Clemson Turregano

Clemson Turregano was born in Tucson, Arizona. He served in the U.S. Army from 1979 to 2004. He earned a high school diploma from Bishop Verot High School, a bachelor's degree from The Citadel in 1983, a graduate degree from U.S. Army War College in 2002, a graduate degree from Syracuse University in 1992, and a Ph.D. from Syracuse University in 1995. Turregano's career experience includes working as an educational consultant and as an executive.[1][2]

Turregano has been affiliated with the Association of the United States Army, Military Officers Association, The Citadel Association of Graduates.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a Grandfather, father, husband, small business owner, veteran, volunteer emergency responder and citizen of Spartanburg County. I am running to make Spartanburg free, smart and strong. To do this I will work to increase affordability, livability, and workability. This means no redistricting because it will undermine freedom. Full vetting of incoming businesses to inform impact on livability. And I will focus on strong communities, improving workability through accessible and affordable health, child, and parent care. We need a two party state that cares about its citizens. Not a one party, one-rule state whose only achievement has been to place SC and Spartanburg in the bottom percentile in the nation in every category. Two strong parties with different views on process but shared focus on what is best for SC is the best way forward. Doing this will help the entire state remain free, smart, and strong.

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?

A free state is one where everyone has an equal vote. For me, this means we do not redistrict to meet partisan power politics, with NO public input from the areas affected. It means using the latest data from the census, from the demographics and input from voters. It means to pay attention to state needs, not needs from a National Party. It means paying attention to voters and their needs, not the needs of a demagogue in Washington DC. It means making SC more afforable, livable, and workable through making elected officials answerable to ALL their people, not a jaundiced minority.A Smart State is one where we take a moon shot for education. It is not one where we are in the lowest quartile in every measure for education. It means not only making sure schools are safe, but places where it is safe to learn. A smart state is one where the government enables teachers, administrators, and parents to place the good of the student's learning and development in the center of every conversation. When we do this, we are smart about what is important and what we need for the future.A strong state goes beyond attracting business. We have done that. A strong state is a state with good workability. This means jobs that produce affordability and the capacity to buy a home. Where rents don't bankrupt workers. Where workability is premier. This includes the access to child, parent, and health care. When you have workers who know their family is cared for, you get 110% on the job. When they can't afford rent, have problems paying for child care and won't sign up for health care because they cannot afford it -- that is not a strong state. I will work towards greater affordability and workability in SC.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am very concerned about businesses who impact the livability and workability of my district. Data Centers who are poorly planned with construction poorly executed. Data centers who will place the pollution demand on residents whilst providing a small number of jobs while placing an undue burden on local residents.

I am also appalled by the lack of transparency and quality process when bringing in new businesses. We need to follow due diligence when attracting businesses and in that approach, demonstrate the quality of our workforce and government.

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Video submitted to BallotpediaReleased June 10, 2024

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am Dad, Husband, Granddad, Veteran and Small Business Owner who enjoys living in SC House District 33. I'm running to serve the people of the 33d District, helping them to create a free, strong, and smart South Carolina. A free SC is one where everyone can make the medical choices they need without legislative restrictions. A smart SC is one where teachers receive a competitive salary, libraries enjoy a variety of books, and we reinforce public schools with funding, not defunding by providing unconstitutional grants to private schools. Without being free and smart, we won't be strong for business. Strong for business means passing legislation reinforcing the credibility of SC as a place to work. This brings in talent. We support the workforce with accessible, affordable, and available child care. And particularly in the Southern parts of District 33, we focus on infrastructure, with better roads, bridges, cell service and high speed internet.

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?

A free South Carolina means getting government out of doctor's offices, schools, and libraries. It means offering the full spectrum of medical choices to people of all genders. A free South Carolina allows citizens to use the full spectrum of medical choices science allows. A free South Carolina gives everyone the same medical rights, without regard to gender or theology.A smart South Carolina keeps public money in public schools. It insures teachers receive a competitive wage. A smart South Carolina insures a variety of books in the library and does not ban books based upon narrow perspectives. A smart South Carolina does not ban history courses, it encourages students to take courses that make them uncomfortable and then allows time for dialogue, discussion and next steps.A strong South Carolina builds a state that attracts the best talent, enables the best workforce, and has the infrastructure to support business expansion. Talent has the diverse environment needed to be creative, workforce has affordable, available childcare, and everyone has the good roads, bridges, internet, and cell service needed for success.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Women's medical freedom. Banning specific medical procedures with threats of imprisonment undermines the credibility of the state and the medical community. I trust women to make their own choices about their bodies.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Definitely my parents. Their life experience was remarkable and I can only hope to do them proud. My namesake as well. Mr Clemson Garris was an educator for 50 years and is still remembered in the his school district. Remarkable people.

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

There are many that influence how I think about politics: The Diary of Marcus Aeriulius; The Fountainhead; The Federalist Papers; The Anti-Federalist Papers; Authors Robert Caro, David McCullough, and Doris Kearns Goodwin. Also many others too long to list.

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

Transparency, integrity, and honesty. Dedication to the electorate and commitment to democracy for all. An elected official should put the people, state, and nation before their party -- making the best decision they can within existing restrictions.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Integrity. honesty, dedication, persistence and idea, given to me by my parents, that someone can accomplish anything if they put their mind to it, build a team, and have shared goals.

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

An elected official lives in a polarity. They must represent the needs of their constituents and they must make the laws for the entire state. Forgetting on side of this equation leads to disaster. A candidate must seek to effectively balance both poles.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I am running because we have people who are not represented, underprivileged, forgotten and not treated well by the government. My goal is to help them be seen, heard, and helped.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The Vietnam War -- I moved with my family to the Philippines. We stayed there and my father flew C-130s during the war. I was 6 and we left when I was 10. It was quite the experience.

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

I began working in eighth grade with a lawn service. I worked all summer in South Florida and learned a great deal from a very patient and insightful boss.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

'Men of Harlach' from the film Zulu.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I take on a lot of tasks and need to delegate more.

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

They need to be on speaking terms, but neither can be the slave of the other. They need to work together in a positive way in order to move the state forward.

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

The perception of being backward because of antiquated policies. The perception of being difficult to deal with because of outspoken politicians. The perception of patriarchy because of the treatment of women. The perception of the workforce southern discount because of lack of unions.

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

No -- it is best when they do not.

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

Absolutely -- it is the only way legislation moves forward.

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

Sam Nunn of Geogia and Jack Reid of RI. Each was effective in their own way and each had a strong sense of values and integrity that everyone could respect.

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

No

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 -- I spoke with a small business owner with the only business of their type in the local community. Due to the lack of diligence of the legislature, her insurance increase exponentially. The legislature paid no attention to this issue, and she, like many other like business owners across the state will not be able to pay her insurance and will soon close the business.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

I would introduce a bill allowing women to make their own decisions about their bodies.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Vote Vets

What committees interest you?

Veteran's Affairs, Education, Highway and Roads, Finance, Banking.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Total and absolutely. Government money does not belong to the legislators -- it belongs to the people. Total transparency concerning funds and the discussions of the dispersal of funds is paramount to government effectiveness and trust.