As part of our continuing effort to bring local news that’s impactful to our readers, we’ve proactively reached out to the candidates running for the South Carolina House of Representatives.
We will not manipulate their answers in any way, we’ll simply provide to you, our readers. This will allow you to make an informed choice.
This week, we’ll introduce Heather Hart
Why would a former Republican, now a Democrat, spend her summer knocking on doors in 95 degree heat?
I’ll give you a hint – it wasn’t because I wanted a workout, though I certainly got one walking the hills in some of our neighborhoods! I did it because I want to hear from you, District 66. I want to know what’s important to you. I appreciate everyone who shared their thoughts about Fort Mill and Tega Cay with me and I want you to know I heard you.
I know you want strong public schools.
You are parents who care about high quality public education, teachers who want to feel respected and trusted, and residents who point out that strong public schools reinforce home values and build wealth for our entire community.
I know you want safe and enjoyable neighborhoods.
You are residents frustrated by the zoning and environmental problems surrounding Silfab, first responders in need of new recruits and equipment to keep our community safe, and community members who want to know that our natural resources and local parks will be protected.
I know you want quality roads and infrastructure.
You are community members concerned about decades of deferred maintenance, small business owners who need reliable infrastructure, and construction experts who want to build workforce pipelines so our students have job opportunities well into the future.
The Fort Mill area drew me, my husband Jason, and our two sons, in with its exceptional schools and small town atmosphere. We’ve made this our home because of the community. I am running as the Democratic nominee for House District 66 because you deserve a representative who understands your values and votes with you in mind.
I changed parties because the Republican party shifted away from beliefs that are important to me. Beliefs built on my faith which insists I care about my neighbors. The Democratic party aligns with my desire to care for our community, but that does not mean policy votes will be dictated by the party. You, the residents of District 66, will always be my primary focus, not a label or a caucus. You.
In addition to knocking doors I’ve toured the construction site at 160 & 77 to better understand our roads, infrastructure, and workforce. I sat in on our regional transportation committee meeting to understand how funding is prioritized. I toured a local fire station and heard about important safety needs that remain unfunded. I met with leaders working to align resources so our community is safer for pedestrians and bikes. I’ve spent time with business owners hearing about the economic pressures affecting their organizations. My sons are both students in the
Fort Mill School District and not only do I regularly volunteer there, I’m occasionally a substitute teacher. I’ve heard from parents, students, teachers, and administrators first hand.
The common line through all of this is that each of you also cares deeply about our community. You and I both believe that we can find practical solutions to the challenges in front of us. We are not bound together by partisan labels, but by the belief that our community is better when it works together.
I am a writer and researcher by profession and I will bring those skills in analysis and communication to the forefront for District 66. I will continue to meet with every segment of our community and coordinate with local leaders to reflect your values and move your priorities forward. I will work across party lines to advocate for you.
I decided to run for office when I realized our representation did not reflect the values of Fort Mill and Tega Cay. Instead, I saw hyped-up culture wars, attacks on school funding, and local needs ignored.
I will dig into the antiquated funding formulas that penalize our schools and small businesses. I will call for a transparent investigation into Silfab and work on environmental regulations that protect our neighborhoods. I will fight for funding for our first responders and law enforcement. I will partner with the different levels of local government to ensure that our roads and infrastructure are prioritized.
And I’ll keep listening. I’ll keep showing up in our community and I’ll keep asking what’s important to you.
If you like the sound of that future, I’d be honored if you vote for me, Heather Hart, on November 3rd.
Website: https://www.hartforsc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HartforSC/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hartforsc
Disclaimer: Thomas Hyslip, Publisher and Editor of this newspaper and Tega Cay City Councilmember, personally endorsed Jackie Terribile for State House, District 66
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
