Thomas Stewart, Democrat Seeking the S.C. House Dist. 10 Seat
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 Thomas Stewart, Democrat Seeking the S.C. House Dist. 10 Seat.
1. Were you in favor of the last-minute redistricting the state to create new voting districts? Explain your support or opposition? I was, and am, strongly opposed to the current wave of redistricting. It's blatant gerrymandering, and nothing more. The people of South Carolina deserve better than to have their elections stolen from under them.
2. How can the General Assembly work together to meet the challenge of being the nation’s fastest-growing state per capita? While we are the fastest-growing state, we are failing our citizens. Lowest wages in the country, some of the worst infrastructure in the country, and exploding rent prices. All of these must be tackled soon, or our growth will go from a gift to a nightmare for all involved.
3. Can the state keep up with infrastructure to meet this growth without raising taxes? We are in the process of cutting existing taxes, and we continually make significant surpluses. There is no need to institute new taxes when we already have the money to improve the lives of every South Carolinian. It's embarrassing that it's not already being done.
4. Should South Carolina do away with property taxes? Explain your conclusion. I, personally, dislike property taxes, as mentioned in question 3. We already make a significant surplus year on year. If property tax can be cut while also ensuring we fix our roads and support the worst off, I am happy to cut it.
5. What can/should state government do to find sufficient funding for road maintenance and repair for both state, county and municipal roads? We already have the money, we just need to allocate it.
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? Significantly too strict. It is my opinion that we should minimize suffering. An unwanted child or a child that cannot be adequately cared for suffers, the family suffers, the system suffers. Abortion, in most cases, prevents that suffering.
7. What are the three biggest challenges facing your district and the state in the next five years? The three biggest challenges I see my district facing in the years to come are:
1. Handling the rapid growth we see.
2. Repairing our infrastructure to handle that growth.
and 3. raising wages to the national standard so those who come here can live here.
8. How do you view the balance between state government and local authority in both statute and funding? I believe our state and municipalities need to work together more to handle these challenges, some of our local governments are struggling to make it by while the state makes billions more than it needs. That money should be used to help our poorer regions.
9. What areas need addressing that the General Assembly has not addressed or has put off addressing? Wages and Authoritarian Drift are existential. As mentioned prior, we have some of the lowest wages in the nation, and many of our people struggle to make it by as a result. Along with this, the authoritarian drift in both D.C. and Columbia threatens our way of life and public safety. These must be addressed sooner rather than later.
10. What is the top priority of an elected official? It is my opinion that the #1 Priority of any elected official is improving the lives of their constituents, with the #2 priority being improving the lives of everyone our decisions affect. I may potentially represent District 10, but the laws I will fight for affect everyone in S.C. and I must consider them.
11. What are the keys to working together with other members of the General Assembly to find common ground and pass legislation? Asking how a piece of legislation helps people. We must ensure the decisions made in the General Assembly help the most people, not hurt them.
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? Without hesitation, yes. We must get money out of politics.
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? Minimally, yes, I've participated in rallies and protests for issues I care about. I believe public action is very important, and I am grateful to see so many people out to voice their beliefs on what’s happening around the nation.
15. Why are you running for election or reelection for this office? I'm running to prevent uncontested races. District 10 has long been uncontested. Our people need options, not rubber stamps.
16. What are your three favorite things about living and working in South Carolina and particularly your district? This is my home, I love my home, and I want to improve my home. I love our people, our culture, and our food. We can tough through almost anything.
17. If elected/reelected, what legacy do you want to leave for your time in office? I don't think it's about the legacy I want, per se. The legacy I am likely to have will be some 1-term kid who got lucky and tried his best to make a difference. How I am remembered is not in my own hands, it's in the hands of the people I may represent one day and what they think of what I am trying to do.
