Observer Runoff Interview: S.C. House Dist. 9 Candidate Blake Sanders

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Two candidates are vying for the South Carolina House Dist. 9 seat on Tuesday the S.C. Primary Runoff. Early voting is under way.

Former West Pelzer Mayo/Landscape Architect/City Planner Blake Sanders and Attorney James Gaylean.

Both were offered the opportunity to answer a series of questions for votes leading up to the runoff election. Only Sanders responded, despite multiple attempts and requests of Galyean to answer the same questions. The format is simple, with the candidates allowed to answer the questions in their own words without editing, save for grammar and to conform with the Associated Press Style Manual.

Again, only Sanders responded, and here are his answers:

1. How are you different in your approach to government to your opponent?

I am Husband, Father, Landscape Architect, Planner, Former Mayor of the Town of West Pelzer, and Former Lecturer at Clemson University in the College of Architecture. 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. I am the only candidate with relevant government experience that understands selfless service and constituent service.

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 most of the 271 municipalities across South Carolina. I see the desire and need for quality places to work, live, play, and learn, safe streets, and growth that is grounded in smart principles.

2. Will you join the Freedom Caucus if elected?

My plan for the State House is simple – get conservative results for the betterment of SC and our district, its residents, and its businesses. My focus isn’t on Republican infighting – it is on Anderson County and what is best for this area. I will work and collaborate with other conservatives to pass legislation. I’ll only take orders from God, never any Columbia Caucuses or special interests. All this being said, I do not intend to join the SC House Freedom Caucus at this time. I look forward to working with all conservative elected officials in Columbia.

3. Why did you decide to seek this office? Were you asked to run by any groups or individuals?

I have had the privilege to work with Representative Thayer and Councilwoman Cindy Wilson since 2015 as the Mayor of the Town of West Pelzer. Their guidance and commitment to ensuring that we were represented has always stood out to me. We were regularly together at Municipal Association meetings, local events, festivals and meetings, communicated about legislation when appropriate, and were all supporters of our local public safety officials – EMS, police and fire. I have always said that I would never run against either of them and that they have my 100% support for as long as they desire to stay in office. In October 2023, Representative Thayer informed me that she would not be seeking reelection. I prayerfully considered, discussed with my immediate family and mentors, and decided to seek election to continue the positive change that Representative Thayer has brough to District 9 since 2011.

4. How would you make sure your district is well-represented in Columbia?

To ensure SC House District 9 is well-represented in Columbia, a comprehensive approach involves regular communication with constituents through public forums and an active online presence to stay attuned to their needs. Building strong relationships with other legislators and participating actively in relevant committees helps form coalitions that support the district's interests. Proactively pursuing state and federal funding opportunities, introducing and supporting legislation tailored to the district's priorities, and adapting to policy changes are essential for advocacy. Visible and effective leadership, characterized by collaboration with local governments, businesses, and community organizations, ensures the district's needs are prominently addressed. Transparency and accountability through consistent reporting back to constituents on legislative activities and impacts further strengthen representation. I have said since the beginning of the campaign that this is not about bringing Blake Sanders’ ideas to Columbia, this is about representing the people of District 9.

5. What is your strategy to make sure Dist. 9 gets its share of state, and sometimes federal funding?

Collaboration and communication is the key to success. Working together, we can jointly prioritize projects and identify long range goals. Strategizing with other local officials and agencies to ensure that the project budget or future allocations are maximized is critical. Work with all delegation members to guarantee that ‘our share’ is represented and reflective of our constituent goals.

It’s also about knowing how the funding cycles work. Federal infrastructure funding is available for specific projects related to intersection safety, bus transit (Electric City Transit), etc. We must work with our cities and towns to ensure that they are prepared when funding is available and have the means necessary to communicate the project, implement the project, and maintain the final built product.

To ensure SC House District 9 secures its fair share of state and federal funding, it is crucial to stay informed about available funding opportunities and maintain a comprehensive calendar of deadlines. Building strong relationships with key stakeholders, such as other state legislators and federal representatives, is essential. Additionally, engaging the community through public forums ensures that local needs and priorities are clearly communicated. Leveraging data and evidence to demonstrate the district's requirements and the impact of potential funding can strengthen advocacy efforts.

Continuous monitoring and follow-up on submitted applications, along with publicizing successful funding acquisitions, helps maintain momentum and demonstrates effective use of funds. Keeping constituents informed about policy changes and adapting strategies accordingly ensures that the district remains responsive to new opportunities and challenges. By implementing these approaches, SC House District 9 can effectively advocate for and secure necessary funding to support local initiatives and improve community well-being.

6. Have you attended meetings with or met with current members of the Anderson County Legislative Delegation to get their impression of the current challenges facing the county?

Again, collaboration and communication is the key to success. Personally, having met everyone on the Anderson County Legislative Delegation, I know that we all want what is best for Anderson County. I intend to work transparently with all members to put forth joint policies, prioritization of projects based on needs and not wants and being transparent with our long-range efforts.

7. Do you support unrestricted vouchers for use of taxpayer funds for private schools? Explain why or why not.

I am supportive of spending public dollars in public schools. Understanding that every child learns differently, I recognize the need to have options in choice related to the school, after-school programs, and additional learning opportunities through the voucher program. Our children are not only our future but a baseline for our progress today. First, We should continue to prioritize teacher pay, retention, and safety. Second, we should encourage parental involvement and engagement to develop a plan to improve cooperation and procedure where parents can learn about their child’s educational courses.

8. What do you see as the greatest needs and challenges for Anderson County in the next two years?

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 many roads 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.

9. When faced with serious issues, to whom do you look to for help gaining deeper understanding or clarification?

When faced with serious issues requiring deeper understanding or clarification, I turn to a variety of reliable sources. I consult experts and specialists in the relevant field for their in-depth knowledge and seek guidance from trusted advisors and mentors with extensive experience. Engaging with legislative colleagues and peers who have dealt with similar issues provides practical insights, while consulting community leaders and stakeholders offers a grassroots perspective, ensuring that actions taken are aligned with the needs and concerns of the community. By leveraging these diverse sources, I gain a well-rounded understanding and make more informed decisions.

Also, having a support team has been something that I have had for years as a Husband, Father, Mayor and Landscape Architect. My support team consists of elders in the local community, previous and current elected officials, pastors, community leaders, and non-profit leaders. This team has been around me since day one, ready to discuss any issue, give me a broader (and sometimes completely different and new) perspective, and pray with me that the final decision or action be clear.

10. Would you work with house members of the Democratic Party for the good of the county and/or South Carolina?

I am willing to work with all individuals for the betterment of South Carolin and District 9.

11. What political figure do you admire most and why?

My admiration for political figures comes from those that have personally taught me something. First Senator Billy O’Dell taught me about constituent service. He always kept his constituents and elected officials within his district apprised of all on-going efforts. Without Senator O’Dell, many of the infrastructure needs related to water and sewer would not have happened.

Second, I admire Representative Thayer for passion to serve, not only the people of District 9 but the countless boards she serves, attendance at every event in every city or town in Anderson County, and her compassion to listen to all points of view. Representative Thayer has a passion for positive change, and it shows with every word and action.

Finally, I admire every Mayor that has served or is serving. It is no easy task running a municipality. Your knowledge pool must be wide so that you can have many different conversations throughout the day, ranging from infrastructure to economic development, to finance, to public safety matters. As LBJ once said, “When the burdens of the presidency seem unusually heavy, I always remind myself it could be worse. I could be a mayor.” Take a moment in the coming weeks and months to thank every elected official that serves.