Brendan Magee On The Issues

As your State Representative, I will prioritize reducing traffic congestion and bringing more state & federal funding back to Charleston. I know how to get things done! As an Asset Manager for publicly traded Real Estate Invest Trusts (REITS), I was responsible for managing hundreds of properties and overseeing/meeting budgets and completing capital projects on a timely basis. This makes me uniquely qualified to be your state representative. I am against the Sales Tax extension on the ballot, at least at this time, and I am against the $3,000,000,000 (that's billion!) 526 (9.5 mile) extension to be constructed over 70 acres of marsh and James Island County Parkland. I am for finishing projects promised us in the 2016 Sales Tax referendum (which I voted for) such as the Main Rd & 17 flyover and cloverleaf as well as the additional lane extension of Maybank connecting to the Stono Bridge. Finishing these projects will have a tremendous impact on relieving traffic congestion on Johns Island, James Island, West Ashley.

As a businessman, I have witnessed first-hand how running projects efficiently lowers costs and can be a catalyst for economic growth. The same can be said for state government. A more efficient government will reduce taxes, stimulate economic growth, increase disposable income for families, and encourage business investments, ultimately strengthening our community.

South Carolina and the Charleston area (especially District 119!) are home to some of the nation's most precious natural resources. I have lived in District 119 for 28 years and understand the responsibility we have to protect and preserve the enormous beauty that surrounds our area. By fighting for the preservation of these natural resources, we can ensure a healthier future for our children and grandchildren, safeguarding their well-being and happiness, and instilling a sense of pride in our community.

I lost my son to suicide December 18, 2023. After my son's death I quickly realized how little is being done in this state to help and safeguard people suffering from anxiety & depression. The shocking reality is that, according to the South Carolina DHEC, someone commits suicide in South Carolina every 11 hours, and 67.1% are carried out with a firearm. We are better than this! Just as outrageous is the fact that suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in South Carolina for those aged 25-40. Something must be done!

I would appreciate anyone taking the time to read this to please read my son's obituary. He was a great young man and his spirit lives on with me.

Lawyer-legislators elect the judges they go before and are granted immunity from having to show up in court while in legislative session. My opponent is a criminal defense attorney who has been in office for 18 years, electing hundreds of judges and has been called out by various news agencies for abusing his immunity privileges. Governor McMaster, State Supreme Court Chief Justice Kiitredge, and prosecutors have been calling for reform for years but the status quo remains. I will help get this much-needed judicial reform done.

Background:

Small Business's across the state, but more importantly District 119, are getting crushed by massive insurance liability premiums because our elected leaders fail to take action. I pledge to make sure insurance reform legislation is passed in the next legislative session. If elected, I will do everything I can to make sure no legislators leave Columbia until reform is at hand.

End joint-and-several liability: South Carolina's joint-and several liability laws are hurting small business. Since 2005, the state has followed a modified version of this doctrine, allowing a defendant who is at least 50% at fault to be held responsible for the entire verdict. To address this, South Carolina should allow nonparties to be considered based on their proportion of fault. The state needs to repeal joint-and several and adopt a model in which defendants are financially liable for only their share of fault.

South Carolina's railroads were enjoyed more by its citizens in the 1800's than they are today. How great would it be to connect our great cities, from Charleston to Columbia to Aiken to Myrtle Beach, to Rock Hill, to Greenville, and cities in between! The Post & Courier just printed an article on October 15, 2024 entitled "