It is a great pleasure for me  to announce that I am the Republican candidate for the  District 11 South Carolina State Senate in 2008. This is a very important election, as some of the legislative decisions that will be made in our state over the next several years will effect our children and grandchildren. Conservative principles and family values are so important to me and that is why I have decided to seek elective office.

 
I was raised in Spartanburg and I am a product of Spartanburg County public schools. This  is a great place to live and to raise a family but I want to help make it better and safer. I have so many fond memories of our community but it sure has grown over the last 10 years.

I retired from the South Carolina Highway Patrol in  2007 with over 25 years of service. As a public servant for so many years, I really enjoyed helping people and partnering with communities for safer roads. Naturally, with my law enforcement background, safety and security are a major concern to me.

Through my experiences personally and professionally I understand what the average family faces on a day-to-day basis.  I realize how difficult it is to properly manage a family budget and attempt to have a savings plan too. We are all asked to do more and more with less and less. We need conservative, common sense leadership that will properly manage our tax money.

I feel it is so important for every citizen of District 11 to have a voice in the shaping of our communities and our state. Even though this is my first venture into the political arena, I have always upheld my conservative principles of "Less Government, Less Spending and Less Taxes."

Some of the key issues that are important to me are:

Spending - The current legislature is spending entirely too much money and showing little financial responsibility. I am not afraid to say no to increased  taxes and spending.

Safer Roadways - It is inexcusable that our legislature has taken so long to address Driving Under the Influence. We need a new DUI law, not another confusing, diluted version. Alcohol was present in almost half of all South Carolina's traffic fatalities last year. It is very likely that some fatalities and serious injuries would not have not occurred if there were more severe penalties for habitual  traffic offenders. Improved laws would help our hard-working police officers keep these individuals off of the same roads that our families and friends travel.

Christian Values - It is imperative that our Christian Values are protected. I will stand up for these values when necessary. 

Illegal Immigration - As a former law enforcement officer, I understand the importance of the law. We need state immigration reform. Something has to be done as illegal immigrants do not contribute to our tax base, but utilize  our hospitals, schools and roadways.

As I travel around the district over the next few months I look forward to making new friends and renewing old friendships.

In conclusion,  I am asking for your help, your support, your thoughts, your prayers and your vote.