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Article published Oct 21, 2004
Beattie challenges Phillips
By Lynne Powell
Cherokee County
Bureau
GAFFNEY -- State Rep. Olin Phillips has faced opposition
only three times in his 26-year political career.This year, Gaffney native and
businessman Bobby Beattie decided to take on Phillips for the District 30 seat
for one simple reason -- he wants to make a difference.Beattie, a Republican
whose platform is "working together to make a difference," has been involved
with community youth for more than 20 years and is past chairman of the South
Carolina Peach Festival.He said his leadership experience on the local level has
given him a deeper drive to serve all people in Cherokee County. Beattie, a
political newcomer, knows it will be no easy task unseating a longtime
incumbent."I have nothing against my opponent, it's just something I wanted to
do," said Beattie, the father of Brian, Brandon and Brad, who was killed in a
car accident in 2000.Beattie said health care should be a top priority for
legislators since medical insurance has become expensive. Beattie wants to
improve youth community resources and make more opportunities available to
students. Beattie also supports restructuring the state's tax system. Phillips
isn't taking his opponent lightly.The Republican has used the last several
months campaigning and becoming more acquainted with his constituents. "The
people who know me, and hopefully those who don't, know I will do whatever I can
to bring industry into this county," Phillips said. "It's important to have a
good working relationship with the county council and development board to
provide needed incentives to prospects."Phillips said he's a proponent of small
businesses and will work to reduce the tax burden on residents if re-elected.
The annual salary for a seat in the House of Representatives is $10,400.Lynne
Powell may be reached at 487-7146 or lynne.powell@shj.com.By LYNNE
POWELLCherokee County BureauGAFFNEY -- State Rep. Olin Phillips has faced
opposition only three times in his 26-year political career.This year, Gaffney
native and businessman Bobby Beattie decided to take on Phillips for the
District 30 seat for one simple reason -- he wants to make a difference.Beattie,
a Republican whose platform is "working together to make a difference," has been
involved with community youth for more than 20 years and is past chairman of the
South Carolina Peach Festival.He said his leadership experience on the local
level has given him a deeper drive to serve all people in Cherokee County.
Beattie, a political newcomer, knows it will be no easy task unseating a
longtime incumbent."I have nothing against my opponent, it's just something I
wanted to do," said Beattie, the father of Brian, Brandon and Brad, who was
killed in a car accident in 2000.Beattie said health care should be a top
priority for legislators since medical insurance has become expensive. Beattie
wants to improve youth community resources and make more opportunities available
to students. Beattie also supports restructuring the state's tax system.
Phillips isn't taking his opponent lightly.The Republican has used the last
several months campaigning and becoming more acquainted with his constituents.
"The people who know me, and hopefully those who don't, know I will do whatever
I can to bring industry into this county," Phillips said. "It's important to
have a good working relationship with the county council and development board
to provide needed incentives to prospects."Phillips said he's a proponent of
small businesses and will work to reduce the tax burden on residents if
re-elected. The annual salary for a seat in the House of Representatives is
$10,400.Lynne Powell may be reached at 487-7146 or lynne.powell@shj.com.