July 31, 2010 - [photos above: Joanne and Rep. Boucher posing on the front steps; Joanne making a point to the Congressman; left VT intern Gretchen Jackson, Joanne, Rep. Boucher, resident innkeeper Liz Albitz.]
U.S. Congressman Rick Boucher was a guest at Clay Corner Inn last night, so guess who grabbed her tea and plunked down across the table at breakfast?? Yours truly, this small business owner/innkeeper!
He was attentive and gracious, whilst polishing off a baked egg (think: heavy cream, some Swiss cheese, herbs, oven baked, yum yum), which could have been served with ham, home fries and a fresh thyme biscuit. I think he declined a couple sides, in favor of a small dish of fresh fruit with some homemade granola and a spot of yogurt. But what he ate is insignificant compared to his understanding of small business being "the backbone of America" - his words. I expressed my concern about certain tax cuts expiring at the end of the year, the federal deficit and what I perceived as huge government not making an effort to reduce its expenses. I told him I figured if the government ran Clay Corner Inn, it would have a staff of 14 or 15 people doing what is now done by a superb core staff of 3 along with extra summer help and a second great Virginia Tech intern. [We're already missing you, Cory Johnson!]
To say I am pleased he stayed at Clay Corner Inn is an understatement. The only way our Congressional representatives can understand their constituents IS to rub elbows with them in their real worlds, patronize their businesses and share a breakfast table or cup of tea on a regular basis. So many in Washington, D.C., seem to have lost touch with the people they represent. I'm impressed that Rick Boucher seems to be keeping in touch. We applaud you, today, Congressman Boucher. [And we won't forget the evening glass of milk! :)] Joanne
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