Youngkin visits Goochland

"Thank you, Goochland," Glenn Youngkin, who will become Virginia's 74^th governor on January 15, told a packed house at the Sports Page Bar and Grill in Centerville on the morning of November 20.

Glenn Youngkin chats with supporters.

Part of Youngkin's "Thank you tour", the visit to Goochland was a campaign promise fulfilled, said the energetic 54 year old. He praised the county GOP, Tea Party members, and others who worked tirelessly to get out the vote. He lauded Goochland for having the highest voter turnout of registered voters—71 percent—in the state. "I truly appreciate the effort you put in," Youngkin said. "You all here in Goochland County made the difference."

The start of the event was billed as 10:30 a.m.; Youngkin arrived after 11. Bourbon enthusiasts who were lined up for the first come first served sale of collectible bourbons at the Centerville ABC store, next to Sports Page Bar and Grill causing some confusion for those who arrived early to see the next governor.

People waiting for Youngkin to arrive on a chilly morning.

Susan Lascolette, who represents District 1 on the Goochland Board of Supervisors, gave the invocation, an eloquent blend of thanksgiving, resolve, and mindfulness that elected officials serve the Lord and their constituents.

Goochland Sheriff Steven Ned Creasey introduced Youngkin. "It's a new day in the Commonwealth of Virginia. On January 15, I am proud to say that we will have a governor who's committed to keeping our community safe by fully supporting law enforcement."

Wearing his trademark fleece vest, sleeves rolled up as an indication that he's getting down to work, Youngkin waded through a throng of supporters to the strains of Spirit in the Sky.

"What happened around Virginia is truly startling.  This is about Virginians, not republicans or democrats or a small group of people trying to impose its will on others. This is about Virginia coming together.  I just want to say how much I appreciate the effort that every one of you put into this campaign. This is about the power of one amplified by people putting their hands up with a can do attitude until it becomes the power of many," Youngkin said.

He then outlined the to do list for the start of his administration. Ending mask and vaccine mandates is first up. "I support the vaccine. I encourage you to get the vaccine. My family and I are vaccinated, but I trust you to make the right decisions for you and your families."

Schools will be open five days a week for in person learning without masks. Charter schools, to help the most disadvantaged students get the education they need to be able to secure their own piece of the American Dream and live a satisfying, productive life will be expanded. Youngkin said that education will include courses with advanced academic rigor and resume expectations of academic excellence.

Audits of the Virginia Employment Commission and the Department of Motor Vehicles, whose wretched dysfunction throughout Covid added to the misery of many citizens, will be made soon after he takes office. Youngkin pledged to streamline state government to ensure it works well to serve the citizens whose taxes pay for it.

For the first time Youngkin's transition team includes a sheriff.

 There is much work to do, conceded the governor-elect. "Do not put down that enthusiasm this is not a snapshot but a motion picture with anew scene tomorrow and the next day that requires everyone to stay engaged. What we started here has spread across the country.  All eyes are on Virginia today.  We are a shining example of what government for the people, of the people, by the people can accomplish."

Youngkin indicated that, as governor, he works for every citizen, whether or not they voted for him. "Virginia sent us with a mission to go to work. That is what we're going to do day one by cutting cost of living for Virginia and eliminate the grocery tax. We can lower taxes and invest in education."

Youngkin pledged to honor veterans in practical ways to keep them here. "One of every 11 Virginians is a veteran. We are better because of them and it's time to start saying thank you by reducing taxes on their benefits."

He declared that our schools must teach all the history of our country good and bad. "We must teach about American exceptionalism but must also teach about the abhorrent chapters in our history. We will not teach our children to view things through a lens of race. The opportunities before us are there for all to chase."

We will have law enforcement's back because they have ours, said Youngkin. He pledged to replace the entire parole board.

Youngkin declared Virginia open for business and said that his veto pen "will be sharp" and ready to go against any dilution of right to work laws. "We need to get Virginia back to work to lift up all of us. We will make government work for us, not tell us what to do." Virginia, he contended, will become an innovation economy.

He thanked those present for hiring him. "I can't wait to go to work for all of you, Winsome Sears and Jason Miyares feel the same."

"I will always hold Goochland County in a special place. I made a promise that I will attend a Goochland supervisory board meeting. I keep my promises."

May the reality of Youngkin's term as governor bring a new day to the Commonwealth and better days for every Virginian.

(Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUThwcEf2n8 for a video of the event prepared by the Goochland Republican Committee created by Buddy Bishop.)