Dr. Tonia Aiken Taylor
For S.C. House District 100 - Berkeley Co.
Dr. Tonia Aiken Taylor, 47, is Co-Pastor of Heart to Heart Ministries in Moncks Corner. She is running as a Democrat for House District 100 representing Moncks Corner, Pimlico. Macedonia, Whitesville, Cordesville, Wassamassaw, and parts of Goose Creek.
A native of Moncks Corner, she is a 1982 graduate of Berkeley High School and Charleston Southern University, Jacksonville Theological Seminary and Truth Bible College and Seminary. She is the wife of Bishop Jerome Taylor and mother of three daughters; Destiny, Dynasty and Divinity, currently serving as a member of the Moncks Corner City Council.
Her platform is simple: jobs, public education, quality of life, and a hospital for Moncks Corner. She has a special concern for the interests of children, the elderly, and the working people of District 100.
She believes that everyone who wants to work and is able to work should have a job. She will work with local, county, and state government as well as the business community to bring jobs to Berkeley County.
Dr. Aiken-Taylor says Berkeley County has an excellent school system but like school districts across the state, Berkeley School District is suffering because of funding cuts at the state level. She will be a strong voice supporting full funding for public schools.
As a member of City Council, she has been instrumental in bringing recreation facilities--ball fields, senior centers, playgrounds to Moncks Corner.
Finally she believes that strong communities need accessible medical care. She will work to bring a hospital to Moncks Corner.
Here are Dr. Taylor's answers to some questions posed by the Institute.
What is your leadership style?
As a long time pastor I strive always to practice servant leadership following the example of Jesus. My congregation will tell you that I am honest. I tell it like it is, but with love and compassion. I believe in listening as a key to leadership. I am accessible and accountable. I believe that positive reinforcement is the very best way to motivate people. I believe in collegial leadership and working towards those goals where we can find common ground.
Has there been a woman who you’ve admired in the political world and what is it about her that gives you courage to run the race?
Mary McLeod Bethune is my lifetime heroine. Like her I am an educator with a passion for empowering youth. Like her I am a strong African-American woman and leader. Dr. Bethune was active in women’s clubs and although she did not run for elected public office, she was a member of President Franklin Roosevelt’s black cabinet, advising him on issues related to the black community. I have taken her inspiration to the next level by serving on Moncks Corner city Council and now running for House District 100.
How much money will you need to raise? If you were not running for office and had that amount of money where would you spend it?
I will need to raise $12,000.00 for this election. If I had that amount of money to devote to charity, I would donate to programs that empower and support young people. I have worked with youth most of my life. I taught my first Sunday School class at the age of 8. I’ve taught Sunday School at every church I’ve ever attended or pastured. As a Moncks Corner City Council member I worked hard to create a youth recreation center for the city. So I would donate to charities that support children.
South Carolina would be a better place if only…
South Carolina would be a better place if we fully funded K-12 public education. Sadly, recent budget cuts have left us at 1995 funding levels. Of course student enrollment has grown since 1995 as have technology needs, making this level of funding completely inadequate. School districts have had to cut teachers and programs, increase class sizes and delay needed repairs. Also sadly, our State Superintendent of Education has repeatedly turned down available federal funding. We have no greater priority than preparing our students for their future. We need to find a way to come together to achieve this vital goal.
What keeps you awake at night?
Visions of what could be in District 100 keep me awake at night. I see a community with full employment, jobs for everyone who wants to work and is able to work. I see an active, healthy and involved community, with full access to health care and recreational facilities. I see seniors giving back mentoring young people and community support for wholesome family life. When I think about what could be, I start thinking about how to solve these challenges. And that’s when I have to get out the pad beside my bed and sleep is over for a while.