Honest Government,
Accountable Leadership
Thomas Sanders philosophy for our county is anchored in the principles of transparency and authentic service. He believes that government works best when it is accountable to the citizens it serves. His platform aims to bridge the gap between council decisions and community needs, ensuring that every resident has a voice in our shared future.
Roads and Traffic
Roads
For years, Greenville County only spent about $12 million a year for roads. Now, Greenville County currently spends about $40 million a year on roads, but most of that funding mainly keeps roads that are already in decent condition from getting worse. It does very little to address the massive backlog of roads that are already deteriorating. Experts estimate the county faces roughly a $2 billion backlog in road repairs, meaning many roads require full rebuilding rather than simple maintenance. 
We also need to be honest about where current road funding comes from and what our options can actually do. Some of the money being used today has been shifted from other important local priorities like schools and fire protection. Everyone wants better roads, but long-term solutions shouldn’t come at the expense of classrooms or public safety. At the same time, tools like impact fees can help add road capacity for new development, but under South Carolina law they cannot be used to repair existing roads or repave older neighborhood streets. 
My approach is simple: examine every option and use existing resources as effectively as possible before asking taxpayers for anything more. But we also have to recognize that delaying repairs only makes the problem more expensive. When a road moves from “fair” condition to “failed,” the cost to fix it can jump four or five times higher. Maybe being fiscally conservative should mean fixing problems early, before they become five times more expensive to rebuild.
Traffic
As traffic in Mauldin and Simpsonville continues to worsen, our city only focuses on development, which has outpaced road capacity. County Council doesn’t design roads, but it does control land use and development approvals. And that’s where the problem starts.
We cannot continue approving large housing and commercial projects on two-lane roads without a plan to handle the traffic they create. Growth isn’t the enemy. Unplanned growth is. The status quo under my opponent’s party over the last two decades has been unplanned, unmitigated growth.
Smart leadership means tying development approvals to infrastructure readiness. If the roads, intersections, and services aren’t ready, the project shouldn’t move forward, or the developer should help fund the improvements needed to make it work.
We also need to focus on practical traffic solutions: safer intersections, smarter signal timing, better coordination with state transportation officials, and ensuring that road improvements actually reduce congestion rather than shift it elsewhere.
Traffic didn’t get this bad overnight, and it won’t be fixed overnight. But it will not improve if we keep voting for the same kind of leaders who will only reiterate the status quo.
Key Pillars of Our Platform
A concise overview of the core principles driving Thomas Sanders vision for a more transparent and effective local government.
Accountability
You should never have to guess where your tax dollars are going. If current funding cannot deliver safer, wider, longer-lasting roads, I will lay out a public, project-by-project plan showing exactly which roads get fixed, which intersections get improved, what it costs, and how long it will take. If the numbers don’t support real congestion relief, I will say so plainly. Then the public can decide: do we keep patching potholes and sitting in traffic, or do we make a serious investment in infrastructure that shortens commutes and prepares our county for the next decade of growth?
No vague promises. No hidden tradeoffs. Just honest numbers and a clear path forward.
Affordability & Stability
Families should be able to remain in the communities they have invested in for years. As housing costs rise, that stability becomes harder to maintain for seniors on fixed incomes, young families trying to buy their first home, and working professionals who serve this community every day. Growth should expand opportunity, not limit it. New development must be planned in a way that adds housing people can realistically afford and contributes to the infrastructure and services that support it. A healthy community is one where teachers, small business owners, retirees, and first-time buyers can build a life without feeling financially pushed out.
Public Safety
Safe neighborhoods require visible leadership and practical solutions. Thomas will work closely with law enforcement and community leaders to ensure resources are directed where data shows they are needed most. When residents raise concerns, they deserve a response and follow-through. Public safety is not abstract; it is about feeling secure in your home, your neighborhood, and your daily routines.
Infrastructure & County Services
When residents pay county taxes, they expect roads that are maintained, drainage systems that prevent flooding, and sanitation services that operate reliably. Thomas believes growth must be matched with disciplined planning and measurable results. Instead of reacting to congestion and service gaps after they become crises, he will prioritize long-term planning,ensuring a return on the investment of your taxes in our district, and clear accountability from county departments. Government should work predictably and efficiently, especially in fast-growing communities.
Economy & Jobs
Strong infrastructure drives strong businesses. Thomas supports responsible development that brings high-quality jobs without overwhelming our roads and services. Growth should pay for the infrastructure it requires, and economic development should focus on strengthening existing local businesses while attracting employers that add long-term value to our community.
He believes smart planning, predictable regulations, and efficient county processes create an environment where businesses can grow, without sacrificing quality of life for residents.
Transparency
Residents deserve clear answers not confusion. Thomas believes county government should communicate decisions in plain language and make budgets, road plans, and development impacts easy to understand.
He supports using modern technology and data tools to improve transparency, streamline permitting, and give residents better access to information with clear safeguards for privacy and accountability. Technology should make government more efficient and easier to understand, not more complicated.
Local Economy & Jobs
I support:
• Responsible development that matches infrastructure
• Transparent budgeting
• Fair, predictable permitting processes
• Policies that protect small businesses from being pushed out by reckless growth
When we get roads, traffic, and planning right, our local economy benefits — and families in District 28 have real opportunity.
Fuel the Change for Our Community
Your support is the backbone of this campaign. Whether you donate, volunteer, or spread the word, every action helps build a stronger future for Greenville County.