THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, January 11, 1996 TAG: 9601110386
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A9 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY DAVID M. POOLE, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Short : 35 lines
Del. George H. Heilig Jr. said Wednesday that he will not let his failing eyesight keep him from completing his two-year term - or from seeking re-election in 1997.
``After that, I'll probably run in the fall of 1999 and then call it a career. It will be 30 years,'' Heilig said.
Heilig, 53, admitted that he considered retiring after the November elections because of his eyesight. He has been diagnosed with macular degeneration, a condition that is slowing robbing him of his vision.
``I was kind of down on myself about this,'' he said.
There had been widespread speculation about his future in the General Assembly because he was unavailable for comment for the last month.
The Democrat said he came to the conclusion that he, like others with the same eye condition, could continue to live a normal and productive life.
Heilig, a Norfolk Democrat, said he would continue to chair the House Corporations, Insurance and Banking Committee, which hears legislation dealing with the state's business community. His staff and volunteers will help him read bills that come before the panel.
He also may equip his desk in the committee room with a projector that will enlarge print.
``My mind is still sharp. My only problem is my eyesight. If they (Republicans) want to make it a campaign issue two years from now, let them,'' he said. by CNB