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David Horton Wilkins. Annie & Katie. SC Speaker of the House. David Wilkins. Biography. * The Honorable David Horton Wilkins was born in Greenville, SC on October 12, 1946. * Wilkins attended Greenville High School, and continued his education at Clemson University.
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David Horton Wilkins Annie & Katie
SC Speaker of the House David Wilkins
Biography * The Honorable David Horton Wilkins was born in Greenville, SC on October 12, 1946 * Wilkins attended Greenville High School, and continued his education at Clemson University * He married his wife Susan in 1971, and they have two sons, James and Robert * He has served as the SC Speaker of the House since 1991 * Wilkins is also a practicing attorney, and is a senior partner at his law firm, Wilkins & Madden, P.A.
Military Experience Speaker Wilkins is an ROTC graduate and a distinguished military graduate from Clemson University After his active duty, he served in the army reserves in Greenville for 4 years He feels that “being involved in the military is important because it teaches people to have a greater appreciation for those who defend our country”, and is an experience that all citizens should undergo
Speaker Wilkins’ Political Beginning Q: When did you first become interested and involved in politics? A: “In 1980, when I was 33 years old, I read in the paper in 1980 that Rex Carter, the former Speaker of the House, was resigning. I said to myself ‘Wilkins, you’re going to run!’ I was fortunate enough to win my first election, and felt that this was a good way to give back to my community and state.”
Greenville High School Q: What significance and influence did attending GHS have on you? A: “Most importantly, the lasting friendships that I made. Since GHS is so rich in tradition, it imparted a sense of roots in the community, and being a part of it evoked a great feeling of pride in me…”
Accomplishments Q: What accomplishments are you most proud of? A: “Being Speaker of the House is something that I’m very proud of, especially because I am the first Republican Speaker of any legislative body from the South since Reconstruction. Still, as nice as it is being called ‘Speaker’, it doesn’t hold a candle to being called ‘Dad’.” A few of the legislatures he has written/co-sponsored involve welfare reform, property tax relief, education accountability, and LIFE scholarships
Future Ambitions Q: What are your future ambitions for South Carolina? A: “I would like to see SC become a place where people want renew their roots and raise their families, as well as better the education system and establish a strong economic base for our citizens”
Wilkins’ Impact He was a passionate advocate for the dignified removal of the Confederate flag from the Statehouse He was influential in the fight to ban video poker in South Carolina He is also currently involved with the Myers Center, a non-profit organization for handicapped children
Advice for Future Politicians Q: What is your advice to young people concerned with politics? A: “Get involved early, and don’t wait until you are 33. You can do this by volunteering for campaigns, such as school or city council elections. Also, read the newspaper and keep up with current events.”
“ I just had a burning desire to do it [become a politician]…it was a split-second decision that just felt right, and I decided I was going to do it, and it ended up being a life-changing event. “ -- Speaker David H. Wilkins
Website Link: David H. Wilkins, SC Speaker of the House
Bibliography “Speaker D. Wilkins”. South Carolina Legislature Online. http://www.lpitr.state.sc.us/members/bios/1927272496.html This site provided biographical information on Speaker Wilkins. “The Honorable David H. Wilkins”. SCANPO.ORG/Legislative Spotlight http://www.scanpo.org/adv_legislative_spotlight_wilkins.asp This site contained an online interview with Speaker Wilkins and background information about him. Wilkins, David H. Personal interview. 2 November 2003. This supplied a detailed personal account of Speaker Wilkins’ life and career. “Wilkins and Madden, P.A.” http://www.wilkins-madden.com/profiles/2008333 This site discussed Speaker Wilkins’ law firm.
Group Members Annie: Arranged interview with Speaker Wilkins, designed questions for interview, conducted the interview, and co-constructed the Powerpoint presentation Katie: Found online information, designed questions for interview, conducted the interview, and co-constructed the Powerpoint presentation