I have always had a strong work ethic and a sense of responsibility.
From an early age, my parents prepared me for life’s challenges by instilling in me that working hard and doing what is right will not only lead to success for me, but for those around me. While I could certainly shape the path I would go down in life, I realized that I could positively affect the lives of others. By being responsible for my own actions, and making the right decisions, I could be an asset to my family, my friends and my community.
As a result, I’ve taken on the challenges of being a student, entrepreneur, businessman and, most importantly, a husband and a father. And I’m proud to say I’ve been successful.
Not that there hasn’t been bumps along the way—everyone experiences those. I was never afraid to make mistakes, everyone makes them and I learned from mine. But my commitment to hard work and staying focused on what was the right thing to do has never let me down.
Now, as I prepare to be Governor, my values, my commitment, my resolve to do what is right for the people of Nevada is as strong as ever.
We are not always going to be on the same side of an issue. There will be debates, negotiations and sometimes even arguments. But I promise to listen to both sides. And no one will work harder to know each side of an issue than me. Because as governor, that’s my job and my responsibility.
But no one’s voice will be louder and be more important to me than the voters. They will send me to Carson City to do a job for them. And when they speak, I will listen. It’s my duty to do what is in the best interests of the people, but doing that must begin with hearing and heeding the will of the people.
My goal is to build a Healthy Nevada—literally and figuratively. A Healthy Nevada that has a cost-effective, responsive health care system; an economy that is vibrant and growing; education that focuses on the classroom, puts students first and is measured by results; a policy that will provide clean and efficient energy, as well as create jobs; a support system that encourages people to lift themselves up and become self-sustaining, contributing members of our community.
While this may sound like a daunting task, it’s nothing that I haven’t taken on before. From the age of eight, my parents started to build in me the foundation for the work ethic and moral compass that guides me still today. I weeded the garden, mowed the lawn, raked leaves and did housework. I also picked fruit, shoveled horse manure and fed the animals. Eventually, I learned how to cook and build things such as doghouses, go-carts, tree forts. I even helped my step-father build a barn. All the while going to school, doing homework and maintaining good grades.
Not only did I learn the value of hard work, I learned team building, cooperation, communication and what can happen when people work together.
I have a vision for Nevada and a good idea of how to make it a reality. But it will only be successful as a vision if it is shared with the people. It is my responsibility to make us a team. As Governor, I will aggressively work to implement my goals and agenda, but only together with Nevadans.
