By David Williams
Independent-Mail
October 21, 2004

SENECA — Local candidates for state and local offices answered questions about Gov. Mark Sanford’s school choice plan, which includes tax credits for tuition to private schools and school vouchers, at a forum in Seneca Thursday.

About 100 people attended the League of Women Voters’ second forum at the Gignilliat Gym. On Tuesday, candidates for sheriff and Oconee County Council were on the panel.

House District 1 incumbent Rep. Bill Whitmire, R-Walhalla, said he already has told the governor’s people he would not support the governor’s proposal.

Democratic challenger Ken Campbell also said he would not support the measure.

"It doesn’t work for low-income families or middle-class families," Mr. Campbell said.

Libertarian Michael Carmany, who is challenging District 8 incumbent Rep. Becky Martin, R-Anderson, said he supported school choice.

"More choices mean more competition," Mr. Carmany said. "We should have a choice where we can put our children."
Rep. Martin, whose district includes about 900 people in the southern Oconee County and Fair Play area, said competition improves things in a lot of areas.

"If private schools want to compete they should meet state standards," Rep. Martin said. "I will never vote to lower education standards."

District 2 school board incumbent Ken Poston, who is being challenged by Andrea Pate, said he thought giving parents a choice was a good idea.

"Competition is good; however, I am against vouchers," he said.

Ms. Pate said, "I don’t think we should fund private schools with public money."

District 5 incumbent and school board chairman Harry Mays, who faces two challengers, Larry Dickson and Ellen Stumpf, said, "Public education is public education. I am opposed to it. I think public funds should be spent on public education."
Mr. Dickson said he disagreed.

"Taxpayers deserve to send their kids to the school you want to send them to," Mr. Dickson said.

Ms. Stumpf said she was unfamiliar with the governor’s plan. She said her biggest concern was federal mandates that have unrealistic goals, particularly the No Child Left Behind legislation.

District 4’s Denise McCormick is unopposed for the school board seat now held by Barbara Whitney who has decided not to seek re-election.

David Williams can be reached at (864) 882-0522 or by e-mail at williamsde@IndependentMail.com.

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