Coming off the sideline

By Kevin Austin (Yadkin County Chairman)

The Yadkin Ripple

For the longest time I stayed on the sideline. Well, not even on the sideline. More like in the stands or even at home. I stayed out of public life.

My father’s philosophy on public life was to serve quietly, to donate privately, and to not draw attention. Although he served publicly on zoning boards and housing commissions and privately through the Masonic organization and Sertoma Club, he has always been happen to remain below the radar.

His father was a little more public, as City Councilman and Mayor Pro-Tem of Albemarle back in the 40’s and 50’s, until his early death.

Musical chairs – More Jobs = More Career Paths

By Kevin Austin (Yadkin County Chairman)

If we’ve heard it once, we’ve heard it a thousand times. “Too many young people leave Yadkin County never to return.” It’s always the same complaint. Only the reasons cited show any variation at all.

The favorite reason people tend to give is, “we are a small, backward county with nothing to offer young people.” Well, that is a pretty broad and damning statement, but buried in it are some elements of truth including what I believe to be the real reason: a shortage of career path opportunities.

Please allow me to back up for just a second. Not all the young people leave Yadkin County. Not even all of the highly qualified young people. There are plenty of young professionals in Yadkin County, the great majority of them home grown.

But there is a problem of opportunities in Yadkin County.

Republicans honor past service; elect new officers

YADKIN RIPPLE
Leanne Cloudman
Staff Reporter
Lcloudman@yadkinripple.com

TheYadkin County Republican Party met on Tuesday evening at the courthouse in Yadkinville for their annual convention. Delegates were chosen for each precinct and new officers were elected.

Ben Harding, former chairman; Jennifer Casstevens, former vice chairwoman; and Linda Williams, former treasurer, elected not to run for office again.

Harding thanked the outgoing officers and explained that he could not run again because his wife had retired. This statement amused most of the people in the room who knew the decision was also Harding’s.

The new officers are Angela Parks, treasurer; Donna Crissman, secretary; Carol Prevette, vice chairwoman; Kevin Austin, chairman.

The outgoing officers received a plaque honoring their many hours of service and the audience their appreciation through rousing appreciative applause.

Austin addressed the group as the new chairman and suggested that the next few years may be interesting.

“We may have slipped a bit, but WXII has named Yadkin the most Republican county in North Carolina, and I am pleased to be a part of that,” he said.

Harding challenged the group to become more involved, donate to the party and fight the activity currently occuring in Washington.

“This is the heart of the Yadkin Republican party,” he said. “Tell Ms. Foxx to keep voting no.”

Brad Langston, a representative from the office of Rep. Virginia Foxx, addressed the crowd on her behalf. He assured them that Foxx values Yadkin County and all the support she receives from Yadkin people.

Austin spoke about the candidate for state chair, Chad Long, and encouraged members to vote for him, extolling his qualifications to lead the North Carolina Republican Party through the next few years.

Members were directed to review the new web site and check it often for updates.

http://www.yadkinripple.com/pages/full_story?page_label=home_top_stories_news&id=2068618-Republicans+honor+past+service-+elect+new+officers&widget=push&instance=secondary_news_left_column&article-Republicans%20honor%20past%20service-%20elect%20new%20officers%20=&open=&

Yadkin Hosts Two Rallies

On Saturday November 1st the Yadkin County GOP will be hosting two rallies in the same day. Pat McCrory and Virginia Foxx will be at Austin’s this Saturday from 11:30am until 1pm! These are two great candidates who truly care about Yadkin County. Please join us for BBQ sandwiches, music, and great Republican fellowship.  The Austin Company – 2100 Hoots Road – Yadkinville, NC 27055

The second that night from 4-6PM at Yadkinville Elementary School for local candidates. Its on 305 N State Street in Yadkinville and you can reach Donna Crissman for more details at 336.367.3770 or go online to http://www.yadkincountygop.org/FreeRally.htm