Candidate Profile: Deedee Vaughters, S.C. Senate District 26

In the race for State Senate District 26, candidates are Republicans Deedee Vaughters, of Aiken, and Duane Naquin, a West Columbia businessman.

The winner of the June 12 primary will face incumbent Democrat Nikki Setzler of Lexington in November.

District 26 covers parts of Aiken, Lexington and Saluda counties. 

Name: Deedee Vaughters

Age: 43

Occupation: Owner, Plan B Services of Aiken, LLC and Dr. Ray Bauer Vaughters, III, MD, Inc.

Current Political Position: I have never been elected to office. 

Years in office: N/A

Prior experience: Small business owner; vice chairwoman of the South Carolina Policy Council; S.C. Education Lottery Commissioner

Family: I have been married for 13 years to my husband, Bauer. We have three children: Ford, 11; Ellen, 9; and Henry, 4.

Education: University of South Carolina, BS, 1991

Website: http://www.deedeeforsenate.com/

Why are seeking re-election or running for this office? 

"As a business owner, I have witnessed the heavy taxation and regulations that are imposed on businesses in this state.  I became politically active after receiving a property tax bill for the furniture and light fixtures in our office.  I decided then that our government did not really have anyone looking out for the little guy."

What makes you the best person for the job?  

"This seat is currently held by a career politician that has served for 36 years and is vying to make it 40.  That is entirely too long.  He has had 36 years to try to “fix what is broken” in our state.  It is time for new ideas and new blood.  My ideas are outlined in detail on my website at www.deedeeforsenate.com.  I definitely think that my experience as a business owner and employer bring a significant amount of knowledge to the table. What better person to go to when it comes to assessing how various policies will impact the economy?" 

What areas will you seek to focus on and what do hope to accomplish in your term?

"We first need to change the way judges are elected in our state. We currently do not have a balance of power like we see at the federal level. The legislative branch (Senate) appoints the judicial branch (SC Supreme Court.) This is a conflict of interest. The Senate makes the laws and then appoints those that interpret and enforce the laws. This lends itself to the possibility of corruption. The Governor should appoint the judges with advice and consent of the Senate. This is how the Supreme Court is appointed at the federal level. This would help restore a balance of power in our state."

"We also need to dissolve the $8.2 billion Other Fund that is comprised predominantly of fines and fees. This fund is overseen by four members of the S.C. House of Representatives and four members of the S.C. Senate. The appropriation of this money is not subject to state spending caps or recorded votes. The General Fund which is comprised mostly of sales and income tax totals $5.7 billion. This is $2.5 billion less than the nontransparent Other Fund. The two funds should be combined so that we have total transparency and know how ALL of our tax dollars are being spent."

What do you think needs to be done to improve South Carolina’s education system?

"No Child Left Behind was a disaster. In South Carolina we spend almost 40 percent of the General Fund monies on education. Sadly, less than 50 cents on the dollar makes it down to the classroom. I want to work to make sure that more money gets to the classroom. This is where we will have the greatest impact on the children."  

"We need to pay our teachers more and the administrators a lot less. Teachers are the most important part of the equation. Why are their salaries often 1/3 or less of that of an administrator? I am a fan of merit pay for good teachers and firing poorly performing teachers quickly. It currently takes 2 to 3 years to get rid of a poorly performing teacher. Why? How many minds have they stunted in that period of time?"

"We are the only state in the nation to not privatize school buses. Alabama privatized in 2006 and saved almost $300 per year, per rider in the process. This needs to happen quickly. This is an excellent way to save money and provide better, safer buses for the children of SC. Last year we bought Kentucky’s used school buses. What a shame!"

"Last, I am a fan of school choice. It is important to have competition in schools.  This is the right thing to do for the parents and children."

What do you think about South Carolina’s job creation strategy and what do you think should be done to bring more jobs to the state?

"I am a free market capitalist. I believe the best thing that the government can do to help the economy is stay out of the way.  This means less regulation and a tax code that is fair. This is why I am a supporter of The Fair Tax."  

"If you want more jobs in this state then we need to create an environment where business owners and CEOs want to be.  Consider this the proverbial “field of dreams.” Washington State, Texas and Florida have thriving economies. Why?  They have no state income tax; therefore businesses want to locate there.  Ever wonder why Silicone Valley exists in Washington State? This may be one of the best reasons why!"

"This “field of dreams” would also be created by continuing to keep South Carolina a Right to Work state and by our fabulous climate, natural resources and people!"

"There are only so many incentive deals that a relatively poor state can afford to offer.  It is imperative that we change our game plan and work towards creating an environment where businesses want to come versus having to pay them to come." 

Are there any other comments you'd like to make, or would you like to discuss something not raised in our questions?

"It is a critical time in our country and in our state. Those that you elect to serve you should understand what it means to serve. Career politicians that spend more time serving their own selfish interests instead of those of the people need to go. I fully understand and support that government should be “of the people, by the people and for the people!”  As your Senator, I will always be Standing on Principle, Fighting for You!"