Councilman and longtime Vienna resident Albert J. "Al" Boudreau said last week during the Vienna Town Council meeting that he wouldn't seek re-election this May. Boudreau said that he and his wife, Alice, are moving to Florida, where two of his sons live.
"When opportunity knocks, you've got to answer the door," Boudreau said in an interview.
Boudreau has served on the Vienna Town Council for 12 years, and on numerous boards and commissions prior to his Council term. He and his wife have lived in Vienna for 47 years.
"Al has always been good at accepting responsibilities for a project or a task we had," said Vienna mayor Jane Seeman. "He was always willing to take on more than his share."
Boudreau's departure follows that of his peer Vince Olson, who retired from the Vienna Town Council last year after years of service.
"Together we have accomplished the revitalization of the town through a significant number of improvements and enhancements and have set others in motion for the future. And because we have established and enforced the standards of growth and development, our town has become a magnet to those who want to live and grow with this remarkable Town of Vienna," Boudreau said in a statement he wrote for the Council last week.
"My memories of all of you in our collective and productive efforts will stay with me forever," Boudreau said. "To all of my colleagues, past and present, and to the many fine citizens who have inspired me and at times challenged me with their words and deeds, I leave with you my deepest respect and admiration for sharing the visions that have made Vienna such a great town."
Boudreau leaves behind not only the Vienna Town Council but also his presidentship of the Virginia Municipal League.
"Al Boudreau has given generously his time and energy for many years to the Town of Vienna," said Councilwoman Edythe Kelleher. "He's been a mentor and a good friend to me. I'll miss him and Alice both professionally and personally."