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Article published Oct 21, 2004
Steve Parker can improve Spartanburg's representation in
Columbia
Spartanburg County Councilman Steve Parker has served
well on the county level and should be chosen by voters to represent them in
Columbia.Parker has taken a pragmatic approach to county government, exercising
proper stewardship over taxpayers' money and working to improve the county's
business climate.He was willing to cast a common-sense, though unpopular, vote
to listen to Waste Management's proposal to givethe county $34 million in
exchange forthe ability to locate a landfill within the county. Parker wasn't
willing to commit to the landfill before the details were known, but he was
willing to listen, while other council members were not. He was also vocal about
explaining his reasons to concerned voters.Parker wants to bring infrastructure
improvements to his district, which includes the quickly growing Boiling Springs
area, and will support Gov. Mark Sanford's proposals to lower the state income
tax rate and enact more efficient and democratic rules in the Senate.Parker is
challenging veteran Sen. Glenn Reese, who has not been an effective lawmaker for
Spartanburg County.In his current term, Reese has demonstrated poor leadership.
He was unable to work with the county legislative delegation and a governor of
his own party and cost Spartanburg timely funding for the Renaissance Park
project.He used his Senate position to introduce joke legislation that had no
purpose but to poke fun at Sanford.Reese proposed changing the boating rules at
Lake Blalock against the opposition of the water system, which owns the lake,
and most residents on the lake, who said Reese hadn't even bothered to ask them
what they thought.He held up the reappointment of all magistrates in the county
because the other senators would not reappoint a judge who has now been
suspended by the state Supreme Court.Reese is part of the problem in the Senate.
He opposes necessary reforms like government restructuring. And he supports
every Senate filibuster, even those against proposals he otherwise supports.Four
years ago, Reese was endorsed on this page. But his service in this term has
been so disappointing, a repeat of that recommendation is impossible.Steve
Parker can better represent Spartanburg County in the state Senate.