South Carolina House District 27 has four candidates vying for an open seat. For the last 22 years Garry Smith has been the representative for this area. With his retirement, the opportunity arises for a new face to occupy that seat. The Republican Primary will be held on June 14 with a runoff scheduled for June 20.

Although there are several county and statewide elections scheduled for that day, we chose to highlight this campaign first. In the May and June issues we will be introducing additional local candidates.

We asked candidates to respond to these questions. 

Tell us about yourself, family, and career.

Where do you live?

What are your most critical issues you would like to address?

Why are you running for the house and how can you make a difference? 

Here are their responses. 

Cynthia Horner

I was a teacher for seven years before I attended chiropractic college. I came to Greenville South Carolina in 1993. I started my chiropractic practice with my 2-year-old in the practice with me, because family and being a mother was important to me. My daughter is grown and married and has blessed me with three beautiful grandchildren. I am grateful they live close and are an important part of my life. I have built my practice in Greenville County over the last 29 years learning how to grow and own a small business. After living in Greenville then Mauldin I moved to Simpsonville in 2014. 

I have served my community as a chiropractor and now I wish to serve as a legislator. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Our government is horribly broken, and this is the perfect time for us to join together to create honest government, and to fix what is broken. It is time for a change in how we do politics. I knew if I wanted to be part of the outcome, I had to be part of the process. Our beautiful Republic doesn’t work without the people taking responsibility. I believe that together we can change the face of our state government. We need people with the character to fight the hard battles and swim upstream against the current when needed, people who recognize the #1 job of a legislator is to secure our freedoms. 

I intend to bring honesty and transparency to our state government. I want to see the family as our cornerstone and bridge the gap between legislators and the grassroots people.  

Laird Minor

I am a US Army veteran, a former lawyer and a retired businessman. My wife Nancy and I have been married 48 years, and we have an adult son who teaches high school math in Florida.

Where do you live? 

On Garrison Rd., up the street from the Hillcrest Middle school. We’ve lived in Simpsonville for 25 years.

What are your most critical issues you would like to address? 

Reining in the state government; limiting the governor’s emergency powers; reducing taxes (abolishing the state income tax); and meaningful school choice.

Why are you running for the house and how can you make a difference? 

I have been politically engaged for several years, and have strong working relationships with concerned citizens as well as with many current members of the General Assembly. I have helped draft legislation, and understand the legislative process. I believe I could be an effective representative of the people in this district from day one.

People can learn more about me and my platform on my campaign website at https://www.lairdminor.com/, and at our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/votelaird/

Dr. Ira Williams

I live in the North-East corner of House district 27, Mauldin and Simpsonville, and I have lived here for 18 years; no room mates, no pets, and no vices. I have had 3 successful careers;

Author 4 books on the Healthcare Delivery System (doctors and hospitals) (visit my website)

Board certified oral & maxillofacial surgeon and anesthesiologist.

USAF retired major/senior navigator, squadron commander and summary court martial office, 24 years.

Combat ready in 3 different type combat aircraft – Korea/Japan and activated for Cuban Crisis.

Your & Your Loved One’s Healthcare Delivery System is broken, and it has always been broken.

I know Why and How that System is broken, but more importantly,

I know How to begin to create a 21st century HCDS, and NO One seems interested in what I have to offer.

Also, I am the only Quality of Care and Patient Safety expert in the country saying that.

People need to understand – IF they want a far better HCDS they need to begin demanding that the Governor offer me an opportunity to describe, in detail, my process for how to begin to create a far better system.

drirawilliams@gmail.com
drirawilliams.com

David Vaughn

My wife and I grew up here and raised our three beautiful children in the district. We are now blessed with two grandbabies that motivate our desire to serve our community on a wider scale. As a local business owner in the area for over twenty years, I have extensive experience to offer. My work on the Greenville County Delegation Transportation Committee has also offered me insight into the infrastructure needs of our booming area. 

Our state is not on a good path of growth. Our morals are in decline, our tax rates are too high and our infrastructure is in disrepair. I believe we need a strong, conservative leader who can address these obvious challenges. Locally, our biggest obstacle is rapid growth in residential neighborhoods. This brings with it many infrastructure challenges. By owning businesses in the area and also serving on the Greenville County Delegation Transportation Committee, I know roads and smart development are key to maintaining a wonderful quality of life for the district. 

Why are you running for the house and how can you make a difference?

I have a strong desire to serve our community, one I have called home my whole life. Because I’m the only candidate in this race with more than fifty years spent in the district, I am uniquely qualified to serve our area in the State House. ■