The Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Summerville Journal Scene, hosted a candidate forum to provide a platform for candidates in races impacting Dorchester County. The event aimed to engage the community by allowing candidates to share their positions on key local issues, offering voters an opportunity to make informed decisions ahead of the upcoming elections.

COUNTY COUNCIL: 

Bill Hearn:

• Transportation and Infrastructure: Emphasized the need for collaboration between entities within the county.
• Balancing Rural and Urban Needs: Highlighted the importance of long-range planning and smart zoning to address diverse needs.
• Per Pupil Funding: Stressed the need to subsidize the tax base through economic development to support education funding.
• Road Projects: $700 million allocated for road projects; collaboration with nonprofits and police to address homelessness.
• Preservation of Main Street: Focused on preserving the facade of 500 N Main.
• Closing Remark: Stated that effective leadership requires the right temperament and collaboration skills, referencing his experience and results.

Summary:

Bill Hearn emphasized the critical need for collaboration between entities in Dorchester County to address transportation and infrastructure challenges. He highlighted the importance of balancing the needs of rural and urban areas through long-range planning and smart zoning strategies. Additionally, Hearn stressed the significance of economic development to support per pupil funding by expanding the tax base and revenue streams. Other high points included the $700 million set aside for road projects, the county's ongoing efforts to work with nonprofits and law enforcement to tackle homelessness and his desire to preserve the facade of 500 N Main. In his closing remarks, Hearn underscored the importance of leadership that brings people together and gets things done, pointing to his past results as evidence of his ability to serve effectively.

Thomas “Tommy” Feagin:

• Road Priorities: Stressed the importance of refocusing efforts on road improvements, with the Orangeburg Loop as a top priority. He also stressed that had been put off for too long.
• Balancing Rural and Urban Needs: Emphasized that fixing roads will benefit both rural and urban communities.
• Impact Fees for Developers: Suggested implementing impact fees for developers to raise funds for schools.
• Neglect of District 6: Argued that District 6 has been neglected  and we need new leadership to make lives better. 
• Improving Quality of Life: Urged for better care of the community, involving public input and advocating for necessary changes in leadership to improve quality of life.

 Summary:

Thomas “Tommy” Feagin called for a renewed focus on road improvements, with the Orangeburg Loop as a critical priority that will benefit both rural and urban constituents. He emphasized that fixing roads is key to helping everyone, and stressed the need to implement impact fees for developers to generate additional funds for schools. Feagin voiced concerns about the neglect of District 6, advocating for tax breaks for low-income families and calling for the county to take better care of its residents. He highlighted the importance of public input and acknowledged the need for changes to address the diminishing quality of life in the community.

SHERIFF

Sam Richardson:

• Patrol Increase: Advocated for smaller patrol zones to ensure officers are closer to calls for help, improving response times.
• Legalized Open Carry: Noted that legalized open carry has not impacted crime rates, but expressed concerns about deputy safety. He noted that there has been no increase in violent crime.
• Homelessness: Emphasized tracking homeless camps, identifying individuals in the county, and addressing mental health issues by connecting them with services.
• Sheriff's Role: Stressed that the role of sheriff involves overseeing civil processes, running the jail, managing the courts, and ensuring public safety.
• Closing Remark: Highlighted his experience and readiness for the sheriff’s role, declaring himself as the best candidate based on his proven track record and well-prepared plan.

Summary:

Sam Richardson explained his plan for  enhancing police patrols by creating smaller zones, which would allow officers to be closer to calls and improve response times. He addressed concerns related to the legalization of open carry, explaining that while it has not increased violent crime, it raises safety concerns for deputies responding to calls. Richardson also highlighted efforts to track homeless camps, identify individuals within the county, and address mental health issues by connecting those in need with proper services. He emphasized the multifaceted responsibilities of the sheriff’s role, including managing civil processes, running the jail, and overseeing court operations, while ensuring public safety. In closing, Richardson declared his suitability for the position, underscoring his demonstrated experience and a clear plan that makes him the best candidate for the job.

Charles Frederick:

• Increase in Patrol Frequency: Advocated for increasing patrol units across the county by reducing specialized units to enhance overall patrol coverage.
• Homelessness: Stressed the need to address homelessness on a case-by-case basis, focusing on understanding the root cause of each individual's situation.
• Commitment to Public Service: Highlighted his dedication to the people, the department, and his extensive background in highway patrol and the sheriff's department.
• Closing Remark: Emphasized his years of service protecting Dorchester County and his readiness to lead, referencing his proven track record while on the force. Ended with the statement, "Giants are still falling in 2024."

Summary:

Charles Frederick emphasized the need to increase patrol units throughout Dorchester County while reducing specialized units to ensure more comprehensive coverage. On homelessness, Frederick stressed the importance of addressing each case individually, focusing on understanding the root causes behind the situation. He highlighted his commitment to public service, emphasizing his long-standing experience in both highway patrol and the sheriff's department, and expressed his dedication to keeping the community safe. In his closing remarks, Frederick reaffirmed his readiness and ability to lead, pointing to his extensive experience and stating that “Giants are still falling in 2024,” a nod to his resolve to take the helm at the sheriff’s office.

STATE SENATE Seat 39

Tom Fernandez:

• Limited Government: Advocated for minimal government intervention, stressing that government should stay out of economic matters.
• Workforce Development: Argued that building the workforce is not the government's responsibility. Businesses thrive by lowering taxes and removing regulations.
• Affordable Childcare: Opposed subsidizing affordable childcare, instead calling for the removal of red tape to allow businesses to succeed.
• Permitting: Called for the elimination of unnecessary permitting processes, suggesting a one-by-one approach to eliminate them.
• Improving Schools: Supported school choice, advocating for parents to have the freedom to choose how to educate their children.
• Closing Remark: Emphasized that the country, state, and county are in trouble, and called for senators with the courage to say "no" to wrongdoers. Fernandez positioned himself as a servant to the people, ready to stand up for what's right.

Paragraph Summary:

Tom Fernandez, running for Senate Seat 39, stressed the need for minimal government intervention.  He state that the government should not be involved in workforce development, and that the best way to support businesses is to lower taxes and eliminate regulations. Fernandez opposed subsidizing affordable childcare, believing that removing red tape will allow businesses to flourish. On permitting, he called for the removal of unnecessary processes to streamline business operations. He also advocated for school choice, urging that parents should have the freedom to decide how to educate their children. In his closing remarks, Fernandez highlighted the challenges facing the country, state, and county, calling for strong senators who can stand up to wrongdoing, and offering himself as a servant to the people with the courage to do just that.

Vernon Stephens:

• Continuity in Senate: Emphasized the importance of staying in the Senate to complete the initiatives he has already started.
• Workforce Development: Leveraged his background working with schools and industries to implement training programs aimed at improving the workforce and enhancing the educational system.
• Childcare: Stressed the importance of ensuring daycare facilities meet standards and supported individuals wanting to establish daycare centers.
• State Permitting: Highlighted the dismantling of DHEC as a step toward expediting the permitting process.
• Education: Advocated for retaining quality teachers and engaging parents in the education system as a way to improve education in South Carolina.
• Closing Remark: Urged voters to reelect him, promising to stand for their rights, listen to their voices, vote accordingly, and work across party lines.

Summary:

Vernon Stephens, running for reelection in District 39, emphasized the importance of continuity in the Senate to finish the work he has begun. With a background in both education and industry, he discussed his efforts to implement training programs aimed at improving the workforce and addressing educational needs. Stephens also highlighted the necessity of maintaining standards for daycare facilities while supporting those who want to establish new childcare centers. He pointed to the dismantling of DHEC as a way to expedite the state permitting process. On education, he stressed the need for retaining quality teachers and increasing parent engagement. In closing, Stephens asked for voters' support to return to the Senate, pledging to stand for their rights, listen to their concerns, and work across the aisle to make meaningful progress.

STATE SENATE Seat 41

Rita Adkins:

• Family Values: Stands firmly on family values and aims to be a voice for the community in the Senate.
• Childcare: Proposes grant programs for daycares to reduce the cost of childcare and support the creation of new businesses.
• State Roads Funding: Advocates for proactive planning, using development impact fees from developers to fund both roads and schools.
• Education: Calls for a standardized curriculum across all schools, ensuring that programs like Montessori or arts education are available in every school, not just specialized ones.
• Closing Remark: Criticized Republicans for lacking common sense, positioning herself as a candidate who offers balance by prioritizing character over political affiliation.

Summary:

Rita Adkins, running for Senate Seat 41, emphasizes her commitment to family values and representing the community's voice in the Senate. She proposes grant programs aimed at reducing childcare costs and supporting the creation of new daycare businesses. Adkins advocates for proactive planning to fund state roads, suggesting that impact fees from developers should contribute to funding infrastructure and schools. On education, she calls for a standardized curriculum across all schools, arguing that programs like Montessori or arts education should be universally available. In her closing remarks, Adkins criticizes Republicans for lacking common sense and positions herself as a candidate focused on balance, encouraging voters to prioritize character over political affiliation.

House Seat 98

Chris Murphy:

• Experience and Impact: Emphasized his long-standing experience and the impact he's already made during his tenure.
• Port Support: Stressed the importance of government action to prevent port strikes and ensure the port remains operational and supported.
• Legalizing Marijuana: Opposes recreational marijuana but supports the legalization of medical marijuana.
• Roads and Infrastructure: Stressed the benefits of the gas tax, stressed the need to improve coordination in funding allocation, and ensuring all parties contribute through each county implementing local fees as a funding mechanism.
• Closing Remark: Highlighted securing $30 million in state funds for county projects, his seniority after 7 terms in office, and his efforts to increase teacher and police pay while reforming school funding. He seeks an 8th term to continue his work.

Summary:

Chris Murphy, running for his 8th term, emphasized his deep experience and the significant impact he has made in previous terms. He underscored the need for government intervention to prevent port strikes and maintain strong support for the port. While he opposes the legalization of recreational marijuana, Murphy stated his support for medical marijuana. On infrastructure, he stated he believed each county should contribute through county funding mechanisms. In his closing remarks, Murphy pointed to his success in securing $30 million in state funds for county projects, his seniority in Columbia, and his work to increase pay for teachers and police. He urged voters to support him for an 8th term to continue his progress on these important issues.

Dr. Sonja Ogletree Satani:

• Background: Experienced in education, the military, public relations, and HR, bringing a diverse skill set to the table.
• Port Issues: Emphasized the need for fair representation, proper wages, honest negotiations, and strong HR practices to protect workers in all industries. Advocated for raising the minimum wage and providing workers with the right gear for their jobs.
• Marijuana: Does not personally smoke and expressed concerns about secondhand smoke affecting workers. Suggested finding alternatives to marijuana to keep the community safe.
• Road Funding: Questioned whether federal funding is being used correctly and called for better use of surplus money, stressing the importance of being good stewards of public funds.
• Closing Remark: Promoted her diverse background and international education experience as assets for improving the education system. Called for common sense and a strong focus on protecting students and the community, emphasizing her strengths as a communicator.

Summary:

Dr. Sonja Ogletree Satani, with a background in education, the military, public relations, and human resources, brings a diverse perspective to her campaign. She highlighted the need for fair representation, proper wages, and strong HR practices to protect workers, advocating for an increase in the minimum wage and ensuring workers have the proper gear for their jobs. On marijuana, while she doesn’t personally use it, she expressed concerns about secondhand smoke in the workplace and suggested alternatives to protect the community. Regarding road funding, she questioned the effectiveness of federal funding use and called for better stewardship of surplus money. In her closing remarks, Dr. Ogletree Satani emphasized her international education experience as an opportunity to bring new ideas to the educational system and stressed the need for common sense in leadership, while protecting students and the community.

House Seat 102

Harriet Holman:

• Deep Commitment: Expressed love for the state and country, emphasizing her experience on county council, where she fixed roads and brought in medical assistance. Pledged to work hard for the community.
• Education: Advocated for providing students with appropriate learning options, career pathways, and encouraging families to invest in their children's education.
• Housing: Committed to securing workforce and affordable housing, promising to take necessary actions to ensure housing availability.
• Workforce Development: Stressed the importance of education and apprentice programs to give students real-world experience, helping them find and stick with their passions in the workforce.
• Closing Remark: Running to provide a new voice for the people, Holman pledged to be responsive and get the job done, advocating for fresh leadership and promising to bring new funding to the district.

Summary:

Harriet Holman, running for House District 102, expressed a deep love for both her state and country and emphasized her track record on the county council, where she fixed roads and brought in medical help. In the realm of education, Holman focused on ensuring students have access to appropriate learning and career training options, while also encouraging family involvement in their children's education. She committed to addressing housing challenges by working hard to secure workforce and affordable housing. Holman emphasized the importance of education and apprentice programs to help students gain experience, find their passion, and stay committed to their careers. In her closing remarks, she positioned herself as a new voice for the district, pledging to be accessible and promising to secure new funding and leadership for the community.

Joe Jefferson:

• Experience: Highlighted 20 years of service in Columbia.He’s  a Clemson graduate and FBI Academy grad. Expressed gratitude for ongoing support in the House.
• Education: Advocated for incentivizing teachers and working with Trident Technical College and other schools to ensure adequate options for students and stressed funding for education.
• Housing: Acknowledged various housing challenges, stressing the importance of ensuring job availability so people can afford homes and apartments.
• Closing Remark: Emphasized his 20-plus years of service in Columbia, urging people to look beyond party affiliation and focus on working together.

Summary:

Joe Jefferson, with 20 years of service in the House, emphasized his background as a Clemson graduate and FBI Academy alumnus, currently serving on the Labor, Commerce, and Industry committee and Legislative Oversight committee.  He expressed appreciation for the continued support of his constituents. On education, Jefferson advocated for incentivizing teachers and working with institutions like Trident Technical College to ensure proper options for the future workforce and for funding for schools. In addressing housing challenges, he stressed the need to create jobs so that people can afford homes and apartments. In his closing remarks, Jefferson highlighted his 28 years of experience in Columbia, calling for unity beyond party lines and a focus on working together for the community’s benefit.

House Seat 114

Gary Brewer:

• Achievements: Raised teacher and law enforcement pay, brought millions of dollars back to the district. Committed to continuing service to the community.
• Education and Workforce: Advocated for listening to the workforce's needs and supplementing high schools with vocational programs to better prepare students for jobs.
• Improving Education: Stressed the importance of addressing school funding by attracting industry to support schools and placing students in environments where they can succeed.
• Balancing Funding: Called for a unified school district to prevent competition for funding, ensuring all schools in the county receive adequate and fair  financial support.
• Closing Remark: Highlighted his efforts in securing funding for the district and working to improve the quality of life in South Carolina.

Summary:

Gary Brewer, a committed advocate for his community, emphasized his accomplishments in raising pay for teachers and law enforcement while securing millions of dollars for his district. On education and workforce development, Brewer stressed the need to listen to the workforce and build vocational programs in high schools to better prepare students for future careers. He also emphasized the importance of improving education funding by attracting industry to support schools and placing students in environments that maximize their chances of success. Brewer called for a unified school district to avoid competition over funding, ensuring all schools receive equitable financial support. In his closing remarks, Brewer highlighted his dedication to bringing resources to his district and improving life for the people of South Carolina.

Adrienne Lett:

• Background and Issues: Civil engineer working in Dorchester County. Identified stormwater management and traffic as major issues diminishing the quality of life and stressed holding developers accountable with innovative solutions.
• Workforce Development: Advocated for funding trade schools and educating teachers on vocational programs. Supported high school programs that promote apprenticeships.
• Improving Education: Emphasized the need for better teacher pay but argued that it's not enough. Opposed school voucher programs, suggesting funds be allocated differently.
• Funding Model: Called for updating the funding model to better address the needs of students and the population.
• Closing Remark: Criticized the current administration for not working for the people and called for change. Emphasized the need for women's choice, questioned the open carry law, and stressed affordable housing as a priority.

Summary:

Adrienne Lett, a civil engineer working in Dorchester County, pointed to stormwater and traffic issues as key problems affecting the quality of life, advocating for holding developers accountable and providing innovative solutions. On workforce development, she called for more funding for trade schools and better education for teachers about vocational and post-school programs, with a focus on apprenticeships for high school students. Lett highlighted the need for better teacher pay but noted that alone is insufficient, opposing school voucher programs and advocating for reallocating funds. She also stressed the need to update the school funding model to better meet the needs of students and the growing population. In her closing remarks, Lett criticized the current administration, advocating for healthcare options for women, opposing the open carry law, and calling for affordable housing to be prioritized. She concluded by urging the need for change, stating that change isn't a bad thing.