"I want every West Virginian to say, we're proud of that Joe Manchin"
"I want to bring common sense to government," said Joe Manchin.
The Secretary of State, who is running as a Democratic candidate for Governor,
shared his 25-year-vision for the state with about fifty supporters at the Calhoun
County Park on Friday. "I plan to work harder than anyone you have ever known,"
he said.
Manchin presented his plan for governing in detail, saying "We have been so use to
mediocre government, we almost don't know the difference."
Manchin has been spending his time supporting programs that increase voter
registration and voter participation. He said "I think every senior except one
registered to vote last spring, at your high school. That is phenomenal!"
"We need to support West Virginian's - small business people who are trying to
make it, to create new jobs and keep the old ones," said Manchin, who feels many
of the large grant incentives for economic development do not pay off. "Lets help
what is here, to grow." He said he will change the "secret economic deals" which
have not been open by the Sunshine Laws. "Taxpayers need to know how their
money flows and why."
"Good to see you again..."
County Democrats on board with Manchin
"I don't know if any of you have called the Secretary of State's office. If you have,
you know how we treat you. You are a valued customer. I want to make every voter
and every taxpayer in West Virginia, a valued customer. We work for you!"
Manchin says he was not on the bandwagon for the elimination of rural counties
through consolidation. "I have spent just as much time in small counties. I am here
because I want to be, and I will not forget you and your needs."
"I want every West Virginian to say, we are proud of that Joe Manchin."
Most of Calhoun's Democratic Executive Committee members and elected officials
attended the meeting with Manchin. Assessor Jason Nettles said "I hope that
every Calhoun voter will take time to hear Joe Manchin's message." Nettles has
been a longtime supporter of Manchin.
Calhoun County Clerk Richard Kirby said "Most of us are on board with your effort
to become governor." He said it was rewarding to him to actually stand up and
support a candidate like Manchin.
County Democratic Chairperson Margie Evans said "We are going to get the
Democratic message out there next year, and remind working people why they
should vote with our party."
After attending the dinner, Manchin went to the Calhoun High football game and
spent the evening.
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