Staff Reports

As part of his Highway 58 Manufacturing Tour, 5th District Congressman Robert Hurt made a stop Tuesday afternoon at Bo’s Hydraulics, Inc. to visit with owner Bo Thomasson and staff at the Riverdale business.

Hurt began his manufacturing tour early Tuesday with stops at Lawrenceville, South Hill and Clarksville before coming to South Boston where he met with Thomasson before attending the annual meeting of the Halifax County Farm Bureau.

As he has traveled throughout the 5th District, Hurt said he has listened to people’s numerous concerns about the need for policies that will create the conditions needed for more robust job growth.

“With many communities in the 5th District continuing to experience unacceptable high unemployment, it has been very frustrating to see jobs bills pass the House with significant bipartisan majorities only to be ignored by the Senate,” Hurt said.

He said the House is leading the way by adopting new job-creating legislation as well as sending a package of “our best, previously-passed jobs legislation to the Senate just last week to remind them of their obligation to address these vital issues.

“We need to do everything we can to get people back to work,” Hurt added.

“Hearing from those living and working in Virginia’s 5th District continues to be my greatest resource as I serve them. Their input has not only generated creative ideas but brought to light problems created by some of the big government programs out of Washington,” he said pointing out why it is important for him to visit with business people throughout the district when he is not in Washington.

During the congressman’s visit to the county Tuesday afternoon, Thomasson told Hurt all he looked for in a representative was a “straight forward, honest leader,” and Hurt assured him he could be that for him.

The owner of Bo’s Hydraulics, Inc. told Hurt of his humble beginnings in Cluster Springs and the changes he has experienced over the 48 years he has been in business.

Hurt told him about growing up in Chatham being a country boy himself.

Thomasson spoke of changes needed in Washington to restore the common man’s faith in its politicians, and Hurt agreed.

“I hear the way people talk about Washington, but I’m not ready to give up hope,” the 5th District congressman added.

“Get in there and do what’s right,” said Thomasson.

“I will,” said Hurt, before adding, “I admire what you’ve done here. It’s a part of the great American story.”

Courtesy of Ashley Hodge

As part of his Highway 58 Manufacturing Tour, 5th District Congressman Robert Hurt made a stop Tuesday afternoon at Bo’s Hydraulics, Inc. to visit with owner Bo Thomasson and staff at the Riverdale business.