The folks at Cecil I. Walker Machinery, the Caterpillar dealer for western West Virginia and southeast Ohio, were told first-hand about the President George W. Bush’s new budget and economic plan by the man himself. The President visited the company on Jan. 22, to offer remarks about the current status of the economy and the war on terrorism.
The Congressional Offices of West Virginia Rep. Shelley Moore-Capito approached Walker Machinery on Jan. 14 about the possibility of hosting the President at the company’s Belle, WV, facility.
Within three days, according to Steve Walker, president and chief operating officer of the company, Walker Machinery received a visit from the White House Advance Group, whose job it is to prepare a facility or area for a presidential visit.
Soon after that, Walker said the secret service came to check out the area and deemed it safe for President Bush’s arrival.
The company’s employees then moved equipment and other items so that the building could be set up for the President’s speech and question and answer session. “All of the employees did a fantastic job to prepare for this visit. It worked out really well. I’m very proud that he chose us to state his new budget plan and to talk about the economy and energy,” Walker said.
The President was warmly received by the employees and guests of Walker Machinery. “He was interupted by applause a lot during his 30-minute speech,” Walker said. Approximately 350 to 400 people attended the event, which also saw Sen. Rockefeller and locally-invited guests, such as the Mayor, in attendance.
Bush hit a variety of topics during his speech. He first assured listeners that the country is winning the war on terrorism. He also thanked the men and women of the West Virginia National Guard for helping the United States, “fight and win the war against terrorism.”
“…It’s so important for this nation to remain steadfast and resolved and strong in our purpose to free the world of terror so our children can live peacefully.”
Bush also commented on the economy. “My economic plan is based upon this word: jobs. I want to ask that question all around the country, what can we do to create work? There’s a lot of good people who want to work, and we’ve got to help them find work. And so I’m asking Congress, when they come back, to keep in mind one word: jobs.
“…I care about working people. I don’t care what label they put on them. I don’t care if they are a Democrat, Republican, Independent, union, non-union; I want to find jobs for everyone. I’m the President of everybody, not just a few. And so I sat down with Jimmy [Hoffa], …and I was with the head of the carpenters, and seafarers and construction people. And we’re talking about jobs.”
The President also stated that a good energy plan is good for not only U.S. security, but also because, as the nation explores options for producing energy in America, it will mean jobs for Americans.
In addition to the economy and current energy issues, Bush also spoke to attendees about a variety of topics, including West Virginia coal mining operations. In the question and answer session, the President was asked about coal miners and the coal industry. His response, “With a comprehensive energy plan, they’re going to be able to find work. And we need an energy plan. And there are ways to have coal exploration and coal development with a sensitivity toward our environment.”
Another question posed to Bush was about the West Virginians who are not a part of the coal industry, but who need economic help.
“Education is going to be the first step, people getting a good education are going to be able to find good work. And West Virginia has got an interesting, burgeoning tourist industry; they’ve got a good natural gas industry; and they’ve got a lot going for them. But a lot of it is going to be the ability to educate the people so they can find work. And that’s why this education bill is a good piece of legislation,” Bush commented.
Before his speech, the President was treated to a tour of the company’s powertrain and engine rebuild facility.
“We are very proud that President Bush chose Walker Machinery and Belle, WV, to discuss his economic stimulus plan, as well as share his thoughts for a need to increase the usage of our domestic energy supplies,” Walker said.
For more information, call 304/949-6400 or visit www.whitehouse.gov/news.
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