Ed spent Monday and Tuesday in Southwest Virginia talking to voters about important issues in the region!
Ed kicked off the trip with a cup of coffee at the Campus Drive-In in Gate City with Scott County GOP Chairman Terry Sivert.
Stopped for coffee this morning at the Campus Drive-In in Gate City. Great to be in Scott County! pic.twitter.com/oPkVO26yO4
— Ed Gillespie (@EdWGillespie) May 15, 2017
Next, Lee County Sheriff Gary Parsons hosted an engaging question and answer session in Pennington Gap at Ruby’s Steakhouse. It was great seeing Mayor Larry Holbrook, Vice Mayor Gary McElyea and other friends.
Just wrapped up a great Q&A in Pennington Gap! Enjoyed seeing Sheriff Parsons, Mayor Larry Holbrook & Vice Mayor Gary McElyea. pic.twitter.com/dul1hUgMlc
— Ed Gillespie (@EdWGillespie) May 15, 2017
Afterward, Ed stopped by Wise Primary School to read to Mrs. Johnson’s second grade class. These bright students helped solve “The Case of the Missing Donut”!
Thanks to Mrs Johnson’s 2nd grade class at Wise Primary School for helping me solve “The Case of the Missing Donut!” pic.twitter.com/GFwaUfGCXL
— Ed Gillespie (@EdWGillespie) May 15, 2017
Following the Wise Primary School visit, Ed joined Wise County Sheriff Ronnie Oaks, Commonwealth’s Attorney Chuck Slemp, Delegate Terry Kilgore and many others for a lunch question and answer session at the Inn at Wise.
Our next governor @EdWGillespie is in Wise today with @WISECOSHERIFF @delterrykilgore @dwsmithTreas! Thanks Ed for your commitment to #swva! pic.twitter.com/J6E6KeGbXx
— Chuck Slemp (@ChuckSlemp) May 15, 2017
After lunch, Ed dropped by Pathfinders Outdoor Adventures – an outdoor recreation retailer in Norton – and learned a lot about the economic impact of outdoor recreation on Southwest Virginia.This business is owned by Mark and Carol Caruso from Norton. Mark serves on the city council and Carol serves on the city school board.
Stopped in at Pathfinders Outdoor Adventures in Norton and spoke with Carol Caruso about making #SWVA an outdoor recreation destination. pic.twitter.com/eS0WWgWG2g
— Ed Gillespie (@EdWGillespie) May 15, 2017
Next, Ed stopped by Optafuels – a biomaterials processor and manufacturer in Norton – to hear about their exciting job creation and economic development potential.
Thanks to Clint for showing us around Optafuels in Norton this afternoon – exciting job creation and economic development potential. pic.twitter.com/cANmitjbE7
— Ed Gillespie (@EdWGillespie) May 15, 2017
Ed enjoyed meeting the hardworking employees of Frontier Secure – a Wise County business – and discussing the impact of his tax cut on the regional economy.
Enjoyed meeting and hearing from employees at Frontier Secure in Wise this afternoon. #SWVA pic.twitter.com/xhG1b4uvmD
— Ed Gillespie (@EdWGillespie) May 15, 2017
Last, Ed toured downtown Big Stone Gap with Commonwealth’s Attorney Chuck Slemp and had a great conversation with numerous Wise County citizens.
Great conversation and Q&A in Big Stone Gap this afternoon! Great to be with @ChuckSlemp again. pic.twitter.com/DXYws1hJLG
— Ed Gillespie (@EdWGillespie) May 15, 2017
On Tuesday, Ed visited Paramount Deep Mine 41 in the heart of Dickenson County. While Ed was underground in the mine – the McAuliffe-Northam Administration doubled-down on the failed Obama-era anti-entry policies by announcing executive action to regulate carbon and move to a “trade-ready” policy.
After the mine tour, Ed stressed the harmful consequences this policy could have for Virginia families, businesses and our long-term objectives for economic growth alongside Senator Ben Chafin (R-Russell) and Delegate Will Morefield (R-Tazewell).
Visited Deep Mine 41 in McClure today. Meanwhile, @GovernorVA, @RalphNortham & @MarkHerringVA put forward an Obama-style Cap & Trade Plan. pic.twitter.com/yCEt921d3z
— Ed Gillespie (@EdWGillespie) May 16, 2017
Ed finished out the Southwest swing by visiting CGI – a major employer in Russell County.
Like each region in the Commonwealth, Southwest Virginia has unique challenges and opportunities. Visiting all Virginia regions is important to Ed as he continues to develop policies and a plan to get Virginia growing again with across-the-board policy reforms that cover taxes, regulation, education, transportation, healthcare and public safety. Ed Gillespie will put forward a serious and substantive vision for ALL Virginians to create jobs, raise take-home pay and help people lift themselves out of poverty.
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