Faye Walters
U.S. Congress, District 4 (Green Party)
Faye Walters has been a community leader and successful business owner for over 25 years. She is a native of, and resides in, Greenville. Her political pursuits started in 1996 when she served as a candidate for US Congress District 4 covering Greenville, Spartanburg and Union counties.
She has served in this capacity every two years and is now serving as a candidate for US Congress District 4 with the Green Party in Election 2008. In the elections 2004 and 2006, the Library of Congress chose her website for the Historic Archives. As an avid reader and determined candidate to become the new representative for District 4, she is convinced that we can no longer afford to support the status quo coming from Washington. She believes we should rid ourselves of old-schooled ideas and elect new people with principle-based ideas that can take us to a brighter future. Faye envisions a future with green energy, green environment, green jobs and green vaccines. She says we deserve clean air, clean water, a safer environment, renewable energy initiatives and quality health care that we can afford. She says, "A Greener America is the better choice for all of us here in South Carolina!"
Here are Ms. Walters' answers to some questions posed by the Institute.
Why you, why now for this position?
I have actually served as a candidate for US Congress District 4, since 1996. I believe we need to change our way of thinking and present ideas that reflect the 21stt century. If our existing system of government knows what to do and is interested in addressing the crucial problems that our families and communities are now facing, then why in all these years of service are we not seeing better results? I believe we need to rid ourselves of old-schooled ideas and elect new people with principle-based ideas that can take us to a brighter future. We deserve clean air, clean water, a safer environment and renewable energy initiatives. We deserve to know that we can stay healthy with a health care system that we can afford. I envision a future with green energy, green environment, green jobs and green vaccines. A Greener America is a better future and I want to share in its' transformation.
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 have never felt that I was denied any opportunities nor do I feel any inadequacies because of my gender, but I have felt the sting in the erosion of our democratic process where money is far more important than ones' capabilities, passion for what is right and devotion to cause.
I see a challenge in breaking the special interest control in Washington and the need to be a strong-willed and determined person. The 21st century challenges of debt relief, affordable health care, improvements in education, renewable energy initiatives, environmental issues, jobs and wars to name a few, will require a cooperative manner amongst all members of Congress.
South Carolina would be a better place if only...
If only...we would see the importance of this 2008 Election. We need to pay attention to issues that affect us and our families, yes...but it is vital that we look very closely to issues that will directly affect our children and grandchildren. We need to be very concerned about the future we leave behind...what will it be like? Will our planet be preserved; will there be clean air, clean water, safe food, alternate energy sources? Can they hope for livable wages, own a business, own a home, a good education or affordable health care? How will they manage to re-pay the enormous debt that will be passed down to their generation? It is time that we hold our career politicians accountable and be willing to embrace newer ideas that will give our children the best future possible. I challenge us all to think about their future and vote for the betterment of all our children and grandchildren in South Carolina.
What keeps you awake at night?
At times, my dreams keep me awake, my endless thoughts and ideas and the inner driven force within. I am excited about life and am happy to be a driven person. I am glad to have meaning in my life and a deep desire to help people.
Your mother always said...
My mother always said to have a strong faith in God and keep loving, close ties to family. She taught me to believe in myself and that ambition is commendable. She said that to be careful that ambition did not become an obsession because it is far more important that you play the game with honesty and fairness than it is to win. She said that as you come to the end of your life, you come to realize that ones' real task of life is to be self-worthy of the place that God has allotted you in the sun.
To learn more, visit Ms. Walters' website at: www.fayewalters.org