Aiken Standard: Massey says he’s ready to meet the challenge
After being sworn in as the new District 25 Senator Thursday, Shane Massey sat down with the Aiken Standard to answer a few questions posed to the legislator.
Q: At 32, you are the youngest Senator in the state. Is your age an advantage or disadvantage and why?
A: It is an advantage. I am sitting in the 46th seat. It takes a lot of hard work to be heard. My youth factors into that. I also have a different perspective on some of the issues facing this state.
Q: You are the first Republican to hold the District 25 seat. Is that indicative of a shift in voting demographics?
A: South Carolina and the South as a whole has been shifting towards more conservative values. But in the district, you don’t just win it by saying “I’m a Republican, I’m a Democrat.” You have to show them you’re credible.
Q: Former Sen. Tommy Moore was known to “each across the aisle.” Will you do that?
A: One of the first things to do is build bridges. We need to come together. We’re not going to get anything accomplished if we don’t come together. I think I can do that — reach out to people.
Q: Once you’re in office, what are three things you will do?
A: No. 1: build bridges. No. 2: Work on the entire educational system. And that’s a long conversation. No. 3: We’ve got to be more responsible in our spending. That doesn’t mean spend less, it means be more responsible.
Q: District 25 is made up of four counties. How will you equally balance your representation of those four counties?
A: That is one of the biggest challenges. I will prioritize. Every person, regardless of where that person is, deserves an equal amount of my attention.
Q: Is being elected Senator your ultimate political goal or do you have higher aspirations?
A: This is where I want to be. I think I can do a lot of good for a lot of people.
Q: Have you spoken with any other members of the legislative delegation? If so, what was said?
A: “I have spoken with Rep. Bill Clyburn. We talked about the necessity to work together to effectively get things done. I have met Sen. Ronnie Cromer, R-Saluda, and Rep. Marion Frye, R-Saluda. I have met Rep. Don Smith, R-Edgefield … In the Aiken County delegation, I have met everyone but Sen. Nikki Setzler, D-Aiken.
Aiken Standard: Massey says he’s ready to meet the challenge
By HALEY HUGHES Staff writer
November 30, 2007
