Issues

            I am committed to upholding the principles of the Republican agenda that have been the bedrock of our great party. My vision is simple: Help you! I believe in the power of our community and the strength of our shared values and differences. I want to establish our district back to the leader of individual rights free from government interference, and to build upon the foundations that have made our state strong. The importance of liberty and justice for EVERY legal citizen of this state. I’m not going to be a representative that stands on the sideline with my arms crossed in protest. I am not a disrupter, I want to go and solve problems working with my colleagues promoting Republican policies. Negotiating with the ways and means to appropriate needed funds in areas most deserving. Moving this state forward in a time of mass migration is critical to improving life here and establishing a long lasting Republican influence. As a blue-collar worker, I understand the challenges that everyday people face. I know what it's like to live paycheck to paycheck, to worry about healthcare costs, and to struggle with rising taxes. That's why I am committed to reducing government interference and promoting policies that put more money back into your pockets and more open areas. Working together with my fellow members of the House, I aim to create a South Carolina where every citizen can thrive. A state where hard work is rewarded, where businesses can grow without unnecessary red tape, and where our children can receive a world-class education without breaking the bank. I am not a career politician. I am one of you. And together, we can move South Carolina forward.

Thank you for your support.

            I believe that we should use the surplus money that is at an all-time high to pay for infrastructure and road repair in rural areas, instead of taxing the hard-working people of our state with an unfair high gas tax. South Carolina gas tax is one of the highest in the nation. The state gas tax, which was 16.75 cents per gallon in 2017, is now 28.75 cents per gallon in 2023 (Hoffer & Dobrinsky-Harris, 2023). This means that South Carolinians pay more extra per year for gas, compared to the national average (Jerry Insurance Agency, 2023). This is a heavy burden on the middle class, especially those who live in rural areas and depend on their cars for work, school, and other essential activities. The state should allocate the surplus from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Act towards funding special rural area infrastructure maintenance projects, as opposed to imposing fuel taxes at the pump. By relying solely on formula funding, South Carolina could anticipate receiving an estimated $4.9 billion in federal transportation formula funding for highways and bridges over a period of five years. This is approximately 27.6% more annually on average than the State's transportation formula funding from federal aid under current law. (The bipartisan infrastructure law will deliver for South Carolina). These projects will enhance the safety and efficiency of rural roads, bridges, ports, airports, and transport systems. To address these vital requirements, the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Act contains billions of dollars for rural areas.

• Spend more of the allocated funds on rule roads and help local counties with prioritizing damaged infrastructure. 
• Allow fair contract bidding on infrastructure repair. 

There are other ways to explore reducing/suspending the tax entirely. To increase funding for road repairs while lowering or repealing the state gas tax, there are a few potential strategies:

• Reallocate Existing Funds: Review the current budget and identify areas where funds could be reallocated to road repairs. This would require careful consideration of the impacts on other sectors. We have a huge surplus and allocated funds to the Rural Infrastructure Fund to help with county roads.

• Increase Efficiency: Look for ways to increase efficiency in road repair projects, potentially allowing for more repairs with the same amount of funding. I want to propose implementing a non-violent prison workforce to save the taxpayers money and to build skills that will help them to become a productive member of society. The types of projects this workforce will maintain will be road repair, grass maintenance, right-of-way, and other special projects the county or state may need. 

• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Engage with private entities for infrastructure projects. PPPs can bring private sector efficiency into public sector projects.

References:

Hoffer, A., & Dobrinsky-Harris, J. (2023, October 5). How high are gas taxes in your state? Tax Foundation. https://taxfoundation.org/data/all/state/state-gas-tax-rates-2023/

The bipartisan infrastructure law will deliver for South Carolina. U.S. Department of Transportation. (n.d.). https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/bipartisan-infrastructure-law-will-deliver-south-carolina

JERRY INSURANCE AGENCY. South Carolina Gas Tax. https://getjerry.com/driving/south-carolina-gas-tax

            I want to encourage investors who build subdivisions and residential communities to invest in the infrastructure around the area. Such as:

• Roads,
• Schools,
• Parks,
• Public Services.
• First Responders 
• Teachers

I propose creating one-time impact or transactional fee for developers/investors. Along with applying more state revenue into the Rule Infrastructure Fund for local rural areas. This will help preserve the natural beauty and quality of life in our state. By proposing a bill across the state that a minimal number of homes being built the developers must invest a factored amount into the community.

            In Greenville and surrounding areas, the urban sprawl, which is the fast geographic expansion of cities and towns and is frequently associated with low-density residential housing, such as subdivisions, has been a major global worry for city planners and rural residents alike.

Unchecked urban development can pose serious problems for the provision of infrastructure. The extension of services to remote locations can put a burden on the infrastructure systems now in place and cost a significant amount of money. 

            One time Impact/transactional fees are one method being used by several American cities to address this problem. Developers are subject to these fees throughout the development approval procedure (Role of Infrastructure in the Success of a Residential Development). The fees are intended to partially offset the costs of supplying new projects with public infrastructure and services.

For instance, impact fees for fire safety, law enforcement, schools, and other public services could be imposed on developers (The Effects of Housing Development on a Rural Community's Economy). Usually, the estimated number of units in the development is used to compute these fees. This makes sure that developers pay their fair part for infrastructure upgrades and expansion.

The United States is one country where this is demonstrated in practice. A manual on impact fees is available from the National Association of Home Builders, which covers the policy, legal, and economic aspects of these fees. For builders and developers, the manual also offers best practices and suggestions (Impact Fee Handbook - National Association of Home Builders).

            In conclusion, measures like impact fees and slower urban sprawl can ensure that infrastructure keeps up with development. It makes sure that investors and developers, who stand to gain from new construction, also foot the bill for any required infrastructure improvements. As a result, a more sustainable paradigm for infrastructure development and urban growth is produced.

References:

Impact Fee Handbook - National Association of Home Builders. https://www.nahb.org/-/media/NAHB/advocacy/docs/industry-issues/land-use-101/infrastructure/impact-fee-handbook.pdf.

Role of Infrastructure in the Success of a Residential Development. https://www.canr.msu.edu/spdc/uploads/files/programs/cm/housing_education_and_research_center/RoleInfrastructureSucessResDevelopment_Hardekar&Chakraborty_HERI_WCAG2.0_Oct2018.pdf.

FHWA - Center for Innovative Finance Support - Fact Sheets. https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ipd/value_capture/defined/value_cap_faq_impact_fees.aspx.

Part I Section 263A.-- Capitalization and Inclusion in Inventory Costs .... https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rr-02-9.pdf.

Development Impact Fees and Excise Taxes - Maryland. https://dls.maryland.gov/pubs/prod/NoPblTabPDF/2021DevelopmentImpactFeesandImpactTaxes.pdf.

The Effects of Housing Development on a Rural Community's Economy. https://ruralhome.org/the-effects-of-housing-development-on-a-rural-communitys-economy/.

The Local Economic Impact of Home Building - NAHB. https://www.nahb.org/News-and-Economics/Housing-Economics/Housings-Economic-Impact/The-Local-Economic-Impact-of-Home-Building.

Housing is Critical Infrastructure: Social and %CONOMICÏENElTSÏ of .... https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/Housing-is-Critical-Infrastructure-Social-and-Economic-Benefits-of-Building-More-Housing-6-15-2021.pdf.

             As a proud resident of South Carolina, I am deeply committed to the values that define our great state. Our state constitution, a testament to the wisdom of our forefathers, enshrines principles that we hold dear - principles of freedom, self-governance, and respect for individual rights under God.

State Sovereignty

            The principle of state sovereignty is fundamental to our democracy. It allows us to govern ourselves in a way that reflects our unique values and circumstances. While we are part of a larger nation, it is essential that decisions affecting South Carolinians are made by South Carolinians. We must resist undue interference from Washington D.C., ensuring that the power remains with the people of our state.

Our Path Forward

            As we navigate the challenges ahead, let us remember the principles that guide us. Let us stand firm in our commitment to social freedom and state sovereignty. Let us work together to build a future that honors our past and reflects our values.

            In conclusion, I believe in South Carolina. I believe in our ability to govern ourselves and make decisions that reflect our values. I believe in leaving D.C. out of S.C., not out of disrespect for our federal system, but out of respect for the principles of self-governance upon which our nation was founded.

Let's continue to uphold the values enshrined in our state constitution and work towards a future where every South Carolinian can thrive.

            As a candidate for public office in South Carolina, I firmly believe in the power of democracy and the importance of each citizen's voice. One area where I believe we can enhance our democratic processes is in the selection of our judges. Currently, judges in South Carolina are selected through legislative elections. However, I propose an amendment to our state constitution to allow general voters to elect judges. Here's why:

1. Enhancing Democratic Participation: Allowing all eligible voters to participate in judicial elections would enhance democratic participation and give citizens a direct voice in choosing those who interpret our laws.
2. Transparency and Accountability: Judges elected by the people would be more accountable to the people they serve. This could lead to increased transparency in our judicial system.
3. Diversifying the Bench: Opening up the process could attract a more diverse pool of candidates, leading to a judiciary that better reflects our state's population.

Now, let's look at the current judge nominating procedure in South Carolina:

• The South Carolina Judicial Merit Selection Commission screens and selects candidates for judgeships.
• The commission then submits a list of three names to the General Assembly.
• The General Assembly votes on the candidates, either choosing one of the three recommendations or rejecting the entire slate.

            If elected, I would work towards amending our state constitution to allow all eligible voters to elect judges. This would involve proposing legislatively referred constitutional amendments or calling for a constitutional convention.

            In conclusion, I believe that allowing general voters to elect judges would strengthen our democracy, increase transparency and accountability, and lead to a more diverse judiciary. If you share this vision, I ask for your support in making this change a reality.

References:

Judicial selection in South Carolina - Ballotpedia. https://ballotpedia.org/Judicial_selection_in_South_Carolina.

How Judges Are Elected in South Carolina - South Carolina Legislature .... https://www.scstatehouse.gov/JudicialMeritPage/HowJudgesAreElectedInSC011110.pdf.

South Carolina Judicial Merit Selection Commission - Ballotpedia. https://ballotpedia.org/South_Carolina_Judicial_Merit_Selection_Commission.

South Carolina Constitution - South Carolina Legislature Online. https://www.scstatehouse.gov/scconstitution/scconst.php.

AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION - South Carolina Legislature Online. https://www.scstatehouse.gov/scconstitution/Amendments.pdf.