Dear Friends,
In preparing for this campaign, sitting down with other elected officials and public servants was a priority. The ability to identify problem areas both locally and throughout the state is where a legislator can and should make a difference.
Solicitor Duffie Stone and Sheriff PJ Tanner were among the first. Public safety is a critical point of focus and with the backbone of a law enforcement background I plan to fortify efforts as a servant in this area when elected to the state legislature.
This campaign will focus on the overall issue of restructuring South Carolina’s outdated government, it will also highlight the areas within the South Carolina Criminal Code and Sentencing Structure that need to be re-examined and amended to better reflect today’s challenges.
I use the following examples to illustrate my point:
Breaking into someone’s home during the daytime is Burglary in the second degree. It is considered a nonviolent offense. Breaking into someone’s mini warehouse at night is also a Burglary second; but, it is considered a violent offense.
Lewd act on a child or South Carolina’s term for child molestation (not rape) is considered a nonviolent offense.
A drive-by shooting is considered Assault with Intent to Kill. This is considered in South Carolina a nonviolent misdemeanor.
Other than the nighttime burglary of a mini-warehouse, none of the aforementioned crimes are considered either a serious or most serious offense according to South Carolina’s sentencing structure.
When elected I will be Hilton Head Islands advocate for common sense in the Statehouse.
I hope this message finds you well and wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving.
Best Regards,
Andy
