Jasper County Council Coosawhatchie Township candidate: Marty Sauls IV

Oct. 24--A short bio and Q&A with Jasper County Council incumbent candidate Marty Sauls IV:

Age: 42

Political party: Democrat

Office: Jasper County Council Coosawhatchie Township

Number of years living in the district you seek to represent: No answer provided

Family: Wife, three children

Education: Thomas Heyward Academy, Georgia Southern University, Lynn University

Current occupation/employer: Agent, South Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance Company; president of the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce

Employment, military and volunteer history: Member, Hardeeville Chamber Of Commerce; member Bluffton Chamber of Commerce; American Heart Association chairman for Jasper County, 2013; fundraising chairman of Jasper Volunteers in Medicine, 2014; past president of Jasper County Rotary Club; Paul Harris Fellow, Coastal Carolina Hospital; member, Ridgeland Baptist Church and American Lodge No. 98

Public offices held: Jasper County Council Coosawhatchie Township, 2010

Unsuccessful bids for public office: None

Other prior political and government experience: Jasper County representative on S.C. Alliance board, appointed member of the Savannah River Maritime Commission

Key endorsements you've received: None

Campaign contributions: $3,750

Campaign expenditures: $2,561.03

Biggest contributor: Okatie Investments, New River Auto Mall, Glover Real Estate, $1,000 each

Why should people vote for you?

My commitment to the county. My family has served the county for generations in public office, and I grew up in that arena. It's an opportunity for me to enhance the quality of life for citizens and Jasper County, and I'm passionate about improving our job market, our economy, preserving our environment and working with our education system. I'm a proven conservative that will take time to listen to the citizens concerns and issues.

What are the three most important issues you would address if elected? How?

--Continue pressing forward to reduce the county ISO (fire insurance ratings) before end of the year.

--Jasper County needs a long-term plan to support the Jasper County Sheriff Department and emergency services, which has not been done properly in the past.

--Continue enhancing economic development opportunities in Jasper County, reduce taxes. The permitting process for the Jasper port is set to begin next year.

What other issues do you see as important?

Conservative accounting practices. We go through each budget line item.

I'm a conservative. The only two budgets I've voted for were the past two years and didn't include tax increases. The current council, we base our decisions on business only. Is this money being allocated and is it being used in the most efficient manner. Growing up here in the Lowcountry, my family has been here for generations. It's difficult to look friends in the face and say, "We're going to cut your budget." But we have to make those tough decisions.

What specific steps will you take to make government more open and accessible to the public?

No answer provided

Have you ever been convicted of a crime (felony), been disciplined by a professional licensing board or organization or had an ethics violation filed against you? If so, please give the details.

No.

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy, been delinquent on your federal, state or local taxes? If so, please give the details.

No.

Are there any personal details about yourself that voters would be interested in knowing?

I enjoy working with and for Jasper County citizens to enhance the county in every aspect of life. The people of Jasper County chose me to represent our great county four years ago, (a) tremendous honor and one I take to heart. I ask they make me their choice again Nov. 4.

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