Congressional Candidate Ashley Woolard kicks off his Campaign at Rally
Jessica Woolard entertains Belhaven native David Cox: Above. For some unknown reason, there is always a group standing near the keg: Below.
Below, we are providing images of the Rally, as we have done in our “Every Picture Tells a Story … Don’t It” series, that may tell a piece of this story to some of you.
Further below these images, we are supplying Candidate Woolard’s media release that will offer a clear perspective of this young candidate’s vision. I hope that you will find these materials informative and you may gain a greater insight into Ashley Woolard’s purposeful endeavor:
Who said Republicans don't know how to have fun? Above. A reunion of sorts for Commissioner Hood Richardson and Suprintendent George Thigpen: Below.
Woolard Kicks Off Campaign for Congress
Beaufort County businessman Ashley Woolard kicked off his campaign for congress from the 1st District as two hundred and fifty well wishers from across North Eastern North Caroina mixed with a smattering of political leaders from across the state. Billed as the “First Annual Pig Pickin’”, Woolard hosted his event at his old family home place north of Washington. Live entertainment interspersed with the obligatory remarks by office holders and seekers, preceded a short address by candidate Woolard. He spoke of his ties to the area stretching back five generations and to this place on which his grand parents and great grand parents lived. Woolard bemoaned the fact that “we are not leaving the same Eastern North Carolina that he grew up in to our children. We’ve got problems and challenges” he said. “Our challenges aren't Democratic or Republican. They're not liberal or conservative. They are Eastern North Carolina challenges that we will overcome with Eastern North Carolina resolve.” Woolard believes that the only way that to create jobs and attract economic development to the area is by, “bringing people of all parties together and giving everyone a seat at the table. You don't have a seat now. There's not even a table in Eastern North Carolina. The table is in back rooms in Washington, DC and Raleigh, and all the seats are taken by big city politicians, union bosses, corporate fat cats and special interests that don't have your best interests in mind.”
“All but three counties in the 1st District have more than 10% unemployment. Edgecombe has 16.5%. Vance Warren and Halifax have 13%. Here in Beaufort County and neighboring Washington County, we have nearly 12%. Those are the official numbers. In fact they're a good deal higher because they don't take into account folks who have just plain given up looking for jobs. The economists tell us that even though the recession is officially over, employment may continue to fall for the next year or year and1/2.”
“This”. he said, “is unacceptable”. Woolard pledged that when he went to Washington it would be as a “citizen legislator”, regularly returning to his base for consultations from his constituents, and coming back home to his family business in Washington North Carolina, not remaining as a career politician in Washington, DC.
The candidate addressed the crowd at the November 7, 2009 Rally.
This article provided courtesy of our sister site: Beaufort County Now