Southeastern Institute for Women in Politics

For SC House of Representatives, District 79 (D) 

Mia Butler was born and raised in Bennettsville, SC. She has lived in the district for over 13 years. As owner of McLeod Butler Communications, Mia has been a tireless advocate for small businesses, public education, public safety and higher education institutions over the last decade. Her professional experience includes launching and directing a statewide program under SC Republican Attorney General Charlie Condon and receiving a gubernatorial appointment to direct one of the largest programs under SC Democratic Governor Jim Hodges. As a parent, Mia has volunteered countless hours in local schools and helped lead the district's recent school construction campaign. She is an active member of the SC Chamber of Commerce and sits on its Board of Directors, Excellence in Education Council and Small Business Committee. Mia Butler is a proven leader and will bring her knowledge and experience to House District 79. She and her family attend First Northeast Baptist Church.

Personal:
Mia Butler is married to Tracy Garrick. They, along with sons, Brian "BJ" and Cameron Butler, live in Lake Carolina.

Education:
B.A., University of South Carolina
J.D., University of South Carolina School of Law

Here are Ms. Butler's answers to some questions posed by the Institute.

South Carolina would be a better place if only...

SC will be a better place when we decide to put partisan politics aside and work for its greater good! For too long, we've lost sight of the opportunities to bring about meaningful change in our state.  Instead, we've focused on the challenges and negativity that has showcased our deficiencies on the world's stage for all to see.  The reality is that South Carolina is a great place to live, work and raise our families.  But if we don't work together to turn things around, current perceptions will continue to be our reality.

To begin to make South Carolina better, we need a comprehensive tax plan that supports the needs of our citizens without unduly burdening the business community.  With a smart and equitable tax plan, we will have the infrastructure in place to support sustainable sources of funding for education, job creation and smart, responsible growth. In turn, we attract new businesses into the state and fill those jobs with a quality, skilled workforce.  Ultimately, that would allow us to attract and keep the best and brightest talent right here in our state because of the personal and professional growth opportunities.

Why you – why now for this position you're running for?

I'm running because I've got the vision, leadership ability and experience to roll up my sleeves and get to work for House District 79 on day one!  Having worked in and around state government over the past 15 years has “put a fire in my belly” about public education, small businesses, economic development, higher education, crime victims' rights and public safety.  I've witnessed the devastating cuts to these and other critical areas, and I've seen the impact that partisan politics has had on our communities and state. These are issues that I've always been passionate about.  I've decided to “step up to the plate” and run because our communities deserve better.  

I believe that advocacy is key to giving a voice to those who may not know how to communicate their concerns or effect change in a meaningful way.  As a mom, wife and  small business owner, I'm able to use my college and legal education , as well as practical experience in the public and private sectors, to help our government work better for all of its citizens.  Every South Carolinian deserves that, and that's the kind of representation I will provide.

With relatively few women in elected office here in SC what do you foresee to be your greatest challenge once elected to public office? How will you prepare yourself to face it?

One of my greatest challenges will be to help find creative and innovative ways to engage and collaborate with my colleagues in the General Assembly in a genuine and meaningful way.  We have to put the “Ds and Rs” aside and begin to talk about the issues and challenges facing our state, if we ever want or expect to make meaningful progress.

My preparation for this role began many years ago.  As a child, I learned a great deal about compassion, empathy and good, old-fashioned customer service from my observations and work in my family's funeral home.  I saw people who were hurting and not just because of grief.  Growing up in the “corridor of shame” (Marlboro County), I witnessed the educational, economic and other disparities that are still crippling our state today. I've worked as a page at the State House during my undergraduate years at USC.  I‘ve been a part of Republican and Democratic administrations during my years as a state government employee so I can relate to the pain that so many are feeling right now because of budget cuts, furloughs and lay-offs.  I'm prepared because of all of these experiences.  I know how the legislative process works and how important it is for business and government to work together to turn things around in South Carolina.

What's the most valuable educational experience you've had?

My undergraduate years at USC, coupled with my childhood experiences were the most valuable to me. Coming to Columbia, SC in the late 1980s was my first real experience beyond my hometown of Bennettsville. A whole new world of possibilities, exposure and opportunities opened up for me during those college years.  Working as a page at the State House piqued my curiosity about government, and its "connectedness" or sometimes "disconnectedness" to law, business and community.  Those experiences are largely responsible for my ability to "connect the dots" today, and for that I'm grateful. 

My mom was a teacher for over 30 years.  My dad is a mortician and funeral director.  It's no coincidence that education and small businesses (job creation /economic development) are at the very heart of my focus--before, during and beyond this campaign. These life experiences have shaped and molded me into the strong, assertive woman that I am, and ultimately are the foundation upon which I'm running for the House of Representatives.

What keeps you awake at night?

What keeps me awake at night is the increasing possibility that South Carolina will succumb to its weaknesses and not seize every opportunity to make positive changes for the better.  Like so many others in House District 79 and beyond, I am concerned about the quality of life that I leave behind for my children. 

Will they have access to a good, quality education?  Will they be able to obtain a career that allows them and their families to thrive? Will they have access to quality healthcare?  Will their neighborhoods and communities be a safe place for them to live?  Will they want to stay here (in SC) and have personal and professional growth opportunities or will they have to live and work in another state? 

These are a few of the things that "keep me awake at night." But a little sleep deprivation is sometimes exactly what we need to stay focused and determined to make positive changes now, for the future.

What is your leadership style?

I'm honest, straight-forward and diligent.  To be an effective advocate, I've had to share the pros and cons of each issue, regardless of my position or the positions of powerful political influences.  What I've learned along the way is that people have appreciated my passion, honesty and candor, even if they didn't agree with or understand my perspective.  Because I'm asking to represent the people's interest at the State House, I will be open to diverse opinions and perspectives and assertive about the issues that are important to my constituents.  I have always been a consensus-builder, and will continue to identify common threads that unite all stakeholders.  It's our common interests and goals that help cultivate solid relationships, regardless of positions or party affiliations.  By focusing on these commonalities, I can still be a strong advocate for my causes, and those who disagree with my positions are more inclined to work with me to help reach consensus. Compromise, communication and collaboration are key, and my leadership style is firmly rooted in those principles.

For more information, please visit www.miabutlerforhouse.com.