Socastee House seat seekers face off

The race to represent the Socastee area in the state House is pitting two Republican attorneys against each other.

Thad Viers, a lawyer who's represented District 68 since 2002, is being challenged by Bert Von Herrmann, a former prosecutor with the 15th Judicial Circuit. The winner of the GOP primary will almost certainly take the seat, as no Democrats are running for it.

Read more previews of state and local primary races

The Sun News asked each candidate to briefly answer some questions about their views.

Question | The Grand Strand has some unique concerns that other regions of South Carolina do not, such as the tourism industry. What are your specific plans for making sure our area gets what it needs?

Viers | I will continue to fight for Horry County's fair share of state funding as long as such funding is a legitimate expenditure of government. I do not believe in pork projects and/or earmarks just to bring money. Government spends to much on programs and projects that have nothing to do with government. We have to be guardians of taxpayers' money. Tourism advertising and highway dollars for roads and infrastructure are legitimate and are my priorities for the next term.

Von Herrmann | House District 68 simply cannot rely on the tourist industry to supply the necessary employment opportunities needed. In this district, which can only be described as the heart of Horry County, we must use every available resource to recruit and staff industries that are able to use the outstanding programs offered from our technical schools and Coastal Carolina University. I plan on fighting for an increase in funding for these schools and the programs so that industries will continue to have a pool of qualified applicants. In addition, I-73, which has been talked about often with few results, is a must for the growth of our district.

Q. | School budgets are getting slimmer every year. What are your specific ideas about how to keep taxes low and also make sure Grand Strand students receive quality education?

Viers | I do not vote for tax increases. There are positions within school districts and the State Department of Education that are nothing more than fancy titles that are paid six-figure salaries. We must make sure more money reaches the classroom and not the boardroom. Teachers are on the front lines, and need to have the support of the administration. We also must ensure that every child has access to the best quality education, which is the main reason why I support tax credit and school choice initiatives to empower parents, not the school bureaucracy.

Von Herrmann | Adequate school funding begins in the classroom. If we do not provide our teachers the resources necessary to fulfill one of the government's fundamental duties, then we will fail as a community. Taxes do not need to be raised to provide this support. Money needs to be transferred from the bureaucracy and used in the classroom for a more positive educational experience. Teachers need to be allowed to do what they do best - teach our children. They should not have to worry about furloughs and pay cuts. Administrative costs are excessive and should be reduced. As a father of two boys being educated in the public school system, the lack of foresight concerns me; and as a former prosecutor, I have seen firsthand the effects of inadequate education and motivation.

Q. | There has been some friction between Horry County and the legislative delegation over unfunded mandates. How do you plan to fix the problem?

Viers | I disagree with the premise of this question. The only friction which exists is the school district, up until recently, raising taxes every chance they get rather than living within their means. Currently, the Horry County School District is sitting on over $50 million dollars in a reserve fund, or rainy day fund, that is only to be used in exceptional circumstances. With the current economy we all find ourselves in; this is clearly a time when the HCSB can use that reserve fund. Government has to start living within its means and stop looking to the taxpayer to be the solution to every problem.

Von Herrmann | It is important for state representatives to build a better working relationship with all governmental agencies in Horry County. All too often, the General Assembly in Columbia tries to tell the citizens of our county what we need and should want. In many cases, these elected officials have forgotten who they work for and represent. Unfunded mandates are much like unenforceable laws. They create dissention between elected officials and ultimately cause a lack of respect and infighting between officials who should have the public's interest in mind at all times. In short, unfunded mandates should be only passed with great awareness, discussion and trepidation.

Q. | Where do you stand on oil drilling off the S.C. coast? Has the Gulf of Mexico disaster influenced your thinking on the issue?

Viers | I support expanding our exploration for natural gas and oil. I think its imperative that we use our natural resources at home rather than buying it from countries that don't like us. It's the key to energy independence.

Von Herrmann | There must be a balance between the positive economic impact that could result from such exploration and ensuring the welfare of our natural resources for generations to come. It is worth noting that Coastal Carolina University's Marine Science Department could be instrumental in the research of this topic and provide some of the answers to those issues as they arise. Much information would need to be gathered and thoughtful deliberation given prior to embarking upon a venture with such long term, potentially irreversible consequences.

Q. | Do you think S.C. should adopt an Arizona-style stand on illegal immigration? Why or why not?

Viers | Not only do I think South Carolina should adopt an Arizona-style immigration law, I have co-sponsored a similar bill in the S.C. House of Representatives this session. Illegal immigration is wreaking havoc in our state and costing taxpayers millions from crime, welfare and education programs, and fellow Americans jobs. The federal government's refusal to protect our borders has left us no other choice. We have to protect South Carolinians.

Von Herrmann | I strongly support efforts to curtail illegal immigration. We must not only allow law enforcement officials with just cause to verify citizenship, we also must demand the federal government help intervene and assist in this effort and also commit the resources to accomplish the objective. Without federal assistance, deportation is impossible. The federal law enforcement presence in Horry County is insufficient and this must change. However, the problem can only be solved by providing state law enforcement officials the duty and authority to determine proper citizenship when a question arises. Therefore, I believe a more stringent legislative position must be taken and the necessary resources allocated to this serious problem.