League of Women Voters Election Guide
The League of Women Voters of Darlington County produced this Voters Guide for the Nov. 6 elections and made it available to the News & Press. Some candidates declined to answer the League’s questions. In those cases, the story lists their name and basic biographical information, but indicates these candidates declined to respond.
Race: S.C. House, District 62
Candidate: Billy Baldwin
Party: Republican
Mailing address: 202 Green Drive, Darlington, 29532
Campaign phone: (843) 615-5616
Current job: Self-employed
Q: What do you think are the most important issues in this election? How would you propose to address them?
A: Education and economic development. Education: To raise teachers’ salary. Encourage students to major in education to become teachers. As a member of Darlington County School Board, I have encouraged better pay and benefits for teachers.
Economic development: We need countywide sewage (service). We need a 2,000-acre industrial site off of the interstates to attract industry to the county. I worked on both of these issues during my eight years on the Darlington County Council.
Q: What changes to our state’s redistricting process would you support or oppose?
A: I think I need to study this issue further before deciding what should or should not be done to the state’s redistricting process.
Q: What changes to the gun laws of our state would you support or oppose?
A: I would support better techniques for investigating persons who apply for a gun permit. I do support the gun laws we have now. I believe that responsible persons over 21 should have the right to own a gun.
Q: What are your background and qualifications for this office?
A: I am a graduate of the Darlington County school system. I have three years of college, eight years on the Darlington County Council, four years on Darlington County School Board, eight years on Pee Dee Regional Council of Government’s Board and on the Executive Board of the Pee Dee Regional Council of Government for six years.
Race: S.C. House, District 62
Candidate: Robert Williams
Party: Democratic
Mailing address: 2512 Holly Circle, Darlington, 29532
Campaign phone: (843) 229-0920
Campaign email: robertwilliamsforcongress@gmail.com
Current job: State representative
Q: What do you think are the most important issues in this election? How would you propose to address them?
A: The most important issue in this election is economic development for rural S.C. This also include the issue of oil drilling along the coast.
Q: What changes to our state’s redistricting process would you support or oppose?
A: Yes, I would allow community to have input in the process instead of having legislators to do the drawing, but have others to be apart of the process of redistricting.
Q: What changes to the gun laws of our state would you support or oppose?
A: We must up the age to 21 and do comprehensive background check on all purchases. We also must hold parents of a shooter responsible for the death of others.
Q: What are your background and qualifications for this office?
A: I am well qualified for this office. I am a 12-year legislator with experience and political will to be the voice of the people.
Race: S.C. House, District 54
Candidate: Patricia ‘Pat’ Moore Henegan
Party: Democratic
Mailing Address: 401 Johnakin Drive, Bennettsville, 29512
Campaign Phone: (803) 212-6896
Campaign email: Pathenegan@schouse.gov
Current job: Committee: Labor, Commerce and Industry. Subcommittees: Business and Commerce, Banking and Consumer Affairs and Administration and Regulations
Facebook: http://House Representative Pat Henegan
Q: Identify the issues that you believe are of highest priority for our state House of Representatives. How would you propose to address them?
A: Disparity within public school districts: (I will) work with colleagues to continue the discussion of what our state can do and set realistic goals and timelines for improving the state’s education funding and the policies/formulas that impact school funding. Target additional funds to help low-income districts. School safety: We must revisit our current laws and regulations to ensure safety. Redistricting reform: Propose fair rules in drawing lines to avoid gerrymandering.
Race: Probate Judge
Each county has a probate judge who is popularly elected to a four-year term and has jurisdiction over marriage licenses, estates of deceased persons, guardianships of incompetents, conservatorships of estates of minors and incompetents, minor settlements under $25,000 and involuntary commitments to institutions for mentally ill and/or chemically dependent persons. They also have exclusive jurisdiction over trusts and concurrent jurisdiction with Circuit Courts over powers of attorney.
Candidate: Dylan Crowley
Party: Republican
Mailing address: 2150 Bobwhite Lane, Hartsville, 29550
Campaign email: Dylan@CrowleyCampaign.org
Campaign website: http://CrowleyCampaign.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Dylan-Crowley-For-Probate-Judge-660086501051656/
Q: Why are you running for this office?
A: After having interactions with the Probate Court, it became clear to me that there was a lot of inefficiencies in the process. The current Probate Judge seems unwilling or unable to implement any policies or procedures to address these issues, and no one else seemed willing to come forward to challenge him. I believe that Darlington County deserves more than what the current Probate judge is willing to do. So I’m giving Darlington County their first choice for Probate Judge in over 24 years.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish if elected to this office?
A: If elected I would:
1) Digitize the court’s records allowing for faster retrieval and copying, a process that now can take from 15 to 30 minutes, and preserve a copy of the records in case of fire or flood at the courthouse.
2) Post court procedures and related forms on the court’s website, keeping citizens from having to call or travel to the courthouse for forms and information.
3) Reimplement the drug court program to give those suffering from addiction a way to get the help they need.
Q: Why do you believe you are well-qualified for this office?
A: I’m the only candidate for Probate Judge who has a law degree. I also have experience in court administration from when I worked at the Clerk of Court’s Office for the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina. Also, having grown up with technology, I know how beneficial it can be and how to implement it to reduce the inefficiencies the court currently has.
Candidate: Marvin I. Lawson
Party: Democratic
Mailing address: 108 N. Spain St., Darlington, 29532
Campaign phone: (843) 398-4340
Current job: Probate Judge
Q: Why are you running for this office?
A: I am running for re-election in a seventh term in order to serve Darlington County through the Probate Court. My office is known to be people-friendly and I want to continue to build on this fact. I love my job and want to remain a help to citizens of this county.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish if elected to this office?
A: I hope to continue solid service that I’ve been able to supply the public over the past 24 years as Probate Judge. When I entered the office, it was in a bad state of affairs. I have been able to return it to be proficient and to be considered one of the best Probate Courts in the state.
Q: Why do you believe you are well-qualified for this office?
A: My 38 years as Clerk of Court (1980-94) and as Probate Judge uniquely qualify me to continue to serve in the Darlington court. Experience counts on which I proudly stand.
Race: Darlington County School Board, District 5
Candidate: Richard F. Brewer
Party: NP
Mailing address: 1165 Quail Hollow Drive, Darlington, 29532
Campaign phone: (843) 395-1204
Campaign email: rbrewer9@sc.rr.com
Current job: Retired
Q: What is your background and qualifications for this office?
A: Since 1985, my family has lived in Darlington with two daughters attending local schools and colleges. A Navy veteran, I have held positions as a state park ranger, at Nucor Steel, Ohmeda Medical and GE Healthcare retiring in 2017. I hold several leadership positions in my local church. I have learned to communicate effectively, solve problems with equipment and personnel. After prayer, I am running to make a difference in DCSD students’ lives.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish if elected to this office?
A: I hope to use my years of experience to bring fresh ideas to the school board and make DCSD schools the best in the state.
Q: Identify the issues that you believe are of highest priority in our school district. How would you propose to address them?
A: Parents realizing the importance of education. Students promoted without grade level achievement, needing programs identifying deficiencies early, and a key is parental support. Seek a consensus about giving homework and the amount assigned. Teachers struggle with various issues taking away from instructional time. Current alternatives aren’t working; alternatives of school uniforms and detention classes might work. Teacher retention is crucial: yearly bonuses, tuition assistance could help.
Race: Darlington County School Board, District 5
Candidate: Maureen Thomas
Party: NP
Mailing address: 821 E. Bobo Newsom Highway, Hartsville, 29550
Campaign phone: (843) 332-6952
Campaign email: jammauth@earthlink.net
Current job: Retired
Q: What are your background and qualifications for this office?
A: I have a B.S. in accounting and over 30 years of service and leadership experience in various civic and community organizations. Retired as account executive for CP&L (now Duke Energy) and served 10 years as director of school community relations for Darlington County School District. Currently, I serve as vice-chair of the DCSD School Board, Secretary of the Darlington County Community Action Agency and Lay Leader of Centenary United Methodist Church.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish if elected to this office?
A: It is my vision that the Darlington County School District continue to create and support programs and initiatives that will make it one of the premier districts in S.C. serving all students. We want to be the model that others imitate in every area from our 4K program to our high school initiatives including Fine Arts, CATE, Magnet, athletics and more. In my tenure on the board, with the support of the citizens of this county, we were able to secure funding to start building three new elementary schools.
Q: Identify the issues that you believe are of highest priority in our school district. How would you propose to address them?
A: The teacher shortage. In an effort to address the teacher shortage problem, it is my opinion that we should seek means to increase teacher pay, as well as incentives to recruit and retain quality personnel to the teaching profession. Human capital is our biggest asset and our children deserve the best and the brightest. We already have many of the nation’s most outstanding educators and it is our responsibility to continue the momentum to attract more to the area.
Race: Darlington County Council District 6
Candidate: Albert Davis III
Party: Democratic
Mailing address: 1102 Meadowview Drive, Hartsville, 29550
Campaign phone: (843) 858-1480
Campaign email: Youngandyoung711@gmail.com
Q: Identify the issues that you believe are of highest priority for Darlington County Council. How would you propose to address them?
A: I believe the issues of highest priority for Darlington County Council are education, more jobs, growth and development and the homeless population. I propose that the issues be addressed through communication and as a team effort. The issues need to be discussed and as a whole, we need to come up with solutions to the issues at hand. The solutions should not be quick fixes but long term solutions.
Q: How important is the county’s role in keeping its municipalities and downtown areas vibrant? Please rate on the scale.
A: 4
Very unimportant
Somewhat unimportant
Neither important nor unimportant
Somewhat important
Very important
Q: Please explain your answer.
A: I believe the county’s role in keeping its municipalities and downtown areas vibrant is critical to the growth and development of Hartsville. I recognize that it will take a team effort among officials, businesses, cultural leaders, property owners, merchants and residents to keep downtown vibrant and attractive. The public will support downtown if it is safe, attractive and enjoyable and most importantly it will keep them coming back.
Q: What is your position on county government enacting land use management or zoning measures?
A: 5
Strongly oppose
Oppose
Neither support nor oppose
Support
Strongly support
Q: Please explain your answer.
A: I support county government enacting land use management or zoning measures because it essential for sustainable development and thus the optimal use of available resources. It is necessary that we use resources wisely. It will also help with pollution management and improve environmental conditions.
Q: What is your background and qualifications for this office?
A: I was born and raised in Hartsville graduating from Hartsville High School in 1993. I have a degree in mortuary science and am employed at Young and Young Funeral Home. I am married to Whitney Fountain and we have a son, Jackson. I am qualified for this office as a registered voter here. I care about Hartsville, an All American City, and a great city to live in! I want my son to be proud of it also. I am open-minded, dedicated and will work hard for its improvement and betterment.
Race: Darlington County Council District 6
Candidate: Phyllis Griggs
Party: Republican
Mailing Address: 215 Gandy Drive, Hartsville, 29550
The candidate declined to answer the survey questions.
Race: Darlington County Council District 8
Candidate: David H. Coker
Party: Republican
Mailing address: Pinpoint Embroidery, 912A West Carolina Ave., Hartsville, 29550
Campaign phone: (843) 861-2624
Current job: Owner of Pinpoint Embroidery
Q: Identify the issues that you believe are of highest priority for Darlington County Council. How would you propose to address them?
A: I believe that the most pressing issue facing Darlington County is economic development or lack thereof. We need to be diligent in our approach to bringing jobs to our area and stimulate growth whenever possible. We can do this a number of ways by either tax incentives and/or promoting our workforce and infrastructure to companies looking to grow in rural communities. We have a lot to offer in this county and we need to be aggressive showing it off.
Q: How important is the county’s role in keeping its municipalities and downtown areas vibrant? Please rate on the scale.
A: 5
Very unimportant
Somewhat unimportant
Neither important nor unimportant
Somewhat important
Very important
Q: Please explain your answer.
A: I think we need to support our municipalities the best we can to showcase what we have to offer our surrounding areas. The goal is to prosper collectively and move forward together.
Q: What is your position on county government enacting land use management or zoning measures?
A: 3
Strongly oppose
Oppose
Neither support nor oppose
Support
Strongly support
Q: Please explain your answer.
A: I personally think we have to respect everyone’s property and continue to keep our government reach as conservative as we can and as small as we can. However there are some instances when zoning is important to the integrity of our communities. I take these issues on a case by case basis and try to use common sense in every application.
Q: What is your background and qualifications for this office?
A: I have been on council for four years and this will be my second term. I have learned a ton and hope the citizens of District 8 feel like I have represented them fairly and honorably.
Race: U.S. House of Representatives, District 7
Candidate: Tom Rice
Party: Republican
Mailing address: 5100 N. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach, 29577
The candidate declined to answer the survey questions.
Race: U.S. House of Representatives, District 7
Candidate: Robert Williams
Party: Democratic
Mailing address: 2512 Holly Circle, Darlington, 29532
Campaign phone: (843) 229-0920
Campaign email: robertwilliamsforcongress@gmail.com
Campaign website: http://ballotpedia.org/Robert_Williams_(South_Carolina_Representative)
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1535411436
Q: What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?
A: I am running to improve the quality of life for all Americans and particularly the citizens of the 7th Congressional District. I will focus on bringing good-paying jobs to the district, supporting our military and veterans, restoring economic security, ensuring students receive a good education and providing access to affordable housing and health care. I believe that access to healthcare is a right and not a privilege and I’ll work to ensure affordable healthcare for all.
Q: What economic development activities will you pursue or support if elected, to benefit the residents of your district?
A: During my tenure in the S.C. House of Representatives, I have supported economic development in my community and the state as a whole. We have been successful in bringing new companies to the area with our efforts and I will continue to work to expand our economic base even further. I believe that education is also a strong and necessary foundation for equality and prosperity, so I will advocate for improved access to early education and work hard to support access to college and higher education.
Q: What changes to the gun laws of our country would you support or oppose?
A: It is important that we respect the rights of responsible gun owners at the same time as we work to keep our communities safe. I will support common-sense gun laws that include comprehensive background checks on all purchases and improved access to mental health screening and services. I will also consider age restrictions on certain types of weapons. Gun violence in America is a public health crisis that must be addressed with discussion and dialog, education and awareness, and reform.
Q: Why do you believe you are well-qualified for this office?
A: I have served as a member of the S.C. House of Representatives for 12 years, successfully advocating for the constituents of my district. I am grateful for the support and confidence of my constituents who have supported my re-election efforts. I am an Iraq War veteran and I have been a proud member of the S.C. National Guard for 20 years. I hold a master’s degree in public administration from Troy State University and a bachelor’s degree of science from Voorhees College.
