RICHMOND -- House Speaker William J. Howell, R-Stafford, appointed Del. R. Steven Landes, R-Weyers Cave, to the Substance Abuse Services Council.

     “I appreciate the opportunity Speaker Howell is giving me to serve on the Substance Abuse Services Council,” Landes said. “Alcohol and drug abuse is a growing problem that touches on all our lives either through family, friends or just the cost to us as taxpayers.”

     The Council consists of thirty members: four members of the House of Delegates are appointed by the Speaker of the House; two members of the Senate are appointed by the Senate Rules Committee. There are seven citizen members appointed by the Governor. The remaining ex officio members are made up of different agency and organization heads.

     The purpose of the council is to advise and make recommendations on policies and goals and on the coordination of the Commonwealth’s public and private efforts to control alcohol and drug abuse.

     Landes represents the 25th House District, which includes the City of Waynesboro, and portions of Albemarle, Augusta and Rockingham Counties. He was first elected in 1995 and is currently serving his seventh term in the House.