S.C. Rep. Craig Gagnon, Incumbent, House Dist. 11
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
All candidates for the South Carolina House of Representatives seats serving Anderson County were given multiple opportunities to share their positions unedited with voters in The Anderson Observer. Here are the answers from S.C. Rep. Craig Gagnon, Incumbent, House Dist. 11 Seat.
1. Were you in favor of the last-minute redistricting the state to create new voting districts? Explain your support or opposition? I voted in favor. It is within the scope of the legislature to re-draw district lines in light of the recent US Supreme Court decision.
2. How can the General Assembly work together to meet the challenge of being the nation’s fastest-growing state per capita? The legislature must come up a with solution to this issue. Rural, suburban, urban, businesses, local governments, utilities and all interested parties must develop a plan for the continued growth of our state.
3. Can the state keep up with infrastructure to meet this growth without raising taxes? That is quite possible. With any new infrastructure project, the costs are much higher up front. However, it would be very difficult to have the funding up front without a state bond issue or other such mechanisms.
4. Should South Carolina do away with property taxes? Explain your conclusion. Any time we can eliminate a tax, we should do it. However, property taxes mostly fund our local schools and county services. For perspective, states that tout no property taxes have much higher rates of income and sales taxes to compensate.
5. What can/should state government do to find sufficient funding for road maintenance and repair for both state, county and municipal roads? There is currently a great deal of funding that the State has in its road maintenance fund. The problem lies in the shortage of companies that are capable to pave roads here. These companies also have difficulty finding workers willing to do the hard work associated with paving.
6. Is South Carolina’s current abortion prohibition enough, too strict, or should it be amended to reject abortions even in the case of rape, incest of threat to the life of the mother? The current state law is extraordinarily restrictive. Any change to the law by outlawing exceptions such as rape incest or health of the mother are counterproductive, if anything.
7. What are the three biggest challenges facing your district and the state in the next five years? Job preparedness, industrial development and keeping insurance rates affordable.
8. How do you view the balance between state government and local authority in both statute and funding? I have been a cosponsor of several bills over the years that address this. However, balancing the difficulties of rural counties and the others that are more populous and have a sufficient tax base has been a struggle.
9. What areas need addressing that the General Assembly has not addressed or has put off addressing? Addressing the needs of citizens is of utmost importance. However, the state has neglected or underfunded many things that have led to bigger problems. Cuts to things like mental health care, social services and formerly, our roads and bridges are prime examples. 10. What is the top priority of an elected official? To represent, advocate and assist his constituents. Constituent service is a very important part of an elected official.
11. What are the keys to working together with other members of the General Assembly to find common ground and pass legislation? Form relationships with other members – even with members of the other Party, Oftentimes, I am surprised by the commonality of the issues my constituents have and those of a completely different constituency. This is key to garner support for a bill to pass.
12. Do you or any of your family members have business dealings with any agency or organization that receives state funds? If so, please list. None
13. Would you favor financial limits on financial contributions to campaigns? They are limited already. South Carolina has some of the strictest ethics laws in the country.
14. How have you been involved in the community (include any charitable/nonprofit work, volunteer efforts, fire service, etc.) and why is this important to you? Giving back to the community is what makes so many communities thrive. I have participated in many things in my district from coaching, mentoring and serving on a variety of boards.
15. Why are you running for election or reelection for this office? I want to continue to serve the great people of this district and help them in the best way possible to live a better life.
16. What are your three favorite things about living and working in South Carolina and particularly your district? The people, the history and the beautiful land that is around us.
17. If elected/reelected, what legacy do you want to leave for your time in office? I have no desire to leave a “legacy”. Most “legacies” end up as boondoggles and cost the taxpayer in the long run. The Great Society, No Child Left Behind, the bridge to nowhere immediately come to mind. I would be happy if people would remember me for helping them in some way.
