When I left the Solicitor’s Office several years ago, I truly thought I was through with my government service. There has always been a part of me that loves serving the people, but as you can imagine, working within government can be very frustrating. But the only thing more frustrating than working in government is sitting back and watching what government and the politicians are doing to our state and nation.

Quite honestly, it’s gotten completely out of hand and I cannot just sit back any longer. I’ve decided to run for State House because I’m ready, willing and able to do the hard work it takes to change the way business is done in Columbia.
Our entire nation has been hit hard by this economic crisis but we’ve been hit harder than nearly any other state because many of our leaders have been acting irresponsibly. We should have been ready for this difficult time, but instead of capping state spending and putting extra resources in a rainy day fund, the politicians wasted money on pork barrel projects. If I sound frustrated, it’s because I am. I don’t like seeing police officers reduce shifts while our families are put at risk. I don’t like seeing teachers laid off while we continue to have a sub-par education system. I don’t like hearing that companies won’t come to South Carolina because we have one of the worst infrastructures in the country.

Folks, we have to spend our limited resources wisely in a way that will create jobs and spur economic growth. We need to invest in public safety, education and transportation. We need to cap state spending and lower income taxes on our workers so that they have money to spend with our state’s small businesses. We need common sense zero based budgeting, strong spending transparency and significant tax reform.

These aren’t my ideas. These are ideas that have been put forth in front of the General Assembly for years. Sure, they’ve made some baby steps, but they haven’t completed the mission and its put our entire state in jeopardy.

There is a better way. We can elect proven leaders who will do the hard work it takes to shake up the system. You don’t have to just believe my words, and truthfully, you shouldn’t. We’ve heard too much rhetoric recently. You can look at my record and see what I’ve been able to accomplish. As Solicitor I put more violent criminals behind bars while making efficient use of your tax dollars. I did it by putting together strong teams, listening to creative ideas and pushing common sense reforms.

I hope you’ll let me do the same thing in Columbia as your next State Representative.