politician and energy executive from Virginia. He was a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 1990 to 1997, representing the 35th district in Northern Virginia. He was also a member of the town council of Vienna, Virginia, for 4 years. Outside of politics, Fisher worked for Washington Gas Light Company for about 30 years, and served for several years in the Army Reserve.

Education and career
Fisher was the son of Emily and Martin Fisher. His father co-founded Fisher Brothers, a real estate development firm, with his brothers Larry and Zachary. He earned a bachelor's degree in business management from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1971. He served for several years in the Army Reserve as an LCM-8 operator, departing with the rank of Specialist 7. From 1971 to 2000, Fisher worked for the Washington Gas Light Company, retiring as vice president of operations.

From 2006 to 2008, Fisher worked for the US Department of Education, as Chief of Staff of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.

Electoral politics
After serving for many years on various planning and safety commissions, Fisher was elected to the Vienna Town Council in 1985. He served until 1989, supporting sidewalk building initiatives, recycling efforts, and a sales tax on meals and lodging.

In 1989, Fisher ran for the Virginia House of Delegates in the 35th district. The seat was open, as Democrat Dorothy McDiarmid was retiring. Fisher ran as a Republican, facing Democratic nominee David H. Battaglia, a young lawyer. Fisher prevailed in the general election with 51% of the vote. While in office, Fisher was reportedly most proud of his efforts on behalf of special needs children, including a law mandating equitable class sizes for children with mild mental disabilities. Fisher also passed legislation that helped to regulate and legitimize the massage therapy industry, and touted his support to Northern Virginia rail lines and George Mason University.

Fisher announced his intention to resign from the state house in November 1996, citing conflicts between his full time and part time jobs.

Personal life
Fisher was married to Kristen Fisher. He had three children, Hadley, Winston and Alexandra. Fisher died on August 27, 2012, of a heart attack. He was honored by a Virginia General Assembly Joint Resolution in 2013.