Deeds focuses on job creation in Va.

BY DEBRA McCOWN
BRISTOL HERALD COURIER
CASTLEWOOD, Va. – He was soaking wet along with everyone else at Saturday’s fish fry, but gubernatorial candidate Creigh Deeds made a point to thank God for the rain.
“It’s a good sign we have this rain today,” he said, reminding the crowd that he was raised on a farm in rural Bath County.
His focus was on jobs, promising to be “the governor who will revitalize this economy and put Virginians back to work.”
Following the speech, Deeds said more about the “21st century economy” he promises to help create in Virginia. He said the state could lead the nation in research in the energy and medical fields.
He also spoke about the need to install broadband Internet, fund incentives for large and small businesses, and invest in higher education.
“I will be the governor who makes college affordable and accessible to all Virginians,” Deeds said in his speech.
He said the Commonwealth – including Southwest Virginia – needs to build “the smartest work force in the world” to take advantage of emerging opportunities.
“You’re talking about creating a culture of entrepreneurship,” he said, “encouraging people to start businesses and create opportunity throughout Virginia.”
Southwest Virginia has a significant role to play in helping Virginia become “the capital of alternative and renewable energy but also conventional energy,” he said.
On the issue of health care, Deeds said even if the federal government fails to provide reform, he has plans to help increase access to health care in the state.
“There are a lot of businesses that want to provide insurance but can’t do it because it costs too much money,” said Deeds, who added that he would help small businesses afford health insurance and provide incentives for those who do, along with debt waivers for health care professionals who agree to work in underserved areas.
| (276) 791-0701