Picnic and Rally Held to re-elect Goss

By Vicki Randolph

Saturday’s weather was great and the atmosphere fit a classic summer picnic, not necessarily typical for a political fund raiser. Then again, Steve Goss is not a typical politician. What started out as a family and friends picnic became an Ashe County rally to re-elect the N.C. Senator.

Kids were running and playing, adults were casually enjoying hot dogs and desserts. Several elected officials and others running for local and state offices addressed the crowd. There was even live Bluegrass music provided by the Houck Brothers Band.

Graham Caddell of 580 WKSK presided as Master of Ceremonies for the event. The event began with an invocation by Becky Mann, and Sgt. William Carter led the Pledge of Allegiance. Anna Martin, Ashe County High School graduate, sang an acapella version of the National Anthem before Senator Goss spoke to those gathered at the picnic.

The hot dogs, beans and accompanying traditional foods were then served, while the band entertained picnickers. Later, Melba Jones, chair of the Ashe County Democratic Party, introduced several people who delivered short addresses.

Speakers included N.C. State House Representative Cullie Tarlton; Beth Wood, candidate for State Auditor; Marty Norris on behalf of Roy Carter, who is running for U.S. House 5th District [Carter was present for the picnic but had to leave early]; Chris Church on behalf of Wayne Goodman, Commissioner of Insurance; Becky Mann on behalf of Judge Sherry Beasley; Dale Baldwin, candidate for county commissioner; Dallas Shatley, candidate for county commissioner; Marty Gambill, incumbent county commissioner; and several others involved with the Goss Campaign.

The highlight of the evening came during the old-fashioned country auction, as Representative Tarlton is also quite the auctioneer. He impressed everyone with his auctioneering skills, all the while helping to raise funds for the Goss campaign. Items auctioned off included artwork, cakes, novelty items, gift certificates, handicrafts and even health screenings.

During the picnic, Tarlton expressed his support of Goss. “It is essential that we re-elect Steve Goss to the N.C. Senate,” he said. “We’ve accomplished good things for our district, and I promise that both of us will continue to work hard for you.”

Goss had much to say in a short period of time. First he thanked the committee for all of their hard work on the successful picnic. Then he addressed issues of a more political nature, stating that what the public always wants to know is, “What have you done for me lately?”

“I entered into this office with a commitment to work as hard as I possibly could, and I will continue with that commitment,” he said. “You’ve never heard me say the words Democrat or Republican, or an ill word about my opponent.

“You want a non-partisan person who is going to work in a non-partisan way,” he continued. “The most important thing is integrity. I believe in what I’m doing and that hard work and honesty can win elections in North Carolina. We have a great district in the 45th District, and you are all special to me.”

“Money has never meant a lot to me,” said Goss when speaking of his choices in life. “My wife and I have chosen the road of service as a teacher, as a preacher, as a missionary. My goal has always been service.

“This has been the greatest journey I’ve ever had,” he said when speaking of his role in public office.

Senator Goss also addressed the issue of Push Polling, the practice of distorting facts about a political opponent to manipulate voters. “I believe in America and I believe in Americans, but here I stand to say, the system is wrong when you can win elections by condemning other people. Voters want honesty; distortion of the facts is wrong, and it should not happen.”

The Senator also expressed his concern about job losses in the area. “We have to bring jobs back to our area; we cannot allow these job losses to continue anymore,” he said. He is currently working on a letter to the governor about heating subsidies, stating that “residents cannot wait until January or February to have this issue addressed.”

For further information about any of the above topics or any other comments or concerns, go to www.SenatorSteveGoss.com or call Steve Goss at (828) 265-2943. Goss personally answers all correspondence from the public.