S.C. Rep. Don Chapman, Incumbent, S.C. House Dist. 8
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. Don Chapman, Incumbent S.C. House Dist. 8.
1. Were you in favor of the last-minute redistricting the state to create new voting districts? Explain your support or opposition? Yes, however I would have appreciated engaging in the process earlier in the session. The supreme court’s decision provided us the opportunity to study the maps.
2. How can the General Assembly work together to meet the challenge of being the nation’s fastest-growing state per capita? As an architect… I tend to be a long-range thinker and planner. That is exactly what the General Assembly must focus on long-term planning of infrastructure to meet the projected growth, responsible budgeting to insure funds are available to meet the demands, and cooperation of the legislative body, its agencies and the citizens to insure South Carolina remains a great place to live, work, raise a family, and do business.
3. Can the state keep up with infrastructure to meet this growth without raising taxes? I believe it can. Our state is in a very strong financial position financially unlike many states that are operating with budget deficits. I believe primary goal must be to continue improving infrastructure while continuing to protect taxpayers at the same time.
4. Should South Carolina do away with property taxes? Explain your conclusion. This is a much more complicated task but the short answer is YES. We must start somewhere, I proposed a bill this past session (H5014) Motor Vehicle Property Tax Exemption, which allows one vehicle per household to be tax exempt after the age of 65 as long as they have paid taxes in SC for 5 years. Having several co-sponsors this year, I plan to refile this at the beginning of the next session and will advocate for it to be heard in committee.
5. What can/should state government do to find sufficient funding for road maintenance and repair for both state, county and municipal roads? I’ve advocated for increasing the local CTC’s funding and forgoing the required 25% match to be used on state roads. Also, believe Anderson County should steadily increase each year their portion of the budget used maintain county roads.
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? I am prolife so this is a difficult one for me. During my years volunteering with Anderson Rescue Squad, I responded to a variety of very unfortunate emergencies involving women who had been brutally raped, some were murdered and some beaten to near death. Because of this, I believe in the case of rape, a conversation with the family, pastor and doctor should be right call.
7. What are the three biggest challenges facing your district and the state in the next five years? 1. Whitehall Road congestion is a problem now as it is a major two- lane road that feeds most of western Anderson County from Hwy 24 to Hwy 28 Bypass. It has no right of way, only ditch to ditch. My goal is to expand in sections, a mile or two at a time beginning with the most congested and dangerous intersections. 2. Growth in District 8 and the entire state. We need a firm understanding of the infrastructure needs and prioritize them to meet the demands. 3. I’m concerned about the need to replace and expand the three bridges on Hwy 24. These bridges are nearly 70 years old, they have limited practical detour options and they will be very expensive to replace. For this reason, serious discussion needs to begin on setting a timeline for replacement
8. How do you view the balance between state government and local authority in both statute and funding? I tend to like Home Rule for local authority.
9. What areas need addressing that the General Assembly has not addressed or has put off addressing? Full judicial reform
10. What is the top priority of an elected official? Constituent service.
11. What are the keys to working together with other members of the General Assembly to find common ground and pass legislation? Building relationships.
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. Not that I am aware of.
13. Would you favor financial limits on financial contributions to campaigns? Yes.
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? I give back to my hometown because it has been very good to me and my wife. As an architect, I offer provide professional discounted rates and pro bono work for a variety of non-profits in Anderson.
Haven of Rest Ministries
Addition & Renovation of Women’s Housing Facility Architectural Design Services & Construction Management
Clean Start
Shower Facility for the Homeless Facility Architectural Design Services
YMCA of Anderson
United States & South Carolina Flag Installation Site Design & Rendering
Anderson County Museum
Entry Reception & Friend’s Store Design & Construction Management
Anderson Free Clinic
Lower-Level Facility Renovation Architectural Design Services
Anderson County Museum
Andersonians In War Exhibit Design and Construction Management
Cancer Association of Anderson
Architectural Design and Construction Management
Anderson Chamber of Commerce - Leadership Class 38
Transitional Housing for The Lot Project Class Project Architectural Design Services
Civic & Volunteer Service
1980 - 1988: Member, Anderson Rescue Squad
1992 - 1999: Member, Sertoma Club of Anderson
1998 - 2005: Board Member, Anderson Couty Arts Center
2003 & 2004: President, Anderson County Arts Center
2005 - 2023: Board Member, Home Builders Assoc. of Anderson
2007 - 2008: Member, City of Anderson Zoning Board
2007 - 2009: Member, Anderson Heritage Board
2008 & 2014: President, Home Builders Assoc. of Anderson
2008 - 2021: Council Member - Seat 2, Anderson City Council
2008 - 2021: Member, Anderson Area Transportation Study Committee
2011 - 2016: Board Member, Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce
2021 - 2022: Member, South Carolina Building Codes Study Committee
2012 - present, Member, Lake Hartwell Association
2022 - present, District 8: South Carolina House of Representatives
2024 - present, Member Rotary Club of Anderson
2026 - present, Honorary Chairman Leadership Anderson Alumni
15. Why are you running for election or reelection for this office? Because I love my hometown and want it to continue reflecting the values I was raised on.
16. What are your three favorite things about living and working in South Carolina and particularly your district? 1. Lake Hartwell. 2. The people. 3. The volunteers
17. If elected/reelected, what legacy do you want to leave for your time in office? With a legacy of service and commitment to my community.
