By Tanna Friday
Editor
TRUSSVILLE – The Republican Women of Trussville (RWOT) held their monthly meeting on Thursday evening, May 3, at the Three Earred Rabbit in Trussville.
Gov. Kay Ivey, guest speaker, mingled with the group before addressing key topics in this year’s campaign.
The governor began her speech by thanking the RWOT for the opportunity to speak.
Guest speaker, Governor Kay Ivey, at the May 3rd Republican Women of Trussville meeting at the Three Earred Rabbit in Trussville. Photos by Ron Burkett.
“While I have spoken to y’all in the past,” said the Gov. Ivey. “This is my first time to get to stand with you as your 54th Governor of the great State of Alabama.”
The topic then switched to her transition following the resignation of former Gov. Robert Bentley on April 10, 2017.
“It was a very dark time in our state’s history when I became governor,” said Gov. Ivey. “Unemployment was high and moral was low. There was no leadership going on in the state. Where many people have three months to transition, I had three hours. Long story short, we steadied the ship.”
The topic then switched to Alabama’s progress during her tenure.
“Alabama is working y’all,” said Gov. Ivey. “I mean really working. We have more people working than ever before, the lowest unemployment rate in the state’s history, attracted $6 billion dollars in new investments and creating 13,000 more new jobs. All of this is just from April 2017.”
Education was a key part of the governor’s speech.
“I have also become known as the governor who has focused on education,” said Ivey. “In order for us to attract high quality jobs that pay good wages, we need to improve our educational process.”
Gov. Ivey spoke about the “Strong Start, Strong Finish” education initiative. This initiative will focus on three stages of education: early childhood education, computer science in middle and high school, and workforce preparedness.
“We want to teach children how to read,” said Gov. Ivey. “The goal here is have all third graders reading, at grade level or above when they complete third grade, by the year 2022.”
“By the year 2025, my goal is to have 500,000 Alabamians, ages 24 through 64 years, holding at least a two-year degree or a post-secondary certificate, or post-secondary credential. Jobs of tomorrow are going to require more education.”
Gov. Ivey used a metaphor of this year’s governor’s election to Alabama football.
“In closing, let me just put this election in perspective,” said Ivey. “The State of Alabama is looking for a head coach. I am the only one applying for the job that has had experience coaching at this level. The State of Alabama has won every game since I have been head coach. Our great state, our team is undefeated, and we are on the pathway to prosperity.
So, I ask you this question, what search committee would ever consider someone to be a head coach that has not coached a single game at this level?”
Many key leaders in the community were also in attendance including Mayor Buddy Choat, who welcomed Gov. Ivey.
“We welcome you, Gov. Ivey, to our city,” said Choat. “Really I wanted to thank you all for what you do for our city.”
Mayor Buddy Choat welcomed Clay Mayor Charles Webster, Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Hale, Alabama Rep. Danny Garrett, and Sen. Shay Shelnutt.
“Today was National Day of Prayer,” said Choat. “I want you to know that there is a lot of people praying not only for me and the City of Trussville, but for all of you, what you do and your willingness to serve because it is a commitment. I thank all of you. Whether you are running or currently serving, I appreciate what you are doing.”
