The Aiken Standard

Aiken, SC

Thursday, October 21, 2004

Nikki Setzler, Burt Barber seeking state Senate seat for District 26

By PHILIP LORD Senior writer

Sen. Nikki Setzler sees rural Aiken County as an opportunity to try something new.

The S.C. Senate District 26 incumbent sees Monetta, Perry, Wagener and Salley and wants to see new business and industry attracted to the area by clustering the region together in a more marketable package.

"I think we have got to go to the clustering of economic development," Setzler said.

A Democrat, Setzler faces a challenge from Libertarian Burt Barber to retain the seat he has held since 1977.

Setzler said economic development for South Carolina, particularly its rural areas, is a top priority he hopes to take back to the General Assembly in January.

Top on his list of priorities is to make sure the state is using the latest 21st Century technologies to attract new companies.

Economic development tops a long list of what Setzler calls "life issues" he feels the General Assembly needs to address.

Also on this list are educational issues and health care, including the availability of prescription drugs for senior citizens.

"I think it is a cornerstone of everything else we do in the state," Setzler said of education. He goes on to add that companies will not look to build or expand in the Palmetto State if there is not an educated workforce to fill the jobs.

Turning to health care, Setzler said he felt the state needed to adequately fund the Medicaid system, which currently meets the needs of one in five adults and approximately 58 percent of the state's children. "I think we have got to attempt to do that," Setzler said.

While many issues awaiting lawmakers deal with budgetary issues, Setzler said he felt other issues – such as economic development and education – need more attention.

"I think it is not all about the budget," Setzler said. "There are other life issues out there."

Barber, Setzler's opponent, does not list any information on party literature or Web sites. Attempts to contact him were unsuccessful.

In terms of seniority, Setzler is the most senior member of the Aiken County Legislative Delegation, having served in the S.C. Senate since 1977.

A West Columbia resident, the Democrat is a gradate of the University of South Carolina, where he received his bachelors degree and his law degree.

Setzler is married to the former Ada Jane Taylor. They have four children, Tara Nikole, Jamie Leona, Sabra Taylor and Amber Jane.

Contact Philip Lord at plord@aikenstandard.com.

Nikki Setzler on the issues

Economic development – particularly in rural areas like Monetta, Perry, Wagener and Salley – tops the list of priorities for Setzler, who has served in the S.C. Senate since 1977. "I think we have got to go to the clustering of economic development," Setzler said.

Also on this list are educational issues and health care, including the availability of prescription drugs for senior citizens.

In his own words

As we approach Election Day, my family and I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your support. I have represented a portion of Aiken County since 1976 and am honored to represent these communities in the South Carolina Senate as a part of Senate District #26.

For 28 years I have worked hard to be a leader in addressing the issues that most affect the lives of people in our area and across South Carolina. As a result, we are making strides toward improving education, making healthcare more accessible and lowering taxes on families and small businesses.

This election is very important for our state and nation, and I encourage you to remind your friends and family to go to the polls and vote on November 2nd. I hope my record meets with your approval and that I have earned your vote. I look forward to continuing to serve you.