Politics
Wilson and Johnson outline contrasting approaches to South Carolina’s next big projects
Republican Alan Wilson and Democrat Jermaine Johnson say community impacts should shape decisions on a proposed solar facility and data centers, but differ on surveillance cameras and how to address public-safety concerns. The candidates are competing to succeed term-limited Gov. Henry McMaster.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The two candidates seeking to become South Carolina’s next governor offered different approaches to solar development, data centers and police surveillance as voters prepare to choose a successor to term-limited Gov. Henry McMaster.
Republican Alan Wilson and Democrat Jermaine Johnson were asked about the Silfab Solar dispute, a data-center moratorium in York County and calls to remove Flock license-plate cameras from communities in Chester and York counties.
On Silfab Solar, Wilson said he would direct state agencies, including the Department of Public Health and Department of Environmental Services, to take legally available steps to protect the health of affected communities. He said the approach should apply to any company, not just Silfab.
Johnson said a governor should weigh who would benefit from the project and who could be harmed, and pledged to take the situation seriously. He did not specify a particular action he would take.
The candidates also said communities should have a say in whether data centers are built. Johnson said such facilities should be “a net-zero for South Carolinians,” adding, “BYOE — Bring Your Own Energy.” Wilson said a community must want and accept a project, and that a data center should cover its own costs and provide benefits to the area hosting it.
Their approaches diverged further on Flock cameras, which law enforcement agencies use to scan vehicle license plates. Johnson argued that better law-enforcement pay, recruitment and retention would reduce the need for the technology. Wilson said officers who violate privacy should face prosecution and possible jail time, while also supporting law enforcement’s use of technology with privacy safeguards.
The governor’s race comes as South Carolina prepares for its first new governor in nearly a decade. Early voting is scheduled to continue through Oct. 31, with Election Day set for Nov. 3. Polls are to be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.