My Pledge to You
Twenty years ago, I worked at the Republican National Convention in New Orleans when Ronald Reagan was President. Later, I worked on the staffs of both Senator Strom Thurmond and Republican Governor Carroll Campbell. From these experiences, I observed that these leaders had one overwhelming trait in common – the ability to communicate with all walks of life while being steadfast in their convictions. They knew that we needed to build bridges – not tear them down by attacking one another within our party.
When I started my campaign as a candidate for House District 81 in mid February, I made a Clean Campaign/Clean Government pledge. This means that I will not say negative things about the other candidates and I will not tolerate anyone else who does. This includes both anonymous attacks on candidates and any outside special interest group that may send negative, misleading mail pieces to voters in the district. I believe that it is important for those who are seeking elected office to act with integrity. I promise to remain positive and to concentrate on the issues that will move our state and our community forward. I urge the other candidates who are seeking this seat to join me in my pledge.
I hope you join me in supporting my Clean Campaign/Clean Government as I work to earn your vote in the Republican Primary on June 10.
Aiken Standard: Young’s leadership right for the House
I recently learned that Tom Young of Aiken is running for S.C. House Seat 81. As Director of Student Development and Student Government at the University of South Carolina, I worked very closely with Tom when he served as a student senator and then president of the student body. My observation was that no one could be elected to president of the student body (1992-93) unless he or she could access the needs of the many different and diverse groups within the Carolina Community and then represent them well.
Skipper Endorses Young
Aiken Standard
By April Bailey
4/22/08
Rep. Skipper Perry gave his endorsement to attorney Tom Young on Monday to replace him in the South Carolina House.
Perry attended a meeting of the Aiken Republican Club in which all four candidates laid out their platforms. Joining Young in the quest for the seat are attorney Brad Boni, local businessman John Kelly and County Council member Scott Singer.
Perry said he identifies most with Young’s education platform and his plan for unemployment. “I think he’s got the brains, the maturity, the integrity and the judgment to serve,” he said. “He listens, he’s got a mind of his own and he’s a hard-worker.”
Each candidate gave a brief presentation of why they would be the best candidate to fill the seat held for more than eight years by Perry, who announced last month that he would not seek re-election.
Young called his platform, a Plan for Palmetto Progress. “There are a lot of issues in South Carolina and Aiken County that need to be addressed by state legislature,” he said.
Young also discussed ways to improve education. He said he is an advocate of doing an in-depth analysis of the public education system to monitor where money is being spent. Young said he also supports consolidating school districts to create more resources.
Young’s character will serve S.C. well
I imagine, or at least hope, that most people in every town in America believe that personal character counts in decisions they make when choosing a spouse, a friend or a political representative. Here in Aiken, we’ve made character and building good character traits the focus of our community, from our youngest, whom we support with character education, to our oldest, who are our examples and have earned our gratitude and respect. With that in mind, I’d like to share what I know about the character of Tom Young, who is seeking the House seat held by the retiring Skipper Perry.
I’ve known Tom well for the five years he has served on the board of directors of a local service agency, and particularly this year as its board president. In that time, I believe I have seen his true character displayed. He has continually demonstrated a caring concern and commitment for the most vulnerable children of our community.
He is always respectful and truly listens to others. He is positive and has a quiet, contagious enthusiasm. He has a can-do attitude that focuses and excites the board, and he is generous with his time and money. He displays an open honesty in all his interactions and a friendly, laid-back leadership style that encourages the contributions of others.
Beyond our shared work with that local charity, I have heard his friends and colleagues describe him as a dedicated, hard-working attorney and businessman and, perhaps the highest praise, ‘a great guy.’ But equally, if not more importantly, I know his parents, especially his mom, Delly Young. Delly and I worked together serving vulnerable children nearly 20 years ago. The character traits Tom embodies were built in the fabric of everyday life in his family. I am proud to know him and to serve our community’s children with him. I believe he will share those same qualities with all the citizens of our community if he becomes our State Representative. I plan on voting for Tom Young and I hope you will join me.
Peggy Ford
Aiken
Aiken Standard: Young is best for House seat
Tom Young, a 1989 graduate of Aiken High School, is a candidate for the South Carolina House of Representatives. As a student and as president of the student body at Aiken High School, Tom repeatedly demonstrated unique talent for leadership. His tenure was marked by skill in organization and in problem solving and most especially in a sincere concern for others. He was an active and constant advocate for each student from the most timid freshman to the most stressed senior.
Aiken Standard: Young supported for House seat
Back in 1989, I was a freshman at Aiken High trying out for the golf team. One of the first people I met at tryouts was Tom Young. Tom was a senior and we all know how upper classmen feel about freshmen. Fortunately, Tom was not just any upper classmen. He made me feel at ease and we had some great times playing on the golf team. I also remember Tom being student body president that same year. I still remember Tom’s final speech to the student body in which he reminded us of the importance of putting service above self and appreciating the value of friendship. It was very moving and the message has stayed with me to this day.
Aiken Standard: Young has much to offer voters
Never more than now have we needed someone to restore our faith in the political system.
Tom Young is that person. With the recent disappointments across the country in some leaders both in their public and personal lives, Tom is one whose accomplishments in life through honesty and dedication, not only to family and friends, but also to all the community and especially his church, is unsurpassed.