Democrat Roscoe Reynolds represents the 20th District, which includes all of Carroll, Floyd, Henry and Patrick counties and Galax and Martinsville in the Virginia Senate. His district also includes parts of Grayson and Wythe counties. Reynolds, a Martinsville native, is well known for his advocacy of job creation, public education and consumer rights. But here are a few things you didn’t know about this senator:
Senator Reynolds’ favorite meal comes in a can
I am not a cook. My favorite meal to prepare is a beef stew heavy in pea and carrot content. All items in the meal come from cans.
He’s an audio book worm
Since the area I represent is so widespread, I get to listen to many audio books as I travel to and from meetings. I presently am listening to a Swedish fiction novel, Three Seconds, by Roslund & Hellstrom. I recently finished Kevin Mitchell’s non-fiction book entitled Jacob’s Beach: The Mob, the Fights, the Fifties, which centers on the boxing establishment at Madison Square Garden during the first half of the 20th Century.
His favorite musicians
My favorite musical group is the Amazing Rhythm Aces who play a wide variety of music, running from country and bluegrass through the blues and hard rock with many stops along the way. I also enjoy Willie Nelson, Hank Williams, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, George Shearing and big band music.
His secret to success
The secret to success is hard work.
Senator Reynolds actually digs social networking/online media
Social working and online media can serve as a vital method for constituency input to those of us who are fortunate enough to serve as their representatives in government.
He’s gone from paperboy to politician
The media helped develop the interest that I have in politics. As a youngster, I delivered newspapers. I found the newspaper articles about politics interesting reading. Also, event such as national political conventions were covered in more detail by the major television networks when I was younger.
His first campaign slogan
My first campaign slogan for the General Assembly campaign was “People, not Politics.” The slogan was used because it emphasized my belief that the role of an elected official should be providing service to his constituency rather than primarily pushing a political agenda.
His reputation as a politician
I hope that I am most known for providing help and assistance to my constituency and the localities that I represent.
Senator Reynolds is proud of a lot
In general terms, I am very proud of the work that I have done in the General Assembly that has led to Virginia receiving a number of accolades. The Commonwealth has been recognized as the best run of the 50 states, the best state in which to do business and the state where the children have the brightest future. I am also very proud of our triple A bond rating and the fact that Virginia has consistently had a balanced budget. We have weathered recessions and economic setbacks without raising taxes. Our schools continue to be recognized for the quality education afforded our young people. The crime rate in Virginia is at its lowest point since reliable statistics started being kept in the late 1960’s. I am also very proud of the work that I have done to make Virginia’s highways safer by adopting very effective punishment laws in dealing with those who drive under the influence and who endanger citizen’s lives.
His top legislative goals
My top goal for the district is returning economic prosperity and job opportunities to an area that has been severely challenged by the decline in textile, furniture and tobacco industry related jobs. A key to improving opportunities for the citizens that I represent is more educational opportunities than presently exist. I have worked hard while I have served on the Tobacco Commission to obtain new job and educational opportunities for those who reside in Southside and Southwest Virginia.
Sign up for the Blue Virginia weekly newsletter
