When do I get to be represented at the State House?

As a resident of the St. Andrews-Irmo area, I was represented by Rick Quinn in the House and John Courson in the Senate. Both are under multiple indictments in the state’s corruption investigation and have been suspended from carrying out their duties in the Legislature. This has gone on now for more than six months and could continue for the foreseeable future. I am unrepresented, and this is a travesty.

While I sympathize with the plight of these two individuals and respect their rights to have their day in court, I still have no representation. Maybe I should not have to pay state income taxes since I have no representation.

The Legislature needs to either require a trial within 60 days from suspension or let the governor appoint someone to temporarily fill seats until the indictments are resolved. What happens when we have an election in 2018? Will these individuals be allowed to run and, if elected, continue under suspension?

A local House member sent notes around to our area saying that he would provide representation until this was resolved, but I have been unable to talk to him since this occurred. This is not an adequate way to solve the representation question.

I hope that the Legislature and governor will solve this representation issue.