| Job History: |
 | A Charleston native who grew up here, Eugene Platt retired from Federal Civil Service. His father worked at the Navy Yard and the family attended Ashley River Baptist Church. After graduating from St. Andrew's Parish High School, Eugene served three years in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper and chaplain's assistant. He earned a B.A. at the University of South Carolina and did graduate study at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. He is an elected member of the James Island Public Service District Commission, having served since 1993. He is an active member of St. James Episcopal Church. His political positions are informed by love for country and community and by his understanding of the Gospels.
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| Important Issues: |
| Eugene Platt on Family
A widower, Eugene dedicates this campaign in loving memory of his wife Mary, who died of breast cancer in 2003. He has a son, Paul, daughter, Troye, son-in-law, John, and new granddaughter, Maya. He understands that family is the foundation of society. In the State House, he will be a champion of family-friendly legislation.
Eugene Platt on Crime
The criminal justice system must be completely revamped, focusing on the safety of law-abiding citizens. This new system would feature truth in sentencing, greater parental responsibility for acts of children, drastically shortened interval between arrest and trial, victim restitution, more stringent parole policy, and opportunities for rehabilitation. The State Highway Patrol should be increased by at least 100 new troopers to insure the safety of our highways.
Eugene Platt on Children and Education
Our children are not only our future, but also our immortality. We will be judged on how well we train them. Eugene is a strong supporter of public education, advocating full funding by the state; however, he respects the rights of parents to choose private education at their own expense. Teachers should be empowered to maintain discipline in their classrooms. State college tuition increases should not exceed the general rate of inflation.
Eugene Platt on Taxes
Eugene supports elimination of property taxes to fund public schools—but not for services directly related to property such as fire protection and garbage collection. He is opposed to increasing sales taxes for any purpose. If additional revenues are required, he proposes a progressive income tax as the most equitable way to raise them.
Eugene Platt on the Environment
Eugene is a longtime member of the Sierra Club and is also a member of the Coastal Conservation League. Irresponsible developers do not consider him their friend. His feelings are reflected in this prayer "For the Conservation of Natural Resources": Almighty God, in giving us dominion over things on earth, you made us fellow workers in your creation: Give us wisdom and reverence so to use the resources of nature, that no one may suffer from our abuse of them, and that generations yet to come may continue to praise you for your bounty; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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| Why Vote For Me: |
| I'm running for State House because I believe the time for change has come. Not just any kind of change, but a change in the direction we have been headed which has been endangering the qualities that make our community unique. Born and raised in Charleston, I recognize how important these qualities are and have a strong desire to preserve them.
The two critical issues my campaign focuses on are equitable taxation and unreasonable development.
As the senior member of the James Island Public Service District (PSD), first elected in 1993, I have worked to assure a high level of service for the PSD's constituents and fought to save our community from excessive development by short-sighted, often greedy developers.
Too many people in our community suffer from the effects of an unjust economic system. I intend to reduce their tax burden and create greater opportunities to achieve wealth. Our state income tax system is out of kilter, favoring the wealthy. There is something terribly wrong in a society where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. It's time to stop subsidizing the lifestyles of the rich and famous at the expense of those who are struggling just to get by or raising a family on a tightly-stretched budget.
If you agree that it's time for a change, please support my campaign and help put James Island, South Carolina, and America back on the right track!
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I am running as a Green for State House of Representatives.
