By admin 
Democratic state Rep. Seth Rose is running for a fifth term in the House and faces a challenge from Republican nominee Dixie Kvatek in House District 72 in Richland County.
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Rose is a 45-year-old attorney. Kvatek is 38.
The State sent questions to Kvatek and Rose about their views on topics including artificial intelligence and tax reform. Both candidates responded in emails. Responses were edited for length, clarity and style.
What guardrails, if any, would you want to place on emerging technologies, such as Flock cameras, artificial intelligence and social media?
Kvatek: Technology should make South Carolinians safer and more prosperous without becoming an excuse to undermine individual rights. I support responsible use of technologies such as Flock cameras when they have a legitimate public-safety purpose, but there should be clear rules regarding data retention, access, sharing and misuse.
Artificial intelligence should be developed and used responsibly, particularly when it affects government decisions, employment, education, health care or public safety. People should know when they are interacting with AI or when an important decision involving them is substantially influenced by AI.
Social-media companies should be held accountable for protecting children and personal information while preserving constitutional rights and freedom of speech. The government should not use technology to silence political viewpoints.
My approach would be simple: protect public safety, protect children and privacy, and protect constitutional freedoms.
Rose: My colleagues in the Legislature know that I take individual freedoms and citizens rights very seriously. I have routinely gone to the House floor to fight for citizens’ 4th amendment constitutional rights.
As to flock cameras, I am concerned with a lack of transparency on who Flock shares the data they obtain and what they also do with said data. I am also very concerned with technology such as facial recognition and do not want our individual freedoms to be taken from citizens (and their children) by technology. We must demand transparency on the information collected and also require audit logs and restrict data retention.
With social media we propose continuing to look at age verification and parental consent while also restricting addictive measures purposely placed in social media algorithms. With artificial intelligence we need to have safeguards in place and not incentivize data centers coming to South Carolina.
How should the General Assembly approach tax reform in the state?
Kvatek: Tax reform should focus on making South Carolina more affordable for working families, seniors and small businesses while maintaining the revenue necessary for essential services.
I support continuing to look for ways to reduce unnecessary tax burdens and make our tax system simpler, fairer and more predictable. We should also examine government spending and eliminate waste before asking families to pay more.
Economic growth should not simply mean attracting large corporations. We need an environment where locally owned businesses can start, grow and remain in our communities.
Any major tax changes should be evaluated carefully for their effects on schools, roads, law enforcement and other essential services. My goal would be responsible tax relief without creating an unfunded burden for future taxpayers.
Rose: There are many tax revisions we need to look at to help citizens and especially the working class. For example, we need to look at tightening restrictions for state property tax exemptions by universities who use a “foundation” to buy up land while working with private developers. In effect this land ends up coming off the tax rolls forever and oftentimes the foundation is functioning more like a private business than an arm of an educational institution. There is some good coming from this, but tighter restrictions to qualify for property tax exemptions in this area is needed. A change such as this would also help Richland County because of the number of government and university property off the tax rolls making citizens pay more.
How should population and economic growth be managed in the state and in your district?
Kvatek: South Carolina’s growth is an opportunity, but growth without planning can put enormous pressure on roads, schools, housing, utilities and public safety.
In District 72, I want development that benefits the people who already live here — not development that simply increases costs and pushes families out of their communities.
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We need infrastructure to keep pace with new housing and businesses. That means improving roads, transportation, water and sewer capacity and supporting responsible development.
I also want to encourage small businesses and locally owned companies, not just large corporations. Economic development should create good opportunities for residents while preserving the character of our neighborhoods.
Growth should be something we manage, not something that happens to us.
Rose: Great things are happening in our capital city. Thousands of high paying jobs will be coming online from Scout which will help out the local economy. I truly believe we are on the cusp of our best days here in Columbia with water front development and other initiatives on the horizon. We need to continue to invest in our infrastructure with pedestrian safety road/bike projects that enhance our quality of life. I have secured millions of dollars for such projects four downtown Columbia and more are on the way.
How would you want to regulate the growth of new data centers?
Kvatek: South Carolina should welcome technological investment while making sure communities are protected from its costs.
Before approving major data-center projects, I would want local and state officials to consider their impact on electricity demand, water usage, roads, land use, noise and surrounding communities.
Companies receiving substantial public incentives should demonstrate a meaningful economic benefit to South Carolina, including jobs, investment and contributions to local infrastructure.
I also believe communities deserve transparency about major projects proposed in their neighborhoods and an opportunity to participate in the process.
We should not reject innovation, but we should not give businesses a blank check simply because they promise economic development.
South Carolina can be pro-business and pro-community at the same time.
Rose: I do not support having data centers in South Carolina and if data centers locate here they need to pay for themselves. Presently South Carolina gives data centers tax exemptions and they do nothing but drain our water and resources. Data centers bring very few jobs and do not need to be given government tax breaks in South Carolina.
Why should people vote for you?
Kvatek: People should vote for me because I am running to represent the people of District 72 — not a political machine or special interest.
I understand what it is like for a family to worry about the cost of living, transportation, housing and having access to opportunities. I want the government to focus on practical problems that affect people every day.
My priorities include improving infrastructure, supporting law enforcement and public safety, helping small businesses, addressing abandoned and neglected areas, protecting families and making South Carolina a place where people can build a future.
I am not running because I believe politicians have all the answers. I am running because I believe citizens deserve someone who will listen, work hard and be willing to challenge the status quo when it isn’t working.
I want to bring a practical, independent and people-first voice to the State House.
Rose: I have secured roughly $100 million for downtown Columbia infrastructure projects to include the completed S. Main Street and Harden Street pedestrian road projects.
Future projects I have secured state money for include: riverfront development, fairgrounds sidewalk, Assembly Street sidewalk, Devine Street, Olympia Avenue, Skyland Stoneridge sidewalk, Broad River Road and much more.
Additionally, I have had numerous bills I have authored become law that positively impact people’s lives. I will put my record of accomplishment in the legislature against anyone and believe there is much more to do. I ask for your continued support and vote.
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Responses are listed alphabetically by candidate last name.