Cindy W. Riley for Congress

Economy

To say that I am “fiscally conservative” is an understatement. My mother drilled financial responsibility into my brain since I was 12 years old and had a job babysitting. Money was openly discussed as a tool to reach goals. Every dollar had a purpose. She educated us in savings, checking and compounded interest. She taught us how saving a small amount now, could yield big returns later. She guided me through my first home purchase in 1988 at 22 (yes 22) years old. I paid $44,500 for a HUD repo in the Earle Wood Park Neighborhood of Columbia with a down payment of $450. I have always been conscious of money; how much work is necessary to earn it and how to make what you earn work for you. I’m fine with spending money, but I firmly believe you should “get what you pay for.” Washington is simply not doing this. I do not feel I am getting what I pay for when it comes to the federal government. I do not waste my money and I will not waste your money in Washington.

Environment

My father was a game warden for the Lowcountry. He taught me to respect the environment and wildlife very early in life. He knew the value of the swamps, rivers, oceans, land, and trees, and the wildlife that inhabit them. Slowly, this place is changing. Some of the changes are good; others not so much.

It concerns me that a battery recycling plant in going to operate in the heart of the swamp in Berkeley County. It concerns me that a private dump is located in Dorchester County. It concerns me that many of the new homes built in Dorchester, Berkeley and Beaufort Counties are done so with septic tanks in areas with high water tables, not with county sewer. It concerns me that Charleston is so much more suspectable to flooding today. It concerns me that I can no longer catch a dozen crab in Jenkins Creek with two crab pots. It concerns me that shrimpers and farmers are having to compete with foreign sources, who pay pennies for labor.

These are just a few of the changes I’ve noticed over my life time that concern me. And, these things should concern you as well. After all, whether a “from yeh or a come yeh,” you’re yeh, now. The use of Lowcountry resources and the money that accompanies it must be used responsibly, and for the best interest of the people. I will protect South Carolina’s Lowcountry.

Healthcare

I graduated from the university of South Carolina in 1987, 1991 and 1993 and from Vanderbilt in 2015. I have gladly served my patients over the past 38 years. I know, first hand, the faults of our health care system. I know the about co-pays, deductibles, prior authorizations and appeals that tax patients and providers while creating profits for insurance companies. “Obama-Care” and “TrumpRX” are good starts, but they are not the solution. Direct payment to providers, lower malpractice insurance premiums, penalties for frivolous malpractice claims and sanctions on attorneys that bring those claims will alter the way healthcare is provided. The only people that should be involved in making a health care decision is the provider and the patient…that’s it. Currently, insurance companies, malpractice companies, pharmaceutical companies, government regulatory agencies and lawyers are all driving up the ridiculous costs of health care. Again, the provider and the patient…that’s it.

Education

My sister, a teacher since 1985, has convinced me that every child can succeed if given the right education. It’s our responsibility to ensure that they are protected and educated. Their education is an investment. They will be the ones that design the bridges we drive over every day. They will be the ones that cure our cancer. They will be the ones that grow our food. They will be the ones that fix our
plumbing, cars, and appliances.

One of the best decisions Governor Henry McMaster ever made was to use Federal COVID dollars to make needed technical degrees tuition-free. I will work to secure funding to continue this. Plumbers, carpenters, mechanics, electricians, nurses, medical technicians of all types are needed in our communities right now. If they have the drive to pursue an education, tuition should not be an obstacle. Student loans accumulated by native Lowcountry residents who pursue a designated trade or profession should be reimbursed, provided they stay and work in the Lowcountry.

We need them.

Military

I am very proud of the Lowcountry’s military history. We are the home to Fort Sumter, where the fight for this country started. We are also the home of Paris Island, The Marine Corp Air Station, and Joint Base Charleston, where the fight continues. Our military is the best trained and equipped in the world, and I will support those who fight to defend Americans everyday, both home and abroad. I do not believe America’s obligation to her service members ends with the completion of their service. Veterans who have sacrificed for America must be rewarded.

Transparency

In 2018, I was falsely accused of abusing patients.  No allegations or complaints came from the patients; all came from Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr. Please refer to Indictment No: 19CR2667 from Dekalb County, GA and Indictment No: 17R1172 from Dougherty County, GA.  All charges were all were later dismissed.  It took 4 years (from 2018-2022) for resolution. You can download my mugshot from Berkeley County and The Post and Courier. I tell you this because I am transparent, and I think our Government should be as well.

Guns

I grew up shooting guns.  My father’s service pistol was never hidden; it was always visible and always respected. I got my first BB gun at 6 years old. I purchased my first pistol, a 38 Special, in 1986; I still have it and it still shoots every time I pull the trigger.  I believe ownership of guns for hunting and personal protection is one of America’s basic rights.

Crime

I have been employed by jails and I have been in jail, so I know first hand about the jail situation in the Lowcountry. In all cases of crime and corruption, sentences need to fit the crime. I support the death penalty for the most violent criminals. I support education and rehabilitation for petty criminals. Too many mental health patients are in jail and the system to have them processed is flawed, costing the citizens millions of dollars, annually. From being raised by and respecting law enforcement to being victimized by a misguided system, I know that law enforcement officers come in all types.  Our justice system has great power, that can be just as easily harnessed as it is abused.  There is no room in our justice system for corruption.  Given the billions we spend on crime, alternative solutions to long sentences have to be used.

 Holders of this power can be trustworthy or corrupt.  There are good officers and bad officers, and everyone should be subject to the same treatment and prosecution.