Originally posted in www.politicsispower.com.
By: Douglas A Wilson, Editor and Chief
Today, The Rex Campaign held a conference call for SC Bloggers. This was an opportunity for members of the blogger sphere to hear from Dr. Rex and receive a clear understanding of were he stands on the issues. Politics is Power was among the blog sites that was invited to participate. We (politics is power) asked Dr. Rex a number of questions including were he stood on the “Corridor of Shame”, Cigarette Tax, the Confederate Flag, and the reputation of SC. Rex is currently the State Superintendent of Education and is seeking the Democratic Nomination for Governor this June.
When asked about the “Corridor of Shame”, Mr. Rex highlighted the improvements to J.V. Martin Junior High School. The school received 23.5 million in a low-interest, 40-year loan and a $4 million grant toward a new school. This was granted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These funds come from the stimulus package. Rex noted that this is a great step in the right direction and other crumbling schools in the state must be addressed. He stated that the SC must step up to fund education properly and equally. Rex has a comprehensive plan entitled “Begin in 10”. This plan will provide flexibility for school districts to work through budget constraints by furloughing teachers and cutting back on assessment tests for certain students. Mr. Rex went on to say that several needs will be added to this plan such as helping children whom have not mastered English as well as special needs children. Rex believes that Begin in 10 will have a great impact on all schools especially ones in the Corridor of Shame.
Dr. Rex also supports the Cigarette Tax. He believes that half of the funds from this tax should go to reforming education and the other half to improving Medicaid which will help to create 20,000 jobs in the healthcare sector. Dr. Rex also stated that he would form a commission/panel to address the state’s tax laws and see were it can be improved. When asked about the controversial issue of the Confederate Flag Mr. Rex stated that the issue is more than just the flag. He believes that there needs to be a discussion on diversity and how it is good for SC. He went on to say that within 90 days of becoming governor, he will launch a two hour panel discussion on ETV with Whites, Blacks and Hispanics to discuss diversity and race and ways to improve in these areas. Rex’s goal is to show that we can talk about race in SC openly. He went on to say that if he is able to find in his research as governor that the Confederate Flag is one of the causes of the state’s economic woes, he will inform the people of SC and back it up with facts as well as fight to make change.
When asked about how to improve the reputation of the state, Rex said he will create a marketing plan that will promote the state’s vital resources and encourage business/families to move here. This plan will target individuals/businesses nationally and internationally. Rex’s believes that SC can compete equally and aggressively with other states like Michigan whom created a similar plan to improve their standings and to encourage people and business to come.
Our job at politics is power is to bring the facts and let you decide. If you are voting in the Democratic Primary on June 6th in SC and would like to learn more about Jim Rex, please visit www.jimrex.com. We also encourage you to visit the other candidate’s sites as well. (www.vincentsheheen.com, www.dwightdrake.com).