John Moore says he hadnt thought much about seeking public office before friends and family last year began encouraging him to run for S.C. HouseDistrict 38.
Last week he made it official that he is following their suggestion and giving voters another option in the Republican Primary on June 8. He is challenging incumbent Joey Millwood and former Landrum Mayor Doug Brannon, who announced his candidacy in November.
“After much consideration its clear to me that Im the best person for the job,” said Moore, who made his campaign announcement at Blue Ridge Log Cabins manufacturing facility in Campobello.
Standing on the wooden base for part of a log cabin in the 110,000-square-foot facility, Moore spoke to a crowd of more than 70 people, including the workers of the plant. He cited Blue Ridge Log Cabins as a “successful and growing manufacturing business that is making quality products right here in Campobello.”
Moore, the former president of JWA Properties LCC from 2004 to 2008 and the founder of Moore Capital in 2008, said he wants to focus on bringing jobs to the district. When looking for economic development opportunities, the state government should look at ways to help grow businesses already in the state, rather than just trying to attract businesses outside the state, he said.
When talking to voters in the district, Moore says its apparent that many people are struggling in the current economy and low-paying jobs with little to no benefits are not sufficient.
“A lot of people need help. People really want someone who is going to be dedicated to them,” said Moore. “The vast majority of people have a basic expectation that their state representative will be someone who brings jobs to the area, someone who will help them be successful, and someone who will be available to them.”
Moore said he believes many voters are disatisfied with their current representation in Columbia and want more done to create job opportunities. He promised he would be available to voters, listen to them and uphold the values instilled in him by his grandmother, who was present at his announcement.
Moore, a native of Saprtanburg County who graduated from Spartanburg High in 2000 and Wofford in 2004, is the grandson of Joseph D. Moore, a former Chairman and CEO of Reeves Brothers Inc., a textiles company. Moore is the son of William Moore II, who was the owner and president of Sally Foster Gift Wrap LLP.
Even before he graduated from Wofford, Moore started a real estate development, management and holding company with his father and sister, Anne Brady Moore.
“I was able to experience a priceless first hand education in investing, common sense and management throughout my early life,” says Moore.
With his sister, Moore also founded the Betty Ann Moore Free Colon Cancer Screening program,” named for their mother who died in 2002 from colon cancer. Three years later their father died of bladder cancer.
Moore has become a healthcare advocate, serving on the Leadership Council for the Cancer Research Center of the University of South Carolina. He also serves on the Betty Ann Moore Community Grants” review committee for the Center for Colon Cancer Research and assists with the annual South Carolina Unmasking Colon Cancer Ball.
Through his involvement with such initiatives, Moore says he has become familiar with the state government and aware of its leadership needs, he says.
Moore says he plans to go door to door to introduce himself to voters and listen to the needs.
“I have two opponents so I expect it will be a tough competitive race. I expect it to be spirited,” he said.
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