BY RON MENCHACA
Of The Post and Courier Staff
State Rep. John Graham Altman III and his opponent in the House District 119 election, Charlie Smith, are stumping in ways that speak volumes about their politics.
Smith, the Democratic candidate, canvasses the district's neighborhoods on a Segway human transporter, the two-wheeled, electric scooter that was the buzz of the tech world a couple of years ago.
But Smith said the futuristic chariot is more than a prop. He feels strongly about environmental issues and believes the state can do more to clamp down on utility emissions, protect freshwater wetlands and promote development of a light rail system in the Charleston area to relieve traffic congestion.
Altman campaigns by walking the aisles at shopping centers. His folksy, easy-going approach aligns with his political philosophy of what you see is what you get.
"I think the best politics is no politics," Altman said. "I say what I want to say and do what I want."
Altman, a Republican, also campaigns in neighborhoods, but he believes it's intrusive to knock on doors unannounced. He feels the same way about too much government involvement in people's lives.
State government is out of touch with the public, Altman said. He cited the Department of Motor Vehicles, which he said was bogged down in bureaucracy and inefficiency before he led efforts to streamline its operations. "We've been ableto work wonders there," he said.
Should he win re-election, Altman wants to focus similar scrutiny on the state Department of Education. He said the agency is bloated and he's introduced legislation that would give the agency's budget authority to the governor.
Smith said such reorganization might be needed, but only in the context of broader changes across state government. He said he would focus on boosting teacher salaries to keep them from seeking better pay in other states.
Both candidates want a portion of state lottery revenues spent on K-12 education. And both candidates support Gov. Mark Sanford's efforts to cut fat out of state government.
Smith and Altman disagree on taxes. Altman favors cutting property taxes by increasing the sales tax, while Smith said such a shift would hurt lower-income families who need the most tax relief.
Both candidates favor port expansion at the former Charleston Naval Base, but disagree on the timeline. Smith supports the federal government's in-depth environmental review of the project.
Altman said the project should be fast-tracked because he believes the state's standing as a major shipping port is at risk.
District 119 extends from West Ashley to Seabrook and Kiawah islands. Altman, who has held the seat since 1996, defeated Smith in the 2002 election.
JOHN GRAHAM ALTMAN III
REPUBLICAN
AGE: 70
RESIDENCE: James Island
FAMILY: Wife, Charm; four children; two stepchildren
EDUCATION: St. Andrews High School; B.A. in English from University of South Carolina; law degree from University of South Carolina
PHONE/E-MAIL: 763-5313 / johngrahamaltman@knology.net
OCCUPATION: Attorney
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Charleston County School Board, 1976-1996; South Carolina House of Representatives, 1996-present.
CHARLIE SMITH
DEMOCRAT
AGE: 44
RESIDENCE: Wappoo Shores, Charleston
FAMILY: Single
EDUCATION: West Florence High School; B.A. in urban studies, College of Charleston, 1981; M.A. in city and regional planning from Clemson, 1984.
PHONE/E-MAIL: 571-2122 / charlie@friendsofcharliesmith.com
OCCUPATION: Owner, CSA Real Estate Services
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Former vice chairman of Miami Shores (Fla.) planning board. Ran unsuccessfully for S.C. Dist. 119 seat in 2002.
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