S.C. House 7 Jay West
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
1. What are the three most pressing needs of your district and how can you help address those needs?
The three pressing needs in District 7 are infrastructure; making sure first responders and law enforcement have the equipment necessary and a salary they can live on; and protecting 2nd amendment rights. District 7 has small towns and cities which struggle to provide services and infrastructure. Our job is to fill that gap with grants and accountable reporting. Our first responders need the equipment to protect us and for their own safety. For example, moving to a 800mhz radio system is costly. As well, their pay is not sufficient. Regardless, we have to protect the 2nd Amendment from infringement. As well, we must keep guns out of the hands of convicted felons.
2. How would you work with the Anderson County Legislative Delegation to work on these issues?
Historically, the Anderson County Delegation has been a united proponent of infrastructure, Recently, that has changed. My role is to continue to share the reality of our issues and the severity of old systems in our small towns and cities. Our people deserve to be safe, have clean water, and emergency services that are good. When we fail to fight for them, those funds go to big cities. If we fail to work together as a delegation, we are less likely to help Anderson County as a whole.
3. What are the state’s three most pressing needs moving into 2025?
The three most pressing needs of the state are: lowering income tax from 6.75 percent to 3 percent; fixing critical infrastructure and roads; and funding for law enforcement to stop drug trafficking(fentanyl) and making sure our schools are safe.
4. What is your approach to working with other house members to achieve the greater good?
South Carolina marches to our own drum. We do not need to be like Washington, D.C. Working on legislation to find the best solution to real problems our constituents face is critical. Political stunts for media attention can happen at home or on social media. The people of our state deserve us spending our time on solving the problems they face every day. The world has lost civility and statesmanship, South Carolina has not. We have to work together and understand that each area of the state may face different issues. Our job is to work together to solve them and not just do what gets one to a higher office. People first- politics last.
5. What are three personal or professional qualities that make you the best candidate for this office?
First, in my consulting business, I focus on restructuring clients and organizations. My experience has given me an opportunity to restructure how we function. Second, my focus on building relationships and networking to solve problems has been helpful. People are different and our ideas must have substance. Being able to communicate that in a meaningful way is important to me. Finally, my experience with economics and finance enables me to understand the big and small areas of issues.
6. INCUMBENTS ONLY: Name the three most significant accomplishments of your time in office?
1). Passing eleven bills into law that were signed by the governor.
2) Building a coalition to get funding to provide broadband throughout Anderson County and other critical areas of SC.
3). Continuing to lower the tax burden on hard working families.
Opponents Lee Gilreath and Hunter Savarino did not respond to multiple requests for ansswers.