Education
I will fight and work hard to insure that our schools are funded equally and equitably. We must find new and innovative ways to put more dollars into the classrooms. We must free our teachers and administrators from the bureaucracy that cripples them. We must put a stop to unfunded mandates. We must increase the amount of the lottery revenues, as originally sold to the voters, that goes to K-12 public education. We must find ways to address the discipline issues within our schools that are an interruption to the teaching environment. We must work to increase parental involvement at our schools. Our schools must become "sanctuaries of safety". We must raise teacher salaries that compete with the national average. We should not settle for a constitution that provides for a "minimally adequate" public education, one which has helped to create the "corridor of shame." With your support and vote, I will provide new leadership, and I will work hard to make our schools leaders in organizational leadership, curriculum, salaries and safety.

   The Economy
I support efforts to increase and strengthen our economic base. We must support efforts which strengthen family farms and main street business. We must all work hard to create an economic base that creates good jobs with good wages. We must work to modernize our local infrastructure. Our roads continue to be in sad disrepair, despite the road user fees we have continued to pay. We need a community development program that works for Sumter and Lee counties. The directors of the Sumter Planning Board recently compared the region to a big truck stuck in the mud, and this is totally unacceptable.

   Crime and Law Enforcement
I strongly support an increase in the number of law enforcement officers in our local city, county and state agencies. The continued and unchecked influx of gang related activities in our communities and schools must be dealt with. If elected, I will always vote to keep our brave police officers equipped with the necessary tools to do their job.

   Health Care
We must find ways to control health care costs, while providing high quality, affordable and accessible health care for all of our citizens. Period.

   Environment
It is imperative that we keep our air, water and ground free from contaminates. I support new and innovative farming techniques which insure the maintenance and quality of the top soil. We must be committed to turn over to our children and our grandchildren, a safe, clean, sustainable and prosperous community.