Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
1. What are the three most pressing needs of your district and how can you help address those needs?
First and foremost, the top need in District 9 would be the conditions of our roads and infrastructure. While some progress has been made, as a state we are falling well short of where we were promised we would be after the gas tax was passed. Secondly, from our power supply to water and sewer, we need to be proactive and not reactive to growth. We can never have growth outpace infrastructure. Lastly, a long-term strategic plan to manage our unprecedented growth is needed so that Anderson County doesn’t lose its character. Growth in our area is inevitable, but our county and our cities need to work as a cohesive unit to properly oversee this influx of people flocking to the Upstate. AS your elected representative, I will work with our local governments to get everyone to the table so we can tackle this endeavor head on, and have smart growth, not the free for all that has happened in other areas of the south.
2. How would you work with the Anderson County Legislative Delegation to work on these issues?
We have some great legislators in Anderson County, and my goal would be to work with my colleagues and make decisions in the best interest of our constituents. The people of Anderson County want representatives in Columbia who are working for them, and I believe that my background in business and the funeral services profession has well prepared me to work with a wider range of people, both here and in Anderson and at the State House. I will work with our delegation, and for the people of Anderson County.
3. What the state’s three most pressing needs moving into 2025?
Roads, accountability, and public education are the top three most pressing needs for South Carolina. AS referenced before, our roads are still overall in poor shape. Alongside this, South Carolina “found” 1.8 BILLION DOLLARS this year and they don’t know where it should be; that in itself is enough to make people lose complete trust in their government. We have to hold our elected officials to a higher standard, and when people in Anderson County see this mismanagement of funds, it makes them angry and makes me angry. We all deserve better government. Lastly, public education has been and always will be a top need for our state. We have to have a prepared workforce, and as more companies relocate to this area, we have to make sure we have graduates that are ready to take on these new roles in business and industry.
4. What is your approach to working with other house members to achieve the greater good?
My wife has been an educator for 41 years, and the one rule she has always had for her classroom is “be nice” and that is exactly how I plan to approach my role as a state representative. I have strong convictions and principles, but I will work with people to move strong, conservative bills through the legislative process. I will talk to those who support my ideas, and those who may view things differently. Just because I disagree with someone politically, doesn’t mean they are my enemy- it just means I have to do it without their support. People want to see the government working for the people, and I know that I can get things done in Columbia for the people that send me there.
5. What three personal or professional qualities make you the best candidate for this office?
Since my campaign started, I have focused on three qualities. Listen. Learn. Lead. I was a small business owner for nearly twenty years, and learned how to work with people and how to get things done. After that chapter of my life came to a close I embarked on an entirely new profession—which shows my commitment to being a lifelong learner. I am committed to being YOUR VOICE in Columbia, and I am not afraid to use my voice to speak out on what is right, and speak up when I see something that is wrong. Republicans can’t sit on the sideline, we have to take a principled approach to enacting a conservative agenda, and we have to be held accountable for our legislative successes and failures. I am excited to have the opportunity to represent great people of District 9, and I encourage anyone to reach out to me at any time, if I can help them in any way.
