Candidate Profile: Duane Naquin, S.C. Senate District 26

Duane Naquin, owner of Stone Interiors, is one of two candidates in the State Senate District 26 race.

Naquin is running against in Tuesday's primary. 

The winner will face incumbent Democrat Nikki Setzler of Lexington in November.

Name: Duane Naquin

Age: 35

Occupation: I own Stone Interiors, a granite countertop company, and have over 60 employees in two locations. I started my company in 2001.

Current Political Position: This is the first time I have ever run for any office.

Years in office: None

Prior experience: Many sleepless nights through this recession working on how to make our company more efficient so that we could make payroll and keep the doors open.

Family: My wonderful wife Heather and I have been married for six years and we have a son Mason who will turn three in two weeks. Our dog child is our Rottweiler Godiva who will turn five at Christmas.

Education: Degree in computer science from Boston College ‘99

Website: http://duaneforsenate.com/

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

"As a local small businessman, I recognize how fundamentally broken state government is. I want to work to reform it, and I believe that if we leave politics to the professional politicians, things aren’t ever going to get better. Having citizen legislators that take time away from the private sector, serve their neighbors, and return back to live under the laws they passed is the answer. I will be that type of citizen legislator." 

What makes you the best person for the job?

"As a small business owner, I am often asked to train other small business owners in my industry on how to run their businesses more efficiently. I believe having more people in the legislature who understand business is a good start, but having more people who are experienced in training business people on efficient operation is even better." 

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

"I want to start with spending, but it won’t take me long to get to taxes. If we can reform the entire mindset that state government has when it comes to spending money, we can follow a business model of ever increasing efficiency year to year.  Core state government function could remain intact, and we could work toward tax reform and eventually the elimination of the property tax. This would make our competitive state even more competitive with neighboring states and country for the jobs of tomorrow."

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

"I favor a fourfold approach to education reform. First, work to give parents and students educational choices. Second, cut bureaucracy and other unnecessary administration and put the savings back in the classroom. Third, work to eliminate any governmental activity that enables or strengthens teachers’ unions. Fourth, work with industry to insure that high schools produce graduates prepared to work in their communities’ industries." 

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 think what we are doing now is a good start, but as a businessperson, I know there is more over-regulation to be cut. There continues to be opportunities for the governmental efficiency that will eventually lead to lowering taxes. Lastly, I’m a big believer in having our local high schools build curriculum around preparing those students not on a college track to move seamlessly into a skilled workforce." 

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

"I’m not much of a politician. I’m just a regular guy who works hard for a living who wants to see my business grow and the government hands in my pocket shrink. If we can put more people who feel that way in the legislature, there Is no question the whole state will benefit."