Massey says he’s ready to meet the challenge

Filed Under Massey, Top News

Aiken Standard
By HALEY HUGHES Staff writer
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.