Dear Editor,
As a 45-year resident of Craig County, I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand the work Delegate Terry Austin has done for our community and rural Virginia as a whole. Throughout his time in Richmond, Terry has proven to be a steadfast advocate for our needs, fighting tirelessly for the betterment of rural areas, often going above and beyond to secure the resources we deserve.
I had the opportunity to visit Richmond recently and witness firsthand Terry’s ability to represent Craig County with passion and determination. As a budget conferee, Terry played a pivotal role in securing the $1.95 million allocation to complete the buildout of our emergency radio system. This critical investment will ensure that first responders can communicate effectively and respond quickly during emergencies, which is a vital need for our rural community. Without his leadership, this funding would not have materialized, and our ability to protect residents could have been jeopardized.
What stands out most about Terry Austin is his ability to fight above his weight, representing a rural district with the same strength as larger, more urban areas where individual counties have more than one delegate representing their interests. While Richmond often focuses on the needs of larger cities, Terry remains committed to making sure that rural Virginia is not overlooked. He has been a consistent voice for our concerns, ensuring we have the resources to keep our communities safe, healthy, and economically vibrant. His work on behalf of Craig County, and the broader rural region, speaks volumes about his dedication and effectiveness in advocating for us in the General Assembly.
Delegate Austin’s leadership, especially his recent success in securing much-needed funding for our emergency services, shows that he can and does deliver for rural Virginia. I encourage my fellow Virginians to vote for Delegate Terry Austin in the Republican Primary on June 17th to continue having a tireless advocate in Richmond. We need his leadership now more than ever.
Sincerely,
-Jim Cady
Craig County
