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2014
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Delegate Buddy Fowler
Two thousand thirteen was an eventful year for me. In the
beginning of March, I underwent shoulder surgery to repair a
torn rotator cuff and 2 weeks later I became a candidate for the
Republican nomination to succeed retiring Delegate John A. Cox in
the 55th House district. After about an eight month campaign, the
voters hired me to be their voice in the Virginia House of Delegates.
There is one major difference between myself and most
freshman legislators and that is my experience. I have had the
privilege of working as a legislative aide for the 55th District’s
two previous representatives, Delegates John A. Cox and Frank D.
Hargrove, Sr. Working with these two outstanding gentlemen has
provided me with an understanding of the legislative process, the
importance of great constituent service and a great respect for the
good people that I have the privilege of representing in the Virginia
House of Delegates.
The 55th House District includes the western half of Hanover
County, including the Town of Ashland, and parts of Caroline and
Spotsylvania Counties. Since Patrick Henry’s home Scotchtown is
located within the district, the 55th has been referred to as Patrick
Henry’s seat in the legislature. Such a designation is both a great
source of pride and an awesome responsibility. In my mind, my
tenure in the House of Delegates can only be judged as a success
if the people of this Commonwealth are returned to a greater
prosperity, and their individual freedoms are equal to, or greater,
than when my service began.
My wife Patsy and I raised our three children on her small family
farm east of Ashland in Hanover County. Patsy and I now greatly
enjoy the company of our first grandchild Adam. We worship at
Slash Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and I am a member
of the Clay Springs Ruritan Club, Ashland Boy Scout Troop 700,
Cavalier Rifle & Pistol Club, and numerous other historical and
outdoor related organizations. In my spare time, I enjoy spending
time with my friends hunting and fishing.
Delegate Dave LaRock
I consider it a great honor and privilege to be elected to serve the
people of Virginia and the 33rd District in the House of Delegates
for the next two years. Since announcing my candidacy in March
2012, my family and I found life on the campaign trail to be quite
an adventure. Transitioning from a primary run ending in June to a
general election campaign, and preparing to serve in the legislature,
there has never been a dull moment.
Throughout the campaign, my wife, Joanne, and our two youngest
children have been a big part of my team. In a time when many folks
feel government is off track, people were thrilled to see a family who
shares their values stepping up to serve. We crossed the 33rd District
together many times, visiting over 10,000 doors. You cannot do that
and not change as a person. I formed many new friendships based on
my pledge to stay true to the principles I professed while campaigning.
My constituents made it clear to me they have no desire to elect
people who run from principles. On the contrary, they want people
who will apply conservative principles in ways that are relevant to
the lives of citizens. Those same people agreed they want to enjoy
freedom and prosperity. There is a solid consensus around ideas that
make a moral and economic case for conservative policies.
With few exceptions, people are tired of politics; they feel the
system is broken. Themandate I have been given is to focus on creating
jobs and opportunity for the unemployed, improving education,
reforming government spending, lowering taxes, improving health
care and fightingWashington DC overreach.
The take-away for me is that forming policies which respect
individual and economic freedom will lead to a more prosperous and
fairer treatment of all shareholders. I’m looking forward to doing
just that, by offering positive solutions, keeping my promises and
delivering results.
Settle and AssociatesLLC
Richard L. Settle
Settle and Associates LLC
288 Clubhouse Drive
Abingdon, Virginia 24211–3839
Phone: 276-676-4444
Mobile: 804-240-1850
Reflections from two freshman delegates
Donald L. Ratliff
VP–States Government Affairs
Alpha Natural Resources
One Alpha Place
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Bristol, VA 24202
P.O. Box 16429
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Bristol, VA 24209
276.619.4479 (office)
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276.623.2891 (fax)
276.275.1423 (cell)
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