By admin 
State Rep. Beth Bernstein, a Democrat, Republican challenger Sonia Pollard and Libertarian Angelo Joyner are competing to represent district 78 in the South Carolina House.
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Bernstein currently represents
Bernstein, 56, lives in Columbia. She is an attorney.
Joyner, 60, said he was a retired U.S. Army veteran. He lives in Columbia.
Pollard, 62, manages operations for her business Pollard Professional Services and lives in Columbia.
Election Day is Nov. 3. Early voting is open Oct. 19 through Oct. 31, Monday through Saturday.
The State sent questions to Bernstein, Joyner and Pollard about their views on topics like artificial intelligence and tax reform. All candidates responded in emails. Responses were edited for length, clarity and style.
Why should people in your district vote for you?
Bernstein: I was born and raised in this district, and I love this community. As an attorney for over 30 years, I have seen firsthand how state policy affects families, whether I’m settling an estate, closing on a home or representing someone who has been injured. I bring that same practical, problem-solving approach to the State House.
In the legislature, I have focused on issues affecting women and children, and several of my bills have become law, including legislation creating paid parental leave for state employees and teachers. I have also worked to bring state dollars home to Richland County. This year, I helped secure $1 million for Serve & Connect, $125,000 for Trenholm Park and $610,000 for Pawmetto Lifeline to fund spay/neuter services for pit bulls statewide.
It is an honor to be able to represent my friends and neighbors at the State House. I listen, I show up and I deliver results.
Joyner: I am not a career politician. I believe that when someone continues to run unopposed, election after election, voters lose the opportunity to have a choice and to hold their elected officials accountable.
I served our nation for 20 years, and that service gave me a deep appreciation for this country, the freedoms we have and our responsibility to protect them. I served our nation for 20 years and that service gave me a deep appreciation for this country, the freedoms we have and our responsibility to protect them.
Pollard: I want to lift South Carolina out of mediocrity, being one of the poorer performing states, with a lower-ranked K-12 education system. We can do better. I am not a politician and not here to tell you what you want to hear. I will say the hard things – because to solve problems, we must admit they exist.
I want to help South Carolina be successful in areas where we have been struggling: our economy, education and infrastructure. We have 13% of our people living below the poverty line, our K-12 education is in the bottom 10 of the 50 states and our physical and technological infrastructure need solutions. We need to make sure opportunities are communicated and facilitated across the board.
My husband and I love this state, and we now call Columbia home. I want to see South Carolina succeed in every way. I want to invest my time, resources, expertise and ability to work with others to get things done. I will not gloss over our problems but strategize with others to find the best solutions. Most importantly, I will serve all people, not just the ones with whom I share a common ideology.
How should the General Assembly approach tax reform in the state?
Bernstein: I favor reducing taxes, particularly for the working class, who feel rising costs most. Any reform should be fair, predictable and sustainable, and we should keep funding what makes South Carolina competitive, including schools, roads, public safety and health care. I would prioritize relief for working people, seniors and small businesses, and I support regularly reviewing existing credits and exemptions to make sure they deliver real value to taxpayers.
Joyner: I believe senior citizens should be a priority in tax reform. They have spent their prime working years contributing to the tax base and to their community. As they enter their golden years, they should not have to worry about rising property taxes making it difficult to remain in their homes. I support meaningful property tax relief for qualifying senior homeowners.
Pollard: I believe in common sense legislation to address tax reform. We are in a tough economy in many ways; therefore, people need more access to their own money. The least amount of taxes should be assessed so that people can keep more for their families. There is always a dance between bringing enough revenue to run the state well and the needs of the people.
Affordability is a real need, as it directly affects our quality of life, including public safety. We need better management as in more fiscal responsibility so that we can either eliminate the income tax or make it significantly lower. Our veterans should not have to struggle after they take off their service uniform. They answered the call to serve our country and should be honored with tax exemption.
How would you want South Carolina to regulate the growth of new data centers?
Bernstein: Data centers can bring investment and jobs, and it’s an area that is still evolving quickly. As the General Assembly considers the issue, I think we should keep a few principles in mind: protect residents and small businesses from bearing costs created by large new users of power and water, encourage transparency and make sure local communities have a voice. I’m committed to learning from experts, utilities, local governments and residents and staying flexible as the technology and its impacts become clearer.
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Joyner: I believe data centers should pay their fair share of electricity and water costs without shifting those costs to residents. I support public reporting of their water and electrical usage and assessment before new data centers are approved to determine their potential impact on water resources, surrounding communities and agricultural operations.
Pollard: I support any advancement we can pursue safely without adversely affecting the lives of South Carolinians. Currently, the 20 to 30 data centers already operating in the state have no central tracking. That is unacceptable and should be addressed expeditiously. This is a very divisive issue we have to meet with common sense, especially given the potential effects to the surrounding areas. Affected communities should know the advantages and disadvantages, then vote to accept or refuse the data center in their community.
We know about the economic benefits and certainly need those in South Carolina. However, the potential harm to the environment, whether it’s the gargantuan need for water, the potential for noise pollution and the vast amounts of land necessary to house these data centers should be a concern to all.
For these reasons, data centers should be required to provide their own resources, reduce any possible noise pollution and make sure the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. [We need] regulations strong enough to protect residents.
We also need to consider alternative solutions to the current data center model. I am still learning and willing to hear arguments on both sides, especially pertaining to alternatives.
How should population and economic growth be managed in the state and in your district?
Bernstein: South Carolina’s growth is a sign that people want to live and work here, and it’s important that we plan for it thoughtfully. That means coordinating infrastructure such as roads, water, sewer and schools with development, supporting local governments’ planning efforts, and keeping housing attainable for teachers, nurses, first responders and working families. In Columbia, I want growth that strengthens existing neighborhoods and benefits the people who already call it home. I will continue listening to my constituents and local leaders as we address these challenges.
Joyner: South Carolina should plan for growth before it creates additional strain on our communities. Population and economic growth should be coordinated with the capacity of our roads, housing, utilities and essential services.
Pollard: We need to have adequate housing, stronger performing schools, infrastructure, recreational facilities and resources to meet these growing needs. South Carolina is among the top states attracting residents from all over the nation and has been for several years. We need the capacity to absorb this increase in population with jobs across a spectrum of industries as well as business opportunities for entrepreneurs.
With the increase there is also a need for increased law enforcement, teachers and recreational spaces. In my opinion, South Carolina is gaining in visibility and importance, and we need to be ready for the influx to continue. We need leaders who are fiscally responsible, competent and beyond reproach ethically.
What guardrails, if any, would you like to place on emerging technologies, like Flock cameras, AI and social media?
Bernstein: Emerging technologies offer real benefits, but they also raise real questions about privacy, safety and accountability, and they are changing quickly. I believe the General Assembly should proceed thoughtfully, with a primary focus on protecting children, safeguarding personal privacy and ensuring transparency about how these tools and the data they collect are used. I would rather get this right than rush, so I’ll continue to listen to law enforcement, technology experts, parents and civil liberties advocates as the issues develop.
Joyner: I would not place additional guardrails on these technologies at this time. I believe the laws and protections already in place should be enforced. As technology continues to develop, we should make sure those protections are being applied effectively.
Pollard: I support technology that improves our lives until it infringes on our freedoms. Flock cameras, for instance, are too invasive. AI is useful in many ways but that too, can be too invasive.
As an educator, I saw where AI has taken the place of critical thinking. Cheating is rampant, and our students are being robbed of developing their abilities to solve problems. We are preparing too many individuals who can be followers and servants, but fewer who can be leaders and problem solvers.
Social media has great uses as well, but everything in moderation. Anything can be taken to the extreme, but we have to be careful not to throw the baby out with the bathwater. We need to keep what is good and continually work on improving it and weed out what is harmful.
What is especially troubling is the ability to keep young people safe online, whether it’s AI and social media. It means that law enforcement needs to stay abreast, and a step ahead, of how criminals are using technology as well. Innovation is great, and that is what the United States of America is known for. Yet, we have to strike the balance between what is advantageous and what is excessive and dangerous.
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Responses are listed alphabetically by candidate last name.