Billy O'Dell challenged by Jay West

October 18, 2004

Incumbent Billy O’Dell, R, is opposed in his bid for re-election in the South Carolina Senate, representing District 4, by Democrat Jay West, a vice president at Erskine College. Mr. West works in development at the college and is strong on business development for the area. He is in favor of incentives to both attract and keep industry in our state, although he recognizes it should be "without breaking the bank."

He believes "it is about the jobs, the economy, the people, not politics or political causes," and said he had the ability to work with members of both parties for the overall good. He would like to see the Lake Russell project completed as he had a role in that effort in Abbeville County through the Abbeville Development Board. He is a supporter of public education; his wife is a teacher, his three children attend public school and believes the promised state support should be coming to the local systems, not unfunded mandates which he estimates at more than $230 million.

His reasons for running are varied, but most center on "making Columbia accountable." The legislature has not been involved enough in the discussions about job recruitment and fee-in-lieu practices to attract industry and should work closer with the Department of Commerce, he said.

He would push for an increase in the tax on tobacco but would not dedicate all the money to funding Medicaid. Instead he would advocate the money go to education and health care and would give a priority to education.

Mr. O’Dell, 66, points to his accomplishments and experience.

Over the last four years, he said, he has worked for grants to the area, including $700,000 in seed money for Donalds/Due West Water Authority to obtain a $1.5 million loan for water lines to rural areas. This will help residents, he said, but also provide back-up to the main line which will help industrial customers. He has brought enhancement money to smaller communities in Anderson County, including designated money for streetscape projects in Belton, Honea Path and Pelzer.

Gov. Mark Sanford’s proposed income tax phaseout is of no value to the small businessman, he said, and he doesn’t see it meaning that much to recruiting industry, despite the governor’s confidence in that regard, recognizing that tax reductions will have to be made up with additional revenues.

"We have a lot to offer in South Carolina and need to sell that, not give it away," he said.

It is partially true, he acknowledged that the state is not living up to its responsibilities, particularly in education. Per-child spending is mandated yet not fulfilled and of the 1-cent sales tax implemented several years ago to benefit education, only 72 percent actually goes to that purpose, he said.

However, he stresses as well that health and human services make up 28 percent of the overall state budget and that there are some things in education (56 percent of the budget) that can be put on hold, "we can’t put health and human services on hold. Where we are falling down in education is not identifying and addressing underlying problems." Of those problems, he noted problems with discipline and teachers burdened with teaching things that should be taught in the home.

Mr. O’Dell voted for an increase in the tobacco tax and would do so again. He is a member of the Health and Human Services subcommittee which oversees Medicaid and feels strongly it should be fully funded in order to obtain matching federal funds.

While Mr. West is indeed a viable and committed opponent, we believe Mr. O’Dell has proven his worth to the district and deserves to return to Columbia. As a member of the finance committee for 12 years, he is in a position to be committee chair, he said. That seniority would be a benefit to which a newcomer cannot aspire.

The Anderson Independent-Mail believes another term for Billy O’Dell in the state senate would be a wise choice for District 4.

Copyright 2004, Anderson Independent Mail. All Rights Reserved.