S.C. House 9 Blake Sanders
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
1. What are the three most pressing needs of your district and how can you help address those?
▪ Infrastructure – First, I understand how the infrastructure funds are distributed and allocated
based on their source – federal, state, local and the type of project. Second, I also understand the state agency requirements for those funds and know how to bring those funds back to our District. Having been a part of the first infrastructure improvements in the Town of West Pelzer with Mayor Paxton and Senator O’Dell, I immediately learned of how these improvements were brought forth and the timelines associated with each. Finally, I authored the implementation of the second phase of the sewer project and coupled those funds with C-Funds and SCDOT improvements to repave nearly every road in West Pelzer during my tenure. Finally, I work with other communities for streetscape and placemaking improvements through USDOT DRIVE funds and SCDOT Transportation Alternatives Program grants.
▪ Education – Our children are not only our future but a baseline for our progress today. First, public dollars should be kept in public schools, and we should continue to prioritize teacher pay,
retention, and safety. Second, we should encourage parental involvement and engagement
through a Parental Bill of Rights to develop a plan to improve cooperation and procedure where parents can learn about their child’s educational courses.
▪ Economic Development – District 9 has some of the greatest businesses in South Carolina and we should continue to support their current efforts and their expansions. Small and locally owned businesses should continue to be our heartbeat and we should work to remove unnecessary regulations and hurdles for growth and expansion with the reduction of taxes, redundant fees and licenses, and provide economic incentives.
2. How would you work with the Anderson County Legislative Delegation to work on these issues?
Collaboration and communication are the keys to success. Personally, knowing everyone on the Anderson County Legislative Delegation, I know that we all want what is best for Anderson County. Intend to work transparently with all members to put forth joint policies that will bring infrastructure funds back to Anderson County, provide our students in public schools the best learning environment, and grow our small, locally owned businesses.
3. What are the state’s three most pressing needs moving into 2025?
Moving into 2025, I look forward to addressing with fellow House Members action on continuing to support:
▪ Increasing pay, resources, and retention efforts for quality public education
▪ Increasing pay, resources, and retirement for all members of public safety
▪ Continuing economic development initiatives for both small and large businesses that will surpass the 2023/2024 projects of over 14,000 new jobs in South Carolina.
4. What is your approach to working with other house members to achieve the greater good? I have been working with members of the General Assembly for over a decade on infrastructure projects, projects that impact our everyday quality of life, and projects that create opportunities for jobs. Again, collaboration and communication is the key to success, both within our delegation and within the House of Representatives. I look forward to learning through those with tenure and procedural knowledge as we work together to make South Carolina the greatest place to live, work, play and learn.
5. What are three personal or professional qualities that make you the best candidate for this office?
First, it’s about being a man of integrity, putting God first, and being a supportive husband and father. I am proud of my Christian faith, relentless desire to be a great husband to Ashley, and supporting my children, Lane and Gracie. This quality puts forth that people matter most to me, both as a candidate for this office and resident of District 9. Second, I have proven leadership in appointed and elected roles within local government. Serving two terms as Mayor of the Town of West Pelzer taught me firsthand the need for collaboration amongst our neighboring cities and town, Anderson County, and the General Assembly. Furthermore, at the local level, constituent service is not something that I take lightly – being available, open to constructive conversations, and knowing that I am a representative of the people of District 9 comes first. Being surrounded by great Mayors, both past and present, reiterate the need for all of us to collaborate for the betterment of South Carolina. Finally, I have proven that quality of life is important to all residents of South Carolina. Through my role as President and Senior Landscape Architect with Studio Main since 2017, I have worked in every county in South Carolina and over 60% of the 271 municipalities across South Carolina. I see the desire and need for quality places to play, safe streets that encourage downtown development, and growth that is grounded in smart principles.