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!
This campaign is dedicated in loving memory of my wife Mary who died of breast cancer in 2003. Mary dedicated her life to the well-being of others and believed a better world was possible.
Mary & Eugene enjoying a bagpiper on their wedding day
Update 8/16/10
Platt's Independent Petition Candidacy Certified!
The Platt campaign turned in over 2,000 signatures from voters in District 115 who wanted to have the option to vote for an independent voice outside of the Democratic and Republican Parties. The South Carolina State Elections Commission then checked to ensure the signatures were valid, and on August 13 certified his petition candidacy! Eugene's name will now appear twice on the ballot, once as a petition candidate, and once as a Green, since he won the nomination of the Green Party at their state convention in May. Voters will be able to send a message that they are fed up with politics as usual in the State House and choose a true independent to represent them for a change!Eugene sends his thanks and gratitude to the voters of District 115 for your support in helping him achieve this historical accomplishment. The campaign will be thrilled to have your vote and continued support over the next 11 weeks to finally give him the honor to serve you in the State House in November!
-Paul Platt,
Campaign Manager
Update 10/13/09
Press Release: Platt to Run in 2010!
Eugene Platt, the only Green serving in an elected position in South Carolina, announced today his candidacy for State House Seat 115. Currently, Platt serves on the James Island Public Service District Commission. He has held that position since 1993 and most recently was reelected in 2008 as the top votegetter among eight candidates.Platt pledges, if elected, to be one of the strongest voices in the State Legislature for working families. To that end, he would not even wait until the Legislature convened in 2011 to introduce legislation to end South Carolina's status as a so-called "Right to Work" state---he would pre-file such a bill. Platt notes that "Right to Work" states have not fared nearly as well economically as those states which honor workers with fewer restrictions on their rights to form and use unions to ensure fair pay, good working conditions, and health care.
Platt, a product of the public schools of this state---from elementary school through the University of South Carolina---would be a strong supporter of those schools. To that end, he is unequivocally opposed to the use vouchers that use public funds for private school education. He also says State college tuition increases should not exceed the general rate of inflation.
Naturally, as a Green, environmental and social justice issues are among Platt's chief concerns. On numerous occasions he has spoken out against unbridled development. Irresponsible developers do not consider him their friend.
Platt says the criminal justice system must be completely revamped, focusing on the safety of law-abiding citizens. To that end, the State Highway Patrol should be increased by at least 100 new troopers to insure the safety of our highways. At the same time, recognizing that capital punishment compromises our corporate morality and has no place in a civilized society, he would work to end it in South Carolina---and the nation. (The United States is one of the very few democracies that still impose capital punishment, putting it out of step with most of the civilized world.)
State House District includes most of James Island and Folly Beach. Platt, a progressive Green, expects to face both a conservative Republican and a centrist Democrat in the November 2010 election. He says he is encouraged by growing disenchantment about both major parties being expressed by voters not only in House District 115, but all across America. Voters want true alternatives---and they are truly ready to "Live Green, Vote Green." This is reflected in the fact that the Green Party is the fastest growing political party in the United States!
Eugene Platt
Green Candidate for State House Seat 115
For additional information about the candidate and the Green Party, visit these websites:
http://www.voteplatt.com
http://www.gp.org
Update 11/10/08
A FIRST PLACE VICTORY MAKES EUGENE THE FIRST GREEN ELECTED IN SOUTH CAROLINA!
Despite being barred from the ballot in his race for the State House in 2008, Eugene was still in the race to be re-elected to the James Island Public Service District Commission. Eugene was the top vote-getter with 3,129 votes in a field of 8 candidates!
Thank you for all of your support!
-Paul Platt, Campaign Manager
Platt for State House