Deborah Long
SC House of Representatives District 45 (R)
Family: Husband Jim, two stepchildren, eight grandchildren, four dogs and one cat
Residence: Indian Land, SC for over 20 years
Education: UNC-Greensboro, NC - BA 1976
Southern College of Optometry, Memphis TN Doctor of Optometry 1980. Optometrist in private practice in Fort Mill 25 years
Church: Doby's Bridge Presbyterian Church
Previous Political experience: No elected offices held. Have attended and testified at subcommittee hearings in Columbia. Appointed to SC Board of Examiners in Optometry by Gov. Sanford Feb 2006
Professional Experience: Member and past president (first female) of the SC Optometric Association; SCOA Legislative Chair 2006-2007; SC State Leader for the AOA InfantSee program; SCOA Distinquished Service Award 2005; Member of the American Optometric Association;currently serving on the SC Board of Examiners in Optometry
Community involvement: member of the Fort Mill Area Chamber of Commerce; served on the Fort Mill School District Medical Advisory Committee; first female member and past president of the Fort Mill Lion's Club
Here are Dr. Long's answers to some questions posed by the Institute.
Why you – why now for this position?
So many people will say, "Somebody should do something about taxes, or education, or illegal aliens, or fill in the blank" and sometimes that somebody turns out to be you. We should think not "why me" but "why not me".
What is your leadership style?
My leadership style is not heavy-handed and I believe in leading by example. Being a true southerner, I like the old saying "you catch more flies with honey than you do vinegar".
With so few women in elected office here in SC what do you foresee to be your greatest challenge once elected to public office?
I am fairly accustomed to being in the minority. I was one of only 12 females in a class of 120 in Optometry School and first female in various civic and professional organizations. I think the greatest challenge will be the "learning curve" involved with legislative issues which transcends gender.
Has political office been a life long goal/dream of yours?
NO, although I had unsuccessfully encouraged my husband to run for political office.
South Carolina would be a better place if only...
South Carolina would be a better place if only there were no litter! We have such a beautiful place and it is a shame that it is treated like a personal trash can by some folks.
What keeps you awake at night?
My brain keeps me awake at night by going through, and adding to, my "to do" list.
Your mother always said...
My mother always said mind your manners, say "Yes, Ma'am", "No, Sir", "please" and "thank you".
To learn more, visit Deborah Long's Website - http://longforhouse.com/