KEY ISSUES
Experience Matters. After 12 years of service in local government, Blake Sanders is ready to take his leadership to Columbia.
Blake has a strong, conservative record. While Mayor, Sanders significantly reduced the tax burden for West Pelzer families. Instead of increasing taxes, Blake established recurring funds through creative marketing and small business recruitment.
In the State House, Blake will fight hard to protect our conservative values:
Infrastructure, Infrastructure, Infrastructure
The bottom line: We need to fix our roads. I will ensure Anderson County receives its fair share of tax dollars intended for road improvements, infrastructure projects, recreation, and economic development. Growth should follow infrastructure improvements within the community, not the other way around.
Cut Wasteful Government Spending
I will make sure Anderson County's conservative voice is heard in Columbia. I will work everyday to eliminate government waste and reduce taxes to put more money back in your pocket.
Protect Conservative Family Values
For eight years, I have started every presentation by saying I am a Husband, Father, Landscape Architect, Professor, and Mayor. I start this way because people matter more than any office I ever hold. With this in mind, I will always fight for the right to life, the right to protect your family by bearing arms, and limited government.
Attract Jobs & Small Businesses
Government often stands as the greatest obstacle to progress. You have my word that will not be the case for SC House District 9. I’ll fight to bring more jobs and opportunities to our community and empower our small businesses by making sure the dollars they earn go straight back into our local economy.
Invest in Education
We must support school choice, support students, support teachers, and support parental rights in their kids’ classrooms. The backbone of SC's future lies within the classroom, regardless of where it is.
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Local Impact
West Pelzer had 0% occupancy in its small downtown in 2015. Through market analysis and local economic development ordinance incentives, we increased revenues by 50%, spurred $30M in private investment, and proudly now have 100% occupancy and a vibrant Frankville Business District.
Regional Impact
Working with City of Easley as their Planning Director and Economic Development Director, I oversaw the distribution of $20+ million in TIF, HTAX, and GO Bond revenues – providing a new fire station, new public works, nine parks, and the master planning of 400 acres along Hwy 153 expansion development of The Silos, etc. In my first term as Mayor, I worked with SCDOT and County to pave every road in West Pelzer.
Statewide Impact
I’ve worked in 114 SC cities and towns on economic development plans. Additionally, I worked with Governor Sanford and Governor Haley on the Palmetto Trail Master Plan (Awendaw to Walhalla). This plan included 400 miles of trail, connecting the state recreational network to recreation and tourism economic development opportunities.