New District 15 Gets First Candidate

Filing doesn't begin for another two weeks, but GOP primary candidate Samuel Rivers is already knocking on doors and introducing himself to voters in the new S.C. House District 15.

Created by the legislature last year to address growth in Berkeley County, District 15 includes the Pimlico area, some homes along Red Bank Road, as well as portions North Charleston around I-26's Ashley Phosphate exit and a sliver of Hanahan (a detailed map of the district is included in the PDF under the photo at right).

A motivational speaker and ordained minister, Rivers is currently serving as vice chairman of the Berkeley County Republican Party. He was also appointed to the Social Security Advisory Committee by U.S. Rep. Tim Scott.

"It all boils down to wanting to do the most that I can do," Rivers told Patch earlier this week. "That means becoming more engaged."

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Rivers said he wants legislation that fosters entrepreneurs and innovators, including an effort to lower tax rates — especially corporate tax rates.

"What is important to me is helping to pass policies that will allow small businesses to thrive," Rivers said. "We don't want burdens on small businesses trying to start up."

Education is also a priority for Rivers, who sees opportunity in preparing high school students for a variety of options post-graduation.

"I would love to see more career offices in our high schools," he said. "Providing more tools to be competitive."

Candidate filing begins at noon, March 16, and ends at noon, March 30.

You can follow Rivers on Twitter, @SamuelRivers.