A letter from Representative Hagood

Ben Hagood has been our representative in the State House of Representatives since 2003.
Since that time, he has been Chairman of the Special Laws subcommittee, the Coastal Caucus and the
Governor’s Climate, Energy and Commerce Advisory Committee. He has also been a member of the
House Judiciary Committee and Rules Committee. Something that people may not realize, and often
overlook for those in public service, is that Representative Hagood has been balancing life with his
family and managing his law practice while serving the citizens of District 112 for the last six years.
Recently, the Island Eye News asked Mr. Hagood to explain his decision not to run for re-election and
to reflect on his experience as our House Representative. This is what he said:
First, I offer my thanks to my family and to my friends and neighbors in Mt. Pleasant,
Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms for giving me the privilege to serve. I have decided not to
seek re-election in order to spend more time with my children during their final years of high
school and to devote more time to my law practice.
As I think back on why I ran for the State House, I wanted to help our state and region
address the challenges of rapid growth, and to improve education and economic development. I
feel fortunate to have worked on real solutions to these challenges. I authored the Priority
Investment Act which became law last year. It will help reduce sprawling development and save
taxpayer money by requiring local governments to coordinate planning for infrastructure
development and to encourage the development of traditional neighborhood design and
affordable housing. I also shepherded a legislative change to the legal structure of the
Charleston County School District so that the County School District and Superintendent have,
for the first time, the authority to hire teachers and staff. I also sponsored legislation providing
incentives to new port related businesses and supported numerous bills promoting economic
development in the state. I was also pleased to co-sponsor the property tax reform measures that
have provided much needed relief to coastal homeowners. I have enjoyed helping Mt. Pleasant
reinstate its traffic education program, helping Sullivan’s Island with its bridge replacement and
surplus state property issues, and Isle of Palms with its beach erosion challenges. I was honored
with legislative awards from the South Carolina Wildlife Federation, the Maritime Association
of the Port of Charleston, the Solicitors Victim Advocates and the South Carolina Association of
Taxpayers.
Although I have been blessed with some accomplishments for my service, I want to
encourage others to find ways to serve our community. Whether it’s seeking elected office,
being appointed to a local board, or volunteering with any of the wonderful non-profit
organizations in our community, public service is a worthy endeavor. Our faith, family and jobs
must come first. But when we can find the time and opportunity, there is no greater satisfaction
than serving others.
I will remain in office through November and am busy working on an annexation reform
bill and chairing the Governor’s Climate, Energy and Commerce Advisory Committee. Please
let me know if I can be of service to you in the meantime.