COLUMBIA, S.C. (WPDE) — State Representative Dr. Jermaine Johnson and Attorney General Alan Wilson will face off Tuesday night in a debate as the two race for South Carolina’s Governor’s seat.
We’re tracking developments throughout the debate as the two face off in Columbia, S.C.
Check here to follow along for the latest updates on the debate and other breaking news from the debate stage.
7:20 – Johnson expresses support for medical marijuana and affordable housing; Wilson sets intention to ‘cut through red tape’
The candidates traded remarks about affordability, housing, and the legalization of marijuana.
Wilson said he supports a 0% income tax, while Johnson directed his attention to what he said is Republican’s inaction in eliminating the income tax while in power the past several years.
He said he would accomplish that by squashing wasteful spending and legalizing medicinal marijuana.
Addressing the workforce housing crisis, Johnson said “delipidated buildings” in South Carolina’s “urban centers” should be redeveloped and repurposed to give every veteran experiencing homelessness in South Carolina a place to sleep at night.
When taking his turn, Wilson said he has spoken to leaders in the affordable housing industry who say the statutory framework in South Carolina is too “murky” to allow outside capital to support the state’s economy.
7:13 – Candidates speak about their stances on data centers
Johnson called the burgeoning production of data centers in South Carolina – particularly, rural areas – the “wild, wild West.”
Johnson said he introduced, and supports, a moratorium against them.
Wilson challenged Johnson’s position, saying a moratorium takes the choice away from those who “might want a data center.”
Wilson said data centers should be locally involved, which he said he agrees with Johnson on.
He said data centers should bear responsibility for guardrails and certain stipulations, such as relieving the financial burden of the communities in which data centers inhabit.
Johnson rebutted, saying “Well clearly, my opponent didn’t hear anything I just talked about.”
He then said that the moratorium is for these exact guardrails – not a blanket ban like he felt Wilson was previously characterizing it as.
7:06 – Johnson and Wilson open the night with describing their vision for a new South Carolina
Johnson discussed what he thinks are the most pressing issues South Carolinians face today, including education, health care, and roads.
“My vision is for a new South Carolina, a new South Carolina, where we’re actually going to fight the corrupt establishment, which my opponent has spent the last 16 years a part of,” said Johnson.
Wilson then took his turn, speaking about his experience as a veteran and prosecutor before describing his ideal Palmtto State.
“As your next governor, I will bring in a new generation of leadership to upend the status quo. I will work with Republicans and Democrats to make our state safer and more affordable for you and your family,” Wilson said.
Source: wpde.com
