The Darlington city elections: A Voters’ Guide

All of the candidates for Darlington city offices, photographed at a “meet and greet” event Oct. 3. From left to right: City Council member John Milling, seeking re-election to his at-large seat; Winfred Herrington, candidate for an at-large council seat; Ernest Boston, candidate for an at-large council seat; Mayor Gloria Hines, seeking re-election; Howard Nettles, candidate for an at-large council seat; City Council member Bryant Gardner, seeking re-election to his at-large seat; City Council member Carolyn Bruce, a candidate for mayor and also seeking re-election to her at-large council seat; and Curtis Boyd, a candidate for mayor. Photo by Bobby Bryant

The League of Women Voters of Darlington County produced this Voters’ Guide for City of Darlington municipal elections being held Nov. 5. This guide includes candidates for the races of mayor and City Council at-large.

There are three candidates for mayor and six for City Council at-large. One candidate, incumbent councilwoman Carolyn Bruce, is running in both races.

Candidates were asked five questions. Questions 3 and 4 are closely related, since question 3 is a scale-of-agreement question and Question 4 is an explanation of their scale choice in Question 3. The question and the scale appear here:

“To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Darlington is well-positioned for growth and prosperity.”

— Strongly disagree (This corresponds with candidate’s selection No. 1)
— Disagree
— Neither agree nor disagree
— Agree
— Strongly agree (This corresponds with candidate’s selection No. 5)

The race: Darlington City Mayor

The candidates:

Curtis Boyd
Occupation: Entrepreneur
Campaign phone: (843) 206-4389
Campaign e-mail: curtisboydformayor2019@gmail.
com
Current job: Business owner
Campaign website: http://boydformayor2019.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/karatecurtis

Q: What do you hope to accomplish if you win this election?

A: I hope to build a coalition of people willing to work towards a more successful Darlington — where all people here can benefit. We can restore Darlington by starting with our streets, buildings and existing properties. To thrive, our city must become more inviting to our current residents and begin to attract those from outside areas.

More people moving here leads to increases in revenue of local businesses, which brings in new businesses and jobs, and more potential for growth. Let’s reclaim our place as the Pearl of the Pee Dee in the hearts and minds of our residents and surrounding regions.

Q: What issues do you believe need to be discussed during this election season?

A: My priorities for discussion are infrastructure, employee safety/morale, recreation and business growth.

I want to discuss solid goals for each area and a plan of action that will be visible to the public to measure success and bring positive change to Darlington.

Currently our city’s drainage and sewage services are woefully inadequate and in need of repair. City employees have been harassed by some elected officials. We are 40 years behind our neighboring cities in development of recreational facilities. Until those are remedied, business and economic growth will remain stagnant.

Q: To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Darlington is well-positioned for growth and prosperity.

A: Strongly disagree.

Q: Explain your answer to the above question in two or three sentences.

A: Under the current elected leadership, Darlington is destined to become a ghost town. Severe debt, lack of a clear plan to change and political inaction are all stifling opportunities for Darlington to prosper.

If you need evidence of this: There is a 16-foot-deep hole in the yard of a Darlington residence that has been there for four years, (traffic) cones all over the city, sinkholes, sewage backups, etc. Our city needs the opportunity to unify behind a leader who will be working in the ditch alongside them to do whatever it takes to see Darlington regain its identity as the Pearl of the Pee Dee.

Q: What are your background and qualifications for this office?

A: Darlington has been my home since I was born. In 1989, I started a business here —Fitness World — from two people in my backyard to over 15,000 members across eight cities.

With experience managing over 60 employees and a multimillion-dollar budget, I know the challenges and steps we can take to make Darlington a city we can all be proud to call home.

As a citizen, I invest time and money heavily here. And as mayor, I’ll work tirelessly to bring restoration and revitalization to our town — replacing the stagnant and divided atmosphere of our current local politics with a platform of unity and productivity.

Carolyn Bruce
Occupation: Career development facilitator
Campaign phone: (404) 840-1788
Campaign e-mail: cbruce0812@gmail.com
Current job: Career specialist for the Darlington County School District

Q: What do you hope to accomplish if you win this election?

A: I hope to create cohesiveness and develop a winning plan for all. I want to promote transparency through a quarterly Mayor’s State of the City address and encourage community involvement.

I want to continue to improve our city’s infrastructure. I want to develop a five-year plan to revitalize our downtown area. l want to work to improve city processes to help new businesses locate here. I plan to work with our local officials to develop a plan to create safe and healthy neighborhoods.

Q: What issues do you believe need to be discussed during this election season?

A: No response.

Q: To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Darlington is well-positioned for growth and prosperity.

A: No response.

Q: Explain your answer to the above question in two or three sentences.

A: No response.

Q: What are your background and qualifications for this office?

A: No response.

Gloria Cheeseboro Hines (incumbent)
Occupation: Mayor
Campaign phone: (843) 307-6874
Campaign e-mail: ghines55@yahoo.com
Current job: Cosmetologist

Q: What do you hope to accomplish if you win this election?

A: Continue the work I’ve already started — infrastructure, stormwater, more businesses, working with business owners, continue with parks for the quality of life for all citizens and making Darlington more attractive so people will want to stay here.

Continue working with the beautiful ladies of the Garden Club who enjoy helping make Darlington look great.

The Beautification Board helps dress up Darlington also. All boards are appreciated for what they do for our great city.

Q: What issues do you believe need to be discussed during this election season?

A: The issues that need to be discussed this election season are stormwater, infrastructure, job creation, more jobs, a homeless shelter and quality of life for the citizens of this great city.

Q: To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Darlington is well-positioned for growth and prosperity.

A: 5: Strongly agree.

Q: Explain your answer to the above question in two or three sentences.

A: There is growth and prosperity for Darlington. It’s all about networking with other municipalities and hiring qualified people for the job title. When you hire unqualified people for a position who don’t know their job, and you have to bring someone else in to do what they are supposed to know how to do, it makes the city look bad. Most times, it causes the city to pay out more money.

Q: What are your background and qualifications for this office?

A: I’ve been on council going on 20 years. I continue taking classes dealing with government as to how the city should be run, being transparent and being fair to all citizens. In my training in college and being behind the chair at my salon, I know how to deal with people. One must always remember it’s not about you and what you want, it’s all about the citizens and what’s best for the citizens of Darlington.

In my first term as the mayor of Darlington, there have been a lot of accomplishments, starting with the largest stormwater infrastructure project in the history of the city.

The race: Darlington City Council At-Large
The candidates:

Ernest L. Boston Sr.
Occupation: Parts/service sales
Campaign phone: (843) 944-0927
Campaign e-mail: ernestbostonsr@gmail.com
Current job: Generation 3 Powersports
Facebook: http://ernestbostonsr@facebook.com

Q: What do you hope to accomplish if you win this election?

A: Darlington’s drainage system needs a major overhaul because the lack of maintaining the system has caused rainwater to not be able to flow freely through our drain system. We need to revamp our recreational facilities, so that we are able to attract more people to our city. We have the talent to compete with any part of the state. Jobs are always a priority for any community for growth. Find a way to get our property owners to remodel the buildings to make it more attractive to new renters.

Q: What issues do you believe need to be discussed during this election season?

A: How can we get funding for our drainage system to attract businesses to downtown Darlington? What can we do to attract more businesses and development to the city? How can we partner with local and state law enforcement to help not only reduce crime but create more cooperation within the community?

Q: To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Darlington is well-positioned for growth and prosperity.

A: 3: Neither agree nor disagree.

Q: Explain your answer to the above question in two or three sentences.

A: There are more steps the council can take to help spur growth and development. We are not going backwards, but we are not moving forward, either.

Q: What are your background and qualifications for this office?

A: I have been in retail for the past 36 years. I also worked with the Sears Catalog division for 17 years, from merchandise inspected, record clerk, clerical assistant (working with catalog buyers that purchase merchandise for five warehouses) to supervisor in a retail store. I worked for Western Auto in Florence as a service manager. When I left the store, we were 11th of 53 stores in service income. When I was taking over the service department, we were 51st of 53. I worked for Florence Honda for 18 years, from parts clerk to parts and service manager before Don Miller purchased the business.

Carolyn Bruce (incumbent)
Occupation: Career development facilitator
Campaign phone: (404) 840-1788
Campaign e-mail: cbruce0812@gmail.com
Current job: Career specialist for the Darlington County School District

Q: What do you hope to accomplish if you win this election?

A: No response.

Q: What issues do you believe need to be discussed during this election season?

A: No response.

Q: To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Darlington is well-positioned for growth and prosperity.

A: No response.

Q: Explain your answer to the above question in two or three sentences.

A: No response.

Q: What are your background and qualifications for this office?

A: No response.

Bryant Gardner (incumbent)
Occupation: Owner of Concrete Coatings of Carolinas
Campaign phone: (843) 260-1288
Campaign e-mail: Gardnerbp@gmail.com
Current job: Owner-operator and councilman, City of Darlington, at-large
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BryantGardner

Q: What do you hope to accomplish if you win this election?

A: FIRST: Improving the quality of life for the citizens of Darlington through well-positioned projects. For example, ballfields or the new park on Hampton Street, which was a campaign promise of mine. It is our first new park in 40 years. Splashpad? SECOND: To invest in our infrastructure. I pushed to purchase a Vactor truck, which vacuums debris from our existing stormwater and sewer system. I also found funding to pave our streets. These investments are basic infrastructure necessities for a well-functioning community. I would appreciate the opportunity to build upon and expand these accomplishments.

Q: What issues do you believe need to be discussed during this election season?

A: Like most communities, we have an aging infrastructure and I expect all elected officials to do their part to maintain and upgrade these basic needs. It’s time we get proactive and not reactive.

However, the primary issue I believe we need to be focused on is our negative population trend. Over the last two Census (periods), Darlington has lost 20 percent of its population. This can’t continue without having negative effects on our city, our revenues and our ability to compete with other communities. We have to invest in the quality of life activities we’re missing that will in turn increase our population.

Q: To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Darlington is well-positioned for growth and prosperity.

A: 4: Agree.

Q: Explain your answer to the above question in two or three sentences.

A: I have the passion I have for Darlington because of our potential. I want to serve because there is more we need to do to fully realize it. We have more jobs each year, but we can work to attract more. We need to invest in quality of life opportunities to make Darlington more attractive and invest in upgrading our infrastructure to support the demands of a growing community and economy.

Our prosperity will be determined by how well we all work together to solve these complex issues and by how strategic we are in investing our resources. If re-elected, I’m excited to make these things happen.

Q: What are your background and qualifications for this office?

A: I live here because I love Darlington. I built my business here. I returned here after graduating from Wofford College and working on an MUSC project. I’ve taken ideas and turned them into reality. I represent the unique perspective of youth on council. I have proven to care about the basic needs — funding fire, police, garbage needs, $1.4 million for sewer upgrades. As well as playgrounds, basketball courts, new roofs on all our buildings, but most importantly recreation and quality of life improvements. I’ve proven that when I say I am going to pursue something, I will follow through and get it done.

Winfred M. Herrington Sr.
Occupation: Retired social worker and counselor
Campaign phone: (843) 618-3655
Campaign e-mail: wimp1969@yahoo.com
Current job: (Candidate did not respond, but based on occupation, above, he is retired.)

Q: What do you hope to accomplish if you win this election?

A: I hope to improve our city’s infrastructure in the stormwater and sanitary system, enchanting the quality of life, new recreational complex, more community parks and more activities for our youth. Job creation and downtown revitalization.

Q: What issues do you believe need to be discussed during this election season?

A: Overhaul city stormwater drainage system and overhaul the sewage infrastructure. Expand recreational facilities. Job creation and downtown revitalization.

Q: To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Darlington is well-positioned for growth and prosperity.

A: Agree.

Q: Explain your answer to the above question in two or three sentences.

A: I feel Darlington is well-positioned for growth and prosperity. The last three and a half years, the new businesses of Wal-Mart, Tractor Supply, Little Caesar’s, S.C. Wings, Manheim, Fahrenheit 225 and Family Dollar have been added to the existing businesses of Darlington. Sonic and others are coming.

Q: What are your background and qualifications for this office?

A: I earned a B.A. degree in psychology from Coker (then-College) University 1977 and an M.A. degree in counseling from Webster University in 2000. I’m presently serving on several boards, church and civic.

Retired from Darlington County DSS after 34 years of enhancing the lives of the citizens of Darlington in a positive way by helping them become self-sufficient in striving to reach their goals in life.

John M. Milling (incumbent)
Occupation: Attorney
Campaign phone: (843) 687-3020
Campaign e-mail: johnmilling@bellsouth.net
Current job: Semi-retired

Q: What do you hope to accomplish if you win this election?

A: I would like to work with council and the mayor to develop long-range plans to improve our infrastructure, recreational and employment opportunities. The costs related for these and other functions and opportunities that everyone would like for the city to provide are expensive and have to be planned for.

Would also explore public/ private partnerships to address these needs.

Q: What issues do you believe need to be discussed during this election season?

A: Those related to infrastructure, recreation, employment and what we want the city to be in five years and how to actually implement our ideas for Darlington.

Q: To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Darlington is well-positioned for growth and prosperity.

A: Agree.

Q: Explain your answer to the above question in two or three sentences.

A: Darlington has the assets that make it well positioned to achieve growth and prosperity but requires leadership and planning and the active participation of all of its citizens in order to achieve these goals.

Q: What are your background and qualifications for this office?

A: First of all, I grew up and Darlington and I care about Darlington and all the people who live here. I am a licensed attorney and have been practicing law in Darlington since 1973, except for the period from 1999 to 2009, when I served as a circuit judge for the state of South Carolina. My career has provided me with the opportunity to work with people and to solve the problems that they face. My career has also offered me the opportunity to travel about the state and to observe what other communities have been able to achieve that can be explored for Darlington. I want us to be successful.

Howard J. Nettles
Occupation: Director of Community Outreach and Marketing
Campaign phone: (843) 229-4030
Campaign e-mail: hjn64@aol.com
Current job: Director of Community Outreach and Recruiting for Genesis Health Care
Facebook: http://Howard Nettles for Darlington City Council @ HowardnettlesDCC

Q: What do you hope to accomplish if you win this election?

A: I hope to unite, hear and work with the citizens of the city and work with council and the mayor to build a better infrastructure to allow Darlington to move forward and grow to bring more businesses, job opportunities, housing, events and tourism.

We need to review/revise outdated ordinances which deter new business from coming in and current ones from growing. All communities should receive equal treatment, not just certain ones. We also need to have a one-, three- and five-year business/budget plan and use funds for their intended purpose and not spend funds we do not have. In short, manage to success.

Q: What issues do you believe need to be discussed during this election season?

A: As stated previously, we need to address/resolve ongoing stormwater drainage issues. Create a more unified city and overcome the divisiveness that has troubled us for some time. As a city, we need to work to resolve issues rather than create them for self-gain.

Supporting our schools, staff and teachers to educate and better prepare our next generation for success and hopefully remaining in our city as they graduate. Reviewing outdated city ordinances, Agressively seeking new businesses. Owner accountability for derelict buildings. Improperly spending funds that we do not have in our budget.

Q: To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Darlington is well-positioned for growth and prosperity.

A: Disagree.

Q: Explain your answer to the above question in two or three sentences.

A: We do not have the necessary infrastructure. We have a minimal plan in place with very little supporting detail. If, as a city (inclusive of council), we cannot agree on simple issue resolution, are we prepared to agree on major items which will support our growth and prosperity for the city as a whole?

Q: What are your background and qualifications for this office?

A: I view my qualifications as both objective and subjective. I will base decisions on rational thought, logic and facts presented, yet incorporate past experience and observations to make the most educated and empathetic (when required) decisions.

I have worked in management for many years and understand the importance of working as a team, reviewing and considering relevant, fact-based information. I have a great deal of budget experience, am fair, and will not be improperly influenced by others.

I also received the Key to the City in 2018 for my work in the community, which shows I care.

Author: Stephan Drew

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