Of me, you must demand my very best, and that you shall have. And here is what I ask of you. For too long, there has been a collective failure of initiative among us - economically, culturally, intellectually, and yes, politically. There can be no substitute for your energy, your sacrifice and your determination for West Virginia's future. The responsibility for West Virginia, for her condition and for her fate, rests then finally with each one of us.
Mountaineers Are Always Free.
For well over 100 years, that has been our motto. For though there are limits as to what government can do, or as to what I can do, there are no limits on what all of us can do together. As we grow and as we prosper, let us together preserve those things which make our state so special. Even as we tend to its necessary development, we must be certain not to sacrifice this rugged beauty which surrounds us everywhere, this gift from God. But beyond all else, we must take care to preserve the human scale of life here.