Spartanburg Gears Up for Senate District 11 Elections
On a warm sunny day at Spartanburg Community College’s Downtown Auditorium, temperatures rose considerably as two candidates vying for state Senate District 11 found themselves at the heart of a spirited debate. With elections just around the corner, Angela Geter and Sen. Josh Kimbrell squared-off on a series of contentious topics.
Addressing the Partisan Divide
Kimbrell, the incumbent Republican, took to the stage aiming to solidify his support for another term. Kimbrell heaped praise on the developments and overall progress in South Carolina during his tenure. However, Democrat contender Angela Geter cast light on the need for change, criticizing Kimbrell’s views on several topics such as abortion rights, Medicaid expansion, and the so-called “book banning.”
Differing Views on Infrastructure, Education, and Health Care
The debate, moderated by Alysa Handelsman, an assistant professor of anthropology at Wofford College, allowed both candidates to share their perspective on vital state issues. Geter and Kimbrell sparred over a host of issues, ranging from the state’s handling of storm Helene and its aftermath to challenges around Medicaid expansion and abortion rights.
The aftermath of storm Helene pointed to differences in their stance on infrastructure and accountability. Geter argued for increased responsibility towards energy and internet providers, who she believes have failed to adequately respond to many county residents’ struggles. Kimbrell, on the other hand, called for increased competition between energy providers and criticized the federal response to the storm.
Health care, a notably sensitive topic, uncovered a sharp disagreement between Geter and Kimbrell. While Geter advocated for Medicaid expansion to improve access to health care in underserved communities, Kimbrell argued the contrary. He stated that this expansion would, in fact, limit primary care access and place more burden on individuals.
Potential Changes In Legislation
Geter called out Kimbrell’s support for the state’s six-week abortion ban. Asserting the right to personal choice, she defended access to contraception and the government’s role in areas of public health. Despite this, Kimbrell, who backed the controversial abortion ban, pledged to continue protecting “the unborn.”
On matters concerning public and education policy, both Geter and Kimbrell confronted potential changes in legislation. A heated exchange ensued when Kimbrell expressed his support for regulating age-monitoring at public libraries. Geter countered, highlighting the role of parents in monitoring content, asserting that banning books in public libraries amounts to censorship.
The Road Ahead
As the election season unfolds, voters in Spartanburg County remain keen to hear further from both candidates. The choices made here will not only shape the community’s future but also influence the broader political landscape in South Carolina. As citizens prepare for the polls, this spirited debate underscores the vital role of active citizenry in strengthening our democracy. It highlights the power to change and grow lies within each vote, each voice—echoing through the courtrooms, the town halls, and the community forums.
