I am pleased to share any information that might be of value to you as you determine the best candidate to endorse for the District 16 Senate seat. Most of the information you might want is on my website at www.voteforstansmith.com<http://www.voteforstansmith.com>. Additional postings are on my Facebook page “voteforstansmith.” I will be happy to “friend” you so you can have complete access to my many postings.
 
I am a Libertarian. Therefore you may notice consistent themes:
 
1. fiscal responsibility,
 
2. elimination of patronage,
 
3. consolidation and reduction of commissions and agencies,
 
4. true checks and balances (for instance, genuine veto authority for the governor of 2/3rd's of the legislators – rather than just a few who are willing to go on record when they overturn),
 
5. term limits (no more than 2 terms in any single office),
 
6. elimination of gerrymandering through applying geographic coherence,
 
7. school choice, and
 
8. total transparency for any person or organization involved in any way with the public trust. This includes personal and financial transparency.
 
If you read my “Letter to my Republican and Democrat Friends” on my website, you will note that I am accepting of the idea of a safety net (that is a fair interpretation of the “General Welfare” clause) and that I am a dedicated advocate for civil rights (I was an organizer in south Africa against the Apartheid regime in the late 60’s) and the opportunity for every one of us to reach our highest potential. You will also note that I take issue with Democrats when they want the government to displace personal responsibility and accountability. I take issue with Republicans when they advantage big businesses and corporations at the expense of a level playing field for all persons.
 
You will find I am not comfortable with the rage of the Tea Party, but accepting of their need for fiscal accountability. The recent issue that percolated in Wisconsin about Unions finds me on the side of those who choose to organize and associate with others in order to advance their interests – Chambers of Commerce, Unions, and any other voluntary association are entitled to advocate for their members within the law.
 
Since I took the oath of citizenship and swore to uphold the Constitution at 17, I have attempted to honor the meaning of our contract between we citizens and our government in spirit and intent. As a Libertarian, you will find that I cling tightly to the words as written. I will willingly negotiate from a common foundation in the language of our Constitution.
 
I am very concerned about the self-serving behavior and sometimes outright corruption of South Carolina’s politicians on both sides of the aisle. I will treat my role as Senator a sacred trust and will be above reproach in both intent and in my deeds.
 
It has been over 125 years since we have had a third party represented in our Legislature. Folks have said that this effort to offer a “principled” position is Quixotic. It very well may be. They said the same thing when we organized South Africans of all colors and creeds to talk across their divides – more than 15 years before the collapse of Apartheid. Sometimes we have to tilt at windmills. Sometimes – my hero – Mandela is freed to offer truth and reconciliation. I am a much lesser man; but I know what it is to tell the truth and to live it as best I can.
 
The issue of experience is often raised when someone has not held office before. For 30 years I have consulted with businesses and cities and counties and state agencies about achieving their mission and improving their service quality and efficiency. I have also often identified future leaders within these organizations. I’ve seen the best and the worst and I have done my level best to have a positive impact.
 
I look forward to meeting with your committee. I noticed you supported a “Green” candidate the last election cycle and am optimistic you can be as independent in your thinking this cycle as well.
 
All the best,
Stan Smith
Libertarian Candidate for SC Senate District 16