First to my beloved Appy folks and Dawgs.
You have and always will fight the good fight. We have earned that heritage, it is a Dawg tradition to protect the house.
You all have made me very proud for your desire to stand up, against all odds to fight for your principles. And what you believe in.
What more could any one ask for? A community that unites to say no. Not unless it is acceptable. I am more than proud of what you have done and the message that you have sent. Many see what you have done and are now asking, do we need to consolidate, or do we need to stand and for once object?
To the Wise County citizens. The other night, I seen something i had not seen in a long time. A whole county come together. Some joined in late. Some never thought they would ever have to. Reality hit home.
I have to say. I was overwhelmed with the turnout, even though consolidation was to be a dead issue.
I seen something i had not seen in a long time, in this area.
True and pure unity. It made me proud as i watched others talk and in all honesty. It reminded me of the days of my youth and all the mining strikes.
When many would come together to see that the Union was not done wrong, and the workers were not, those working and those who had retired.
I have to say. I applaud you all. We may face many more battles down the road.
And change may come. But i seen something that renewed a spirit in me.
I seen people who came together for a single purpose. And many who forgot where they were from. It was not about schools, it wasn't about colors. It was about how you felt about your children.
For that i applaud you.
Many can look in and call us whatever. Till they have walked in our shoes. Done the work, they will have no idea. But to see what i seen Monday night. I am assured Wise County will survive.
Some it may take them time to get on board. Just don't wait till the last minute next time.
When the call goes out. Answer it.
But Monday night, i seen something i had not seen in yrs.
A united people in Wise County.
I hope this is not the only time, many can say they were united. We need this all over our county to save it ourselves.
We have good leaders in many positions.
But we also need what we had Monday night. Citizens who will come together and work for what they want.
The time for change may come.
But when it does. Then make sure you are heard and you have input as you did Monday Night.
This ole Dawg was proud to see, many of Wise County and it's citizens, put aside their differences, to do what they felt was right.
We need this more often.
Your county, you pay the bills. You deserve to be heard.