First, let me thank you for allowing me to serve the last two years as your Representative to the General Assembly in Columbia. During this time, I have come to know many fine people in District 18. Though our conversations, I have gained a greater understanding of the effect – both good and bad – that state government has on people and businesses.
I am honored to announce that I will be on the ballot as the Republican nominee in the November 2nd General Election.
As a native of Blue Ridge and a business owner in Greer, I remain committed to representing our common-sense conservative values in Columbia. Since my election in 2008, we have been weathering a major financial crisis with no end in sight. This continuing crisis has made “financial stability” a core value in my current platform. In preparation for the election, please take a few minutes to consider the following issues that I feel are important.
Education – As a former trustee of Coastal Carolina University, I developed an in-depth understanding of what our children need to succeed in an increasingly competitive world. I remain committed to reforming our public education system to make sure tax dollars are spent in the classroom – not on educrats in Columbia; that good teachers are rewarded; and that classroom discipline is enforced. Most importantly, I believe that each child is uniquely created by God and that parents should have the last word for their children’s education.
Immigration – The federal government has failed to protect our borders against illegal immigration. We all realize that illegal immigration has become a serious local problem. I believe that current laws should be enforced so that illegal aliens and other criminal elements do not want to come here. During the last legislative session, I helped sponsor H4919 – The Illegal Alien Enforcement Act which was modeled on the recent legislation passed in Arizona.
Restructuring – When I first ran for office, I emphasized the need to reduce the size of state government through efficient reform. Due to the severe recession, we were forced to cut state spending by almost 30% – without the benefit of planned reform. Unfortunately, the long range economic outlook has not improved which means that the efficient reform of state government remains one of my core goals.
Gun Rights – I fully support the Second Amendment and the rights of gun owners to protect their families and property. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I have consistently voted to protect our hunting and fishing rights.
Pro – Life – As a father of a son with hemophilia, I know that all children are gifts from God regardless of their condition — health, financial or otherwise. I absolutely support protection for the unborn and have actively defended their rights on the House floor. Furthermore, I understand the emotional and financial challenges faced by those who have children with special needs and the challenges that those parents face during this financial crisis.
Taxes – I have spent my entire career designing and providing compliance services for corporate-level retirement plans where employees can legally shelter money from taxes. Due to the financial cuts in Columbia, many Democrats have called for tax increases – and were voted down. As a conservative Republican, I believe that the worst thing government can do in a recession (or at anytime) is to raise taxes and my voting record reflects my belief.
Economic Growth – In my work, I have the opportunity to talk with many small business owners about the challenges that they face. I share with them their frustration at government regulations that are designed to prevent them from doing what they do best – growing the economy and creating jobs. In the upcoming legislative Session, I will fight to get government off the backs of employers so that our struggling economy can have room to grow.
Marriage & Family – I believe that marriage is reserved for one man and one woman. Furthermore, I believe that the traditional family structure remains the best foundation that society can be built upon and that it must be protected.
Agriculture – Agriculture remains our state’s second largest industry. As a member of the Agriculture Committee, I have voted to protect our farms and will continue to support legislation that encourages the use and consumption of locally grown products.
If you support my common-sense conservative agenda, I ask for your support on November 2nd.
