Three people are running for election to the South Carolina House of Representatives in District 53 which represents Chesterfield County at the state level. The race for this seat includes the eight year incumbent candidate Rep. Ted Vick. Vick is facing competition for this office from Republican Candidate Richie Yow and Petition Candidate Phil Powell, both of whom are from Cheraw.
Each of the candidates were asked three questions regarding their campaign for office. The questions are: 1) “What role does partisan gridlock play for your office? And, if it’s a problem, what do you plan to do about it?” 2) “If, during your elected term, you could accomplish just one goal, what would that goal be and how would you make it happen?” 3) “What’s your personal motivation for running?”
S.C. State House of Representatives District 53
Candidate: Richie Yow
Party: Republican
1) “The incumbent, Ted Vick, has espoused his intention of backing the Obama agenda. I can’t think of a more polarizing position to take. The well-known Obama agenda includes such extremes as being pro-abortion and pro-same sex marriage, as well as supporting draconian cuts to our military. The immediate gridlock potential with such ideas in the South Carolina State House is evident and consequential. I will take the agenda of the people of District 53 to Columbia and, being in the political majority, will once again be able to garner support for this area that has been sorely lacking from the recent past.”
2) “Although I plan on accomplishing many objectives, the most vital is to bring true representation back to the people of District 53. In order to accurately communicate their needs in Columbia, I will reach out to the citizens, hear their voices and take their agenda back to the State House. Elected officials earn and keep their right to lead from the authority of the people. I am going to stay in touch with the electorate throughout the district so that their agenda will always be my primary focus.”
3) I have been asked numerous times why I wanted to run for this seat. My answer has always been this: “Who said I wanted to run? I have to run.” It is time to take the career politicians out of government and put the voice of the people back in charge. Our District, State and Country are in turmoil. Our family values are under attack. Our economy is under attack. Our Christian Faith is under attack. It is time that the people in the District unite for the sake of our children and grandchildren, but it is also time that they have a representative who will truly fight for their values and stand up for Faith, Family and Freedom.
As a lifelong constituent of this district, I am also well aware of the incumbent’s voting record, or as it has been described, non-voting record. We need a Representative that will first of all show up and vote with the added bonus of voting the will of the people in this District.
Thank you for this opportunity to share my vision and ideas. I need and will appreciate your vote on November 6th! God Bless!”
Candidate: Phil Powell
Party: Petition Candidate
1) “The state government’s lack of a visionary economic development plan and an inequitable education system have held South Carolina back for generations. These deficiencies are particularly worrisome in the rural areas of our state, including District 53. Many of our elected officials have chosen to play political games in Columbia instead of addressing the needs back home. As a petition candidate, I am committed to “service above politics” — working for the people not political parties. I pledge to listen to your concerns, be accessible, and, in the truest sense of the word, be accountable only to you.
With District 53 stretching some 50 miles and encompassing unique, charming and caring communities, being able to communicate with local leaders is the top priority. Here, I will seek to identify opportunities and establish priorities within the district. In Columbia, as an independent petition candidate, I will work across party lines to strongly encourage the development of a rural infrastructure program within the Department of Commerce. I will also demand financial accountability within state agencies to ensure our citizens are receiving state services in an efficient and effective manner.
Finally, my public career has been one of getting people to work together and accomplishing worthy projects such as Riverside Park, the Cheraw Community Center, Arrowhead Park, Dizzy Gillespie Statue and Park, the Cheraw Spring Festival and the South Carolina Jazz Festival. If elected as your representative, I firmly believe these experiences will serve me well in Columbia.”
2) “District 53 faces many challenges that rural areas across our country are facing: high unemployment, declining property values, a lack of quality educational opportunities, inadequate health care, infrastructure problems and an exodus of our young people. However, we do have a number of opportunities that give us hope for the future. Our communities are filled with hard working, religious, family centered and caring individuals. We have many bright, energetic, dedicated, political and civic leaders, who are working tirelessly on behalf of their fellow citizens. We possess historic legacies and diverse public lands and facilities, unique villages and towns, clean air and water.
What we lack is a common vision and one united voice to move us forward. My one goal for District 53 will be to listen to our locally elected and appointed leaders and, with them, discover our opportunities. Jointly, we will establish a shared vision for our future. Once we are united, I will work tirelessly to find pathways to success.”
3) “I have the ability to serve others and make government work for the people. District 53 needs my skills to move forward. My campaign has never been about Phil Powell. Neither personal gain, power nor ego have ever entered into the process. This campaign has always been about “service above politics.” The district is full of wonderful, caring people who deserve the very best from their elected officials. Unfortunately, they have not always received moral, ethical and dedicated service from their elected representatives. Secondly, times are tough. They ways of the past may not lead us to a better tomorrow. I believe my experience in government, my creative and visionary approach to problem solving, and finally, my ability to work with others is desperately needed. I humbly offer my services to you, the people of District 53. If elected, I will be honored to represent you in Columbia.”
Candidate: Ted Vick
Party: Democratic
1. “I considered myself a statesman and have always worked for the common good of all the citizens in House District 53. My track record of accomplishments while serving with a House and Senate controlled by Republicans shows that I’ve been effective. I believe that the people of House District 53 care more about the priorities of jobs, education and better way of life than they do about partisanship and gridlock.”
2. “The people of House District 53 have invested 8 years in helping me obtain seniority in Columbia. If re-elected, this will allow me to be placed on the Ways and Means, the money committee, which will help accommodate the needs of House District 53, such as providing infrastructure that will create more jobs.”
3. “Having grown up and walked the streets of this community, I understand and am very passionate about the needs in our area. I’m not going to rest until we have a better quality of life to raise our children and have our economy work for everybody. I played a significant role in building 2 industrial parks and helping local businesses expand, but the job is not done until we develop and bring the necessary infrastructure that will provide water and sewer to the entire district. This will create more jobs and provide an economy that will work for everybody.”
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