STATEMENT OF ANNOUNCEMENT OF CANDIDACY

I take pleasure in announcing today that I will be a candidate in the Republican primary in June for State Senate District 22 in Richland and Kershaw Counties.  I have lived in Richland County for more than 28 years and hope that I qualify as a sort of native. 

We have too few Republican votes in the State Senate, but we need more than just votes.  We need new, aggressive, energetic leadership, someone who will be an advocate for the taxpayers of this community.

I am a businessman and I bring a businessman‘s emphasis and focus to the legislative arena.  I am a conservative and I believe that conservative solutions time and again have proven themselves in the public square. 

            First and foremost, we must find a way to limit the amount of money our governments take from us.  City, county and state governments all derive their incomes under the laws of the state.  Huge tax  increases which have recently been felt by many of the property owners in Richland County are inexcusable at a time when the tax take is at an all time high.   

Assessments are up because appraisals are up and your county assessing authority won’t even let you protest their decision.  This must and should be changed.  County governments are the only ones who over tax you and refuse to refund the excess.   

            Taxes on automobiles and personal property may be a place relief can be given.  Surely for South Carolina to have the second highest such tax in the nation is not a designation we want for our state.  Taxes on food may be another, and I understand a bill has already been introduced which would do this.

            However, the tax structure needs a comprehensive study.  It needs to be studied so we can lower taxes for all South Carolina citizens and make this state a true modern day “tax haven” while maintaining our services.  With a surplus approaching $1 billion, we should be able to accomplish this. 

            The primary function of state government is to provide an education to all of its citizens who want it, and we have spent an enormous amount of money on education in recent years with very little to show for it in the way of results.  Administrators need to develop curricula which will lift us above the pack, not make us average.  We talk about paying teachers in terms of putting them above the southeastern or national averages.  Our talk about improving students’ performance should do the same. 

            Leadership is crucial to the future of our state.  Our state legislators must be willing to take a stand and get involved in issues which come before us and use their political capital.  Whether the forum is civic, church or political organizations, I have proved that I can lead.  I have shown that I am a unifier, not a divider. Given the chance, I believe I can provide the kind of cooperative leadership our state needs to move forward.