Blake Sanders

Blake Sanders was born in Greenville, South Carolina. Sanders earned a bachelor's degree from Clemson University in 2006. His career experience includes working as a landscape architect.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am Husband, Father, Landscape Architect, Planner, Former Mayor of the Town of West Pelzer, Former Lecturer at Clemson University in the College of Architecture, and lifelong resident of District 9. I always say that I am a husband and father first because people matter most. As a Landscape Architect, Planner, and President of Studio Main, I have been fortunate to work in nearly every US state, and have recently focused my priority projects to the 271 cities/towns and 46 counties in South Carolina. Providing strategic planning, infrastructure plans, master plans, park designs, and greenway alignments in the 200 cities/towns under 5000 people in SC brings me the most joy. Having served 12 years in local government, the last 8 as Mayor of the Town of West Pelzer, I understand how local government works, how to collaborate amongst peers and constituents, and how to build community. I am excited to join my friends and colleagues in the SC Legislature.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

First, it’s about being a man of integrity, putting God first, and being a supportive husband and father. I am proud of my Christian faith, relentless desire to be a great husband to Ashley, and supporting my children, Lane and Gracie. This quality puts forth that people matter most to me, both as a candidate of this office and resident of District 9.Second, I have proven leadership in appointed and elected roles within local government. Serving two terms as Mayor of the Town of West Pelzer taught me firsthand the need for collaboration amongst our neighboring cities and town, Anderson County, and the General Assembly. Furthermore, at the local level, constituent service is not something that I take lightly – being available, open to constructive conversations, and knowing that I am a representative of the people of District 9 comes first. Being surrounded by great Mayors, both past and present, reiterate the need for all of us to collaborate for the betterment of South Carolina.Finally, I have proven that quality of life is important to all residents of South Carolina. Through my role as President and Senior Landscape Architect with Studio Main since 2017, I have worked in every county in South Carolina and over 60% of the 271 municipalities across South Carolina. I see the desire and need for quality places to play, safe streets that encourage downtown development, and growth that is grounded in smart principles.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I'm passionate about collaborative public policy, specifically planning, conservation, and finance. While Mayor of the Town of West Pelzer, we received a Strong Cities Award from the Municipal Association of South Carolina for our Excellence in Planning. Through a 4 year process, we developed the Rural Renewal Master Plan which would ensure that ARPA funding would be replenished every 5 years, ensuring the intent - a full return on investment.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

"The Fred Factor" by Mark Sanborn - Make a tangible difference, build stronger relationships, create real value for others without spending a penny, and constantly reinvent yourself.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity, honesty, transparency and collaborative.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

We are elected to a representative of the people of the district. It should never be about a personal agenda, the agenda of others (whether elected, caucuses, or advisory). I am proud of my record as a local elected official who engaged with constituents before critical decisions and learned to listen more than I speak.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job was working in a field for a local farmer baling and transporting hay. At the age of 13, jobs weren't easy to come by but I wanted some spending money besides my $5 allowance from my parents. These long summer days taught me hard work, communicating, and looking out for each other.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

All branches of government should operate independently but also in tandem. Again collaboration and communication is the key to success.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Moving into 2025 and beyond, I look forward to addressing with fellow House Members action on continuing to support:

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Increasing pay, resources, and retention efforts for quality public education

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Increasing pay, resources, and retirement for all members of public safety

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Continuing economic development initiatives for both small and large businesses that will surpass the 2023/2024 projects of over 14,000 new jobs in South Carolina.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Absolutely. Hitting the ground running to best benefit the people of District 9 is extremely important. Personally, knowing everyone on the Anderson County Legislative Delegation and many within the General Assembly, I know that we all want what is best for Anderson County. Intend to work transparently with all members to put forth joint policies that will bring infrastructure funds back to Anderson County, provide our students in public schools the best learning environment, and grow our small, locally owned businesses.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes - relationships are the key to success, open up opportunities for collaboration, and make communication much easier. Again, I am proud to know everyone on the Anderson County Legislative Delegation and many within the General Assembly, I know that we all want what is best for Anderson County.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Senator Billy Odell and Representative Anne Thayer taught me more than anyone else, specifically about constituent service. Constituent service to each of those involved personalized conversations, discussions about ongoing complicated issues, but also knowing when to listen, when to talk, and when to deliver.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

No, although I will allow God to open and close those doors as he sees fit.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Yes - meeting on the front porch of a constituent just last week (approx. age 85), I was told that no one has ever taken the time to sit down with him and actually care about his responses to questions. I was fortunate to ask him about national politics, local roads that needed paving, what it 'used to be like', and where we should go next. Learning from our elders is something we shouldn't just do during election season but all of the time. And a plus, a made a new friend that I will now talk to weekly.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

There is a role for the legislature in the use of emergency powers. As a Mayor of a small town during Covid, I was personally exhausted with the executive orders regarding closures, reduced experiences, and loss of revenue, while other states and cities were opening back up. Our legislature was powerless during this effort.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

First I would introduce bills for a Parental Bill of Rights, giving all parents the ability to participate, review, and be a part of their child's educational process.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Conservation Voters of South Carolina; Western Upstate Realty Association, Americans for Prosperity

What committees interest you?

Agriculture, Natural Resources & Environmental Affairs; Education and Public Works

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Government should be 100% transparent and accountable through the people. This should come through more than just annual audits, advertisements of meetings, etc. but should be about telling the story to the people of your district.

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

Only 26 states allow for citizen-initiated ballot measures. While SC is not one of them, I could foresee opportunities for legislation to be drafted that would give a larger voice to a majority of the residents.