Vincent Coe South Carolina State House District 63
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.
I am the SC Democratic Party’s Nominee for House District 63 (Florence, SC). I am also a man of integrity and great faith. Born and raised in South Carolina, I graduated from Lamar High School, University of South Carolina, Case Western Reserve University School of Law, and Francis Marion University Executive Education Program.
I am a member of the American Bankers Association, Florence County Chamber of Commerce, and the University of South Carolina’s Young Alumni Council. I am a Graduate of the Sonoco Leadership Academy and Dartmouth University Executive Education Program.
As the proud son of a Veteran Soldier and Nurse Practitioner, I always believed that I would be called to public service some day. That service started as an Intern at the Lt. Governor of South Carolina’s office while a full-time student at the University of South Carolina. As a small business owner, consultant, and college lecturer, I am prepared to help lead South Carolina forward as State Representative.
Why are you running for office?
I am running because I believe I can make a difference in the quality of life for South Carolinians. I know that great opportunities can belong to anyone regardless of age, race, gender or political affiliation. I am determined to build a stronger community for the next generation that includes a living wage, climate equity and a quality education system we can be proud of in South Carolina.
What are the three biggest issues facing your community?
First, high fuel costs have significantly impacted families in South Carolina, and something must be done to help bridge that gap. Second, South Carolina ranks 39th for average teacher pay overall– we can and should do so much better for our children. Last but not least, homelessness is still far too high in South Carolina.
How do you propose to solve those problems?
Once in the state house, I will advocate for an immediate Fuel Tax Credit for South Carolina families. I will partner with the SC Education Association and the Palmetto State Teachers Association to co-sponsor a study into increasing teacher’s compensation. I will connect with interfaith organizations, non profits and charitable foundations to construct a homeless shelter that offers support and job placement services to citizens in my district that will hopefully be a model for homeless assistance in other districts.
What is your stance on environmental and climate concerns that are facing your community?
Our beautiful natural environment is a big reason why tourists flock to South Carolina, we must protect it if we intend to protect our tourism industry. Climate change is a real and present danger to all, but in South Carolina the danger of sea level rise, extreme heat, and increasingly strong storms are becoming an every day struggle. Protecting the environment and slowing the effects of climate change takes a village and I will use my position in the state house to propose and support climate legislation.
What commonsense gun safety measures would have the most impact on your community?
I would support legislation that required everyone to have a license in order to carry a firearm and any legislation to prevent the unauthorized use of firearms. We need legislation to prevent firearms from getting into the wrong hands (i.e. the mentally ill and violent offenders), and laws that will especially protect the community’s most vulnerable like victims of domestic abuse.
How would criminal justice reforms impact your community?
I fully understand that criminal justice reform is an important step to keeping our communities safe. That includes a relationship between the police and the community that is built on trust and secured by intentional community participation. I fully support trained law enforcement who protect and serve our communities.
How would you work to protect a woman’s reproductive health?
In the state house, I would advocate for women to control their own destinies by making their own decision about their bodies. Full stop!
What measures would you advocate to ensure that your constituents have the right to vote?
I will support every measure available under the law including measures to eliminate voter suppression.
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