Photo by Rob Groce

Larry Horne, Knight and DCDP Chairman Steve Yeomans.

Over 40 county residents met with state Rep. Patsy G. Knight (District 97) as she formally announced her reelection bid on Tuesday, Aug 5. The campaign kickoff was held at the new headquarters office of the Dorchester County Democratic Party (DCDP) in Ridgeville.

Knight spoke of the accomplishments of her first term as state representative, including the issues of education and crime.

Improvements are needed in public schools, said Knight, who added that such improvements must begin at the state level. Eliminating PACT tests, which Knight supported in the last congressional session, would be a first step, she said.

"We need something better, something that will come back and show return faster, and help us bring our educational system up to a higher level." Upon her reelection, Knight will join the state house's Education Committee.

Knight pointed out her support for stricter laws and punishments for persons convicted of underage drinking and DUI, and for tougher restrictions for sex crime offenders, as well

Another topic discussed was conservation, which Knight pointed out to be in need of current attention. In specific example, Knight pointed out misuse of a low-level radioactive waste depository in Bamberg, SC, which is only about 30 miles from the county seat of St. George.

Only three states are allowed access, but many other states have recently used the depository, Knight said, and Italy has requested access to it for nuclear waste disposal, too.

In her role as Agriculture & Wildlife Committee member, Knight authored a resolution urging the state to contact the Federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission to block this access.

Knight served as Treasurer of Dorchester County from 1980 until 2006, leaving that office after she unseated George Bailey for the State House of Representatives spot she now holds. She again faces Bailey in the upcoming November election.