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Article published Oct 22, 2004
Sen. John Hawkins is a capable representative of Spartanburg
interests
State Sen. John Hawkins is a capable legislator,
committed to building the state's businesses and protecting taxpayers.For
instance, he co-sponsored a bill in the previous session to help small
businesses avoid excessive state regulation. The bill would create a review
process for future state rules that would assess their impact on small
businesses.Hawkins backed Gov. Mark Sanford in his stand against pork-barrel
projects in the state budget. Hawkins was clear in his statement of support for
the governor and backed up his words by voting to sustain Sanford's vetoes.The
senator also backs the governor's plan to gradually reduce the state income tax
rate, and he pushes his own plan to reduce property taxes by replacing the
revenue with the proceeds of an extra 2 percent state sales tax.Although these
tax proposals would be better considered as part of an overall state tax system
restructuring plan, Hawkins has demonstrated his commitment to protecting
taxpayers by holding the line on taxes and by limiting spending.But Hawkins
should support more substantial change in the Senate.He says he is committed to
changing the outdated Senate rules that allow a handful of senators to bog the
entire body down with a filibuster, but he supported the filibuster against
primary enforcement of the seat belt bill.He also opposed a gubernatorial veto
designed to stop the legislative practice of bobtailing -- adding unrelated
legislation onto important bills.Substantive change is needed in theway the
state Senate operates, not mere tweaking of the existing rules and procedures.
Hawkins seems more willing to tinker rather than support meaningful
changes.Hawkins is opposed by Democrat Leonardo Ortiz. Ortiz has a varied and
unique agenda. Some of his ideas, particularly those that relate to energy
independence, deserve official consideration. But he does not have Hawkins'
experience or his ability to lead in the Senate.Spartanburg would be better off
to send Hawkins to the Senate for another term.