Arnoldsburg resident Laura Thompson (right) with Gov. and
First Lady Gayle Manchin at Monday night's Inaugural Ball
Joe Manchin likely gave the most optimistic inaugural address Monday of any governor in the nation.
While not ignoring the nation's economic woes, the governor cited fiscal discipline in his first term as the reason West Virginia's economy, unlike those of neighboring states, is on sound footing.
"After three straight years of surpluses, our budget outlook is still strong," Manchin said.
"I see a new West Virginia that once again leads an energy revolution that will keep this nation safe and bring unprecedented prosperity to our state and our country," he said.
Manchin left Charleston to attended the inauguration of Barack Obama in Washington.
Attending the Governor's Ball from Calhoun (Back-L to R) Roberta Noggle, Patricia Lynch, and Vickie Knight (Front) Wayne and Laura Thompson of Arnoldsburg, who was once a school student of A. J. Manchin
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