Sam Skardon

Sam Skardon was raised in Charleston, South Carolina. He earned a B.A. from Emory University and an M.B.A. from Georgetown University. While attending Georgetown, Skardon served as a legislative aide to Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.). As of 2020, Skardon was a director of a community development finance institution that supports small businesses.[1][2]

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Video submitted to BallotpediaReleased June 5, 2020

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Raised in the Lowcountry and a graduate of Charleston County Public Schools, Sam has dedicated his career to building a South Carolina that works for all of us.

Sam graduated from the Academic Magnet High School in North Charleston and has been a leader in the effort to restore diversity to his alma mater. That is just one example of the coalition building work he did as the former Director of One Region, an economic development strategy to promote sustainable and inclusive prosperity in the Charleston area. Currently, Sam is a senior staff member to a community development finance institution focused on empowering small businesses and disadvantaged communities in Charleston.

Sam began his career by diving into the policy issues facing our community. He worked as an organizer in the Charleston field office of Barack Obama's 2008 campaign. After graduating from Emory University, he served as an aide to Congressman John Lewis, a hero of the civil rights movement.

Recognizing that the most impactful changes require collaboration with the private sector, Sam went on to earn his M.B.A. from Georgetown University while also working full-time to help students find jobs at the school's career center. He has consulted for Fortune 500 companies on renewable energy projects and business process improvements.

Sam has developed a clear understanding of the needs of our community, how specific policies can work to address them, and the business skills to get things done.

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?

Make South Carolina a national leader in Public EducationBuild a more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable economyLead the fight against Climate Change

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

We absolutely must improve Education:

Education is the single most important issue facing South Carolina. It is a moral and economic imperative that we give every child a chance to live up to their God-given potential and ensure they are equipped to succeed in the jobs of the 21st century. Having graduated from Charleston County Public Schools, and worked in local economic development with some of the world's largest companies, I can tell you we're not doing that right now.

Protect our Environment:

Climate change is a real and growing threat, and I believe every single South Carolinian can do something about it. The recent shakeup of the energy industry in our state has created a prime opportunity to invest in clean renewable sources of energy. The state currently has the power to require new companies in our state to adhere to stronger emissions standards and invest in renewable energy. As a district on the front lines of sea level rise, we should seize this opportunity to make South Carolina a national leader in fighting the root causes of climate change.

Build a more sustainable and inclusive Economy:

South Carolina has seen robust economic growth over the past decade, but we need to ensure every South Carolinian is benefiting. I know what it's like to struggle with student loans, housing costs, and medical expenses. Wages aren't keeping up with the cost of living and too many hard working people in our district still worry about making ends meet.

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

Congressman John Lewis. His reputation as a moral leader and a man of immense dignity was true even behind closed-doors. Getting to work directly with him made me realize how import it is for leaders to carry themselves with dignity and principles in all situations - something he does better than anyone I've ever known.

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

The 1992 election. My mom always took me into voting booths with her because she believed it was important to teach her child about the importance of participating in our democracy. I was 4 years old when I made one of my first memories - she held me up and I pressed a big green button that cast a ballot for Bill Clinton for President. It is my Mom's influence that is the root of my interest in public service and active involvement in our democracy.

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

I had the honor of working for Civil Rights Hero and US Congressman John Lewis as my first job out of college. It was the honor and privilege of a lifetime to work with such a dignified and successful leader for progress in American History. His influence and guidance will always inspire me to be a progressive and compassionate leader in serving our communities.