On My Mind

The Lancaster County Council wants growth, but at the expense of Indian Land, which should become its own city.

“Sometimes, for the greater good, sacrifices must be made.” While the author of this quote is unknown, politics has often demanded such sacrifice for a greater good in our society.

The recent experience with the “sequester” in Washington, DC, revealed in many ways what is wrong with Washington. But it also contains a silver lining that I hope bodes well for the future.

Did you know that most people are confused or simply do not know the real purpose of the annual Black History Month celebration? Black History Month, which ended last week (Feb. 28), can be a controversial topic ranking on the scale of race, politics and religion.

Most people stand to benefit greatly from a national conversion to VoIP.

For the past two years, many of us in the House (some more than others, unfortunately) have been trying to draw attention to the alarming condition of our nation’s debt, our record deficits, and the out-of-control spending in Washington.

As the legislative process evolved over time, laws were passed to authorize state and federal agencies to promulgate regulations to implement the mandates of certain other laws.

While Fort Mill confronts overcrowding in schools, officials should realize that bigger is not always better.

Recently, the Congress approved the so-called “fiscal cliff” agreement. I voted against the final version of deal. The reason is pretty simple: the agreement raised spending.

So I’m begging us all (including myself) to contact our political representatives, to rally and demand the change we so desperately need. I don’t know how if anything will come from that, but I do know I don’t want to live in a place where a gun is easier to get than mental health is.

When we moved to Fort Mill some 15 fifteen years ago, one of the first things that impressed me was a highway sign leading into town, proclaiming the many years that the local high school band had won state championships.

I don’t remember is the hate, the vitriol, the violence and disrespect that our leaders, their parties, the media and even the general public have for each other in society today.

I believe in shared sacrifice, that as we go through tough times it is so important that every one of us has some skin in the game. And to me, that means the taxpayers of this state should not have to pick up the tab for 100 percent of the increase in the cost of state employees’ health insurance.

It’s true – oil companies don’t pay their fair share. They pay more than that.

Despite the state spending hundreds of millions on economic development, a new report suggests South Carolina taxpayers are not getting their money’s worth in state government’s efforts to create jobs.