PICKENS COUNTY SHERIFF

Seeking his third term in office, incumbent Pickens County Sheriff Rick Clark is facing opposition from Upstate law enforcement veteran David Harrison in the June 9 primary.

Rick Clark

1. I began my law enforcement career in 1994 at the sheriff’s office, working in the detention center before transferring to uniform patrol to become a K-9 handler. In 2000, I started with Clemson University PD, where I was promoted to sergeant and became responsible for training and accreditation. In 2010, I became the director of public safety at Tri-County Technical College, where I was responsible for all law enforcement and public safety matters over three campuses. I was elected sheriff and took office in January of 2013, where I am responsible for 188 employees and a multi-million-dollar budget.

2.  I am seeking re-election to continue our current progressive path forward. One of our biggest accomplishments over the past seven and a half years is the construction of a state-of-the-art detention center. This new facility is a much safer environment for our employees and inmates being housed there. It has dramatically reduced liability to the taxpayer. From 2013 to 2019, we have reduced burglaries by 40.29 percent, robberies by 52.94 percent and larcenies by 29.93 percent. Bookings in the detention center have increased by 7.24 percent. These numbers are great due to the hard work of our employees.

3. During my time as sheriff, we have been able to build a new detention center, replace body armor for all deputies (most were expired when I took office), revamp security at the courthouse, equip all vehicles with fire extinguishers (which has saved two lives), implemented internal affairs (to protect citizens and the integrity of the agency), restructured and improved training (with the addition of a use-of-force simulator), and implemented an inventory management system to track all equipment. These are just a few accomplishments that I would like to continue to build upon over the next four years.

David Harrison

1. I’ve had a 17-year career with the South Carolina Highway Patrol and 13 years as a full-time criminal interdiction officer, with four of those years as a K-9 handler. I’ve spent hundreds of hours in highway criminal interdiction training, seized millions of dollars worth of illegal narcotics and made hundreds of felony arrests on South Carolina highways. I’m a former instructor to law enforcement officers in criminal/drug interdiction. I have three years as a master deputy with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, overseeing the interstate interdiction team that works I-85.

2. Observing the missed opportunities within Pickens County to curb property crimes and drug usage. I have received several calls from citizens who are concerned with the crime trends and response times for law enforcement to calls for service.

3. I plan on taking a proactive approach to reducing the amount of crime in Pickens County. This includes traffic stops, community outreach, follow-up investigations, utilizing fully marked patrol cars and reducing the number of unmarked vehicles, thorough investigations, relentless pursuit of drug dealers and child predators with the help of federal law enforcement agencies and being out in the field with deputies. Secondly, I will increase the amount of deputies on the road by restructuring the agency from top to bottom, increasing visibility and reducing response times while saving money. We will also implement a K-9 unit providing a patrol dog to each shift.

COUNTY COUNCIL DISTICT 3

Pickens County Council District 3 incumbent Wes Hendricks is facing a four-way race with challenges from longtime Pickens resident Debbie Gravely, Tim Robinson and former Pickens County School Board trustee Alex Saitta.

Debbie Gravely

1. I am a 25-plus-year Pickens resident and a South Carolina native. I have spent nearly 20 years working at Clemson University, where I serve on the internal operations team of Clemson’s Department of Computing and Information Technology. I earned my business degree from USC in 1986. My education and work experience and even my volunteerism are not what best qualify me for office, however. My highest qualification is my ability to build relationships and give voice to those who feel left out of county-level conversations. This is a critical time for our county, and the decisions that stand to be made should prioritize Pickens.

2. I have seen an increasing need not only for strong leadership, but for listening leadership on county council. I love people, but I love the people of Pickens like family. I think we should be hearing from more people, not less, and at every level of government. That’s what responsive government does, or what it should be doing, and I know I can make that happen on county council.

3. Bringing the county into the 21st century and bringing high-speed internet to our rural areas is my key issue, because that is what I hear the most about from our community. It’s past time we took this step. But doing this without being a burden on Pickens County taxpayers, and without lining the pockets of large carrier lobbyists, will require a relationship builder. When elected, I will support and facilitate the use of federal broadband grant opportunities and public/private partnerships to build a fiber-optic network infrastructure that will be accessible to all carriers.

Wes Hendricks

1. I have one term of county council experience. That is huge given accomplishments this term. Newly established relationships formed benefit citizens. My proven ability to work with people getting things accomplished has benefited Pickens. For anything to pass, it takes four votes. Voting against everything accomplishes nothing! I’m the only candidate on the ballot born and raised in Pickens. I understand the culture. In 2016, I ran on supporting Tri-County Tech, joining Upstate Alliance and economic development. All were accomplished without a tax increase! We also built and financed the new detention center without a tax increase, protecting general funds.

2. Serving public office is a calling, like teaching special education, as I have at Pickens High School for the last 26 years. I serve people as people, not numbers. I’m seeking re-election to continue to serve the needs of the people of Pickens. I am not running to protect personal interest, nor for personal gain. It is my desire and calling to continue to build on our success in economic development, protecting the environment and working with people in a collaborative manner. Teamwork, not antagonizing behavior, gets things accomplished. I cannot sit idle and watch someone else destroy Pickens County.

3. I will continue building on the success we have had in economic development during my first term and continue to fight protecting our environment, as I have done in saving Glassy Mountain and working with the Cannon Mountain Community solar farm project. I will continue to fight supporting property owner rights that we hold so dear. I will continue to work to build on improvements in fire services, as we have seen improving ISO ratings for our citizens. I will continue to protect our culture of Pickens by serving people as people and build on established relationships to benefit our citizens.

Tim Robinson

1. I have previous job experience with problem-solving and managing a budget.

2. I care about the people of Pickens County and I want to do something positive for my community.

3. I plan to cut wasteful spending, prioritize spending, protect our constitutional rights, work with others to find the best solutions for our problems and listen to the voters.

Alex Saitta

1. I will stand for employees, citizens and local business. It is disturbing the county administration regularly tells employees never to speak to their councilmen. If elected, I’ll fight for the employees’ right to talk to their councilmen. It’s 2020. High-speed internet is an essential service. I’ll work with the state and utility companies to push this service out to all rural areas. Eighty-six percent of jobs created are from existing businesses. Our leaders have lost sight of this and have fallen into a habit of laying more taxes, regulation and rules on existing businesses. I’ll work to stop this.

2. In May 2019, the administration fired the director at Hagood Mill in an effort to change the direction of the mill. The volunteers resisted, because the director was treated unfairly, and they didn’t want the mountain community/heritage tossed aside or the mill Dollywood-ized. Councilman Hendricks did nothing, stood with the council and against the employee and the people of Pickens. When the volunteers showed up at a council meeting to object, Hendricks read them Bible verses, said they needed to be more Christian-like and lectured them on volunteerism. He may be from Pickens, but he wasn’t for Pickens.

3. I’m only one vote, so I won’t be able to do anything without working with the others. COVID-19 is a health risk, but it also has slowed the economy, shuttered businesses and resulted in layoffs. The economic effects will linger a year or more. We’ll likely face deficits. For 17 years I was a financial analyst. I’ll help the council dig into the numbers, direct funds to essential services like reopening the recycling centers on Wednesdays and balance the budget without burdening residents and businesses who are struggling now.

COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 6

Three people are vying to replace Carl Hudson as the District 6 representative on Pickens County Council after Hudson elected not to run again. Local businessmen Derrick Craft and Darrell Gibbs and former school board trustee Henry Wilson are seeking the seat in the June 9 primary.

Derrick Craft

1. I earned both my BBA and MBA at Southern Wesleyan University. I have owned my own business since 1999, and I have run multiple successful businesses simultaneously over the past 20-plus years. I understand how to create new budgets and fix broken budgets. I can get the job done with current tax rates and revenues, and I support no new taxes. I have volunteered for the past 10 years on Pickens’ Board of Zoning, where I currently serve as chair. I enjoy seeing the county grow and succeed, and if elected, I plan to implement my “Brighter Future” plan. To learn more, visit votederrickcraft.com.

2. I decided to run for county council after observing many changes over the past few years. My son, Nolan, has been the greatest inspiration for me to seek the position. I grew up in a different Pickens County than we live in today. I want my son and all children of Pickens County to grow up in a safe county and have the ability to enjoy this amazing county the same as many of us did growing up. I have a plan to create a safer place to live, work, play and ultimately retire and make Pickens County the greatest county in the state.

3. I have a very detailed plan to make Pickens County the golden standard in the entire state. I will reach out and invite global corporations to build and manufacture right here. We have a very high-skilled workforce ready to fill positions at a high pay rate. Higher-paying jobs will elevate our entire local economy and create wealth like never before. With higher-paying jobs, our budget will grow with no tax increases — simply more generated revenue. This will afford the county the opportunity to make improvement to roads, bridges, police, fire and rescue and secure a surplus to ensure the success and prosperity we deserve.

Darrell Gibbs

1. The owner/broker of my real estate company for two decades, which has grown to seven offices. I have been awarded the Republican National Committee’s South Carolina Businessman of the Year three times. I would love to put my skills of negotiation, business growth and administration to work for the citizens of Pickens County’s District 6.

The reason I am seeking the Pickens County Council seat is due to my desire for “giving back” to my community. Most of my life has been spent in Pickens County, and my desire is to leave a legacy behind of hard work and accomplishment for this area. Also, both the current councilman occupying this seat, Carl Hudson, and the councilman before him, Tom Ponder, encouraged me to accept this challenge.

To work with our council to improve county roads while seeking not to raise taxes. My platform also includes the effort to create a new Pickens commerce park to attract new industry to the area and raise wages. Management of our rural fire system and implementation of a 24/7 “on-call” supervisor at the fire station. Also, making sure all tax money is used for the county to its greatest potential.

Henry Wilson

1. My professional background managing business operations in large-scale manufacturing enterprises uniquely qualifies me for the financial, governance and economic development role of council. Council members need to be able to work with folks across the community — particularly other elected folks they may not always agree with — and my proven record of service and engaged leadership demonstrates my commitment to delivering results for folks in our community.

2. Our county council needs folks with a background in proactive operations management to effectively manage the county budget and deliver positive economic growth without raising tax rates. We also need a councilman who understands what manufacturers and other large employers need to bring jobs and opportunity to a community.

3. Economic development opportunities will only come to Pickens County if we have trained folks who can do the work and infrastructure to support it. My priority as a councilman will be to focus our roads and other infrastructure investments on projects that deliver the broadest impact on public safety and economic opportunity.

STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 3

The race to succeed Gary Clary as the District 3 representative in the State House features four candidates, but only three will participate in the June 9 primary. Pickens County School Board trustee Phillip Bowers, retired businessman Jerry Carter and political newcomer William Masters will be on the Republican primary ballot. The winner of the June primary will face Democrat Eunice Lehmacher in the November election.

Phillip Bowers

1. I’m a lifelong Republican resident of the district. A graduate of Daniel High, Southern Wesleyan University and Clemson University, I’m in my second term on the Pickens County School Board, where there’s been a dramatic transformation over the last six years. We’ve gone from a very troubled district — even to the point our accreditation was jeopardized — to one that’s admired statewide for great teachers, exceptional graduation rates and student performance, superior technology and innovation, excellence in career and technology education, good business management practices and low taxes. I know government agencies can improve, because we’ve done it here in our schools.

2. Mainly the failure of the latest education bill, which is indicative of the gridlock in Columbia. Columbia needs problem-solvers. I will work with like-minded conservative Republicans in Columbia to find solutions. We face many challenges, and it’ll take someone with experience working through governmental bureaucracy and solving complex problems to manage through the challenges ahead. I’ve never worked for the government, so I bring a private-sector business mindset, as well as years of voluntary public service with the Republican Party, State Board of Education, Education Oversight Committee, GPATS roads and transportation committee and local school board.

3. My primary focus is education reform, elimination of burdensome regulations and bureaucracy, and giving more control to parents and local school boards for accountability. When I was first elected to the board, some said the district was beyond repair and further decline was inevitable, but we turned it around and I’m thankful to have been a part of the turnaround. It wasn’t easy, but we focused on core objectives and addressed challenges head-on, while caring for people and keeping taxes low. I’d like to take my proven experience finding solutions here at home to Columbia and help our state thrive.

Jerry Carter

1. While serving as the executive director of the N.C. Board of Engineers, I worked with the N.C. legislature whenever they were in session. I have experience in drafting legislation, testifying before committees and developing administrative rules.

2. After 19 years, I retired from my position as the CEO of the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, based in Clemson, in 2019 and have the time, interest and passion for giving back to my community.

3. Promote greater decision-making to the local school district; increased pay for teachers and more resources; strategic action to address our crumbling infrastructure; and transparency in governance.

William Masters

1. I was born here and raised here in Pickens County. I am a graduate of Daniel High School and I also attend the Pickens County Career and Technology Center. I attended Tri-County Technical College, where I earned my associate degree in mechatronics. This degree has enabled me to work as a maintenance technician and team leader. I am willing to work with anyone I can to make sure District 3 is growing and working for everyone who lives here.

2. I want to work on solving the problems that are facing the area. I see in District 3 that the economic system has come to a standstill and needs to be addressed to help the people of the area. I believe that the government and society begin and end with individuals. Individuals are the most important piece in changing the environment of a community. I feel that by tapping into the potential of the area, we can fix the problems that are facing us and lay ahead.

3. I simply want to bring a spotlight to District 3. I want to make sure that the area gets the proper funding and support from the state level that it so desperately needs. I want to see a better foundation built from the state-level programs that give opportunities to everyone. Bottom line, I want the individual to succeed and economic growth to come to District 3.

STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 5

First elected in 2014, Rep. Neal Collins is seeking another term in office for State House District 5. He is facing opposition next month from local businessmen David Cox and Allan Quinn.

Neal Collins

1. The essence of being an elected official is caring about your community, working hard, being transparent and finding solutions to complex problems. I believe few care more, work harder or propose as much as I do (sometimes to my detriment). I constantly communicate on social media. I also believe six years of experience and a legal background are strengths for the work involved. Finally, it gets overlooked, but a law firm is a business as well. At The Hendricks Firm, we’re a small business with the same issues other small businesses have.

2. There is more work to be done, and I have had unbelievable support from the community. I do not make campaign promises. The only promise I make is that I will work hard if elected. It has been an honor serving my hometown for the past six years. It is such an honor to help Lakes and Bridges Charter School, Operation Dragonfly, Pickens United, etc. I cherish this time that I’m “holding the baton” until I pass it to the next person.

3. Education and roads continue to be my two main priorities. This past year, I was chairman of the Children’s Committee, appointed to Education Oversight Committee, served on House Oversight into the Department of Education, helped pass the largest education reform bill and teacher pay raise in the House in decades and continued work on the S.C. 183 project that would bring in $45 million of funding to our county. I believe I have built a reputation both locally and in Columbia that I know these two issues well.

David Cox

1. My wife, Lorraine, and I have been residents of Pickens County for more than 20 years. I am a successful small businessman in the real estate, contracting and land development arena. My company employs dozens of people, and we handle a multi-million-dollar budget annually. I understand finance, budgeting and long-term planning. I also pastored churches for more than 30 years and care for people and their needs. I understand the pain that people experience in life and have worked with them to find solutions.

2. Bottom line, I know we can do better. As a conservative, I have seen that we have had poor representation where the people of Pickens County have been ignored on issues and problems that are important to them. There is an important need to work on economic development in the county. People want and need high-quality jobs. We don’t have enough of them. I also see the urgent need to address the opioid crisis that is afflicting our citizens. I want to be accessible to the voters in the district so that they have a voice and are not marginalized.

3. I will become a positive, proactive voice for the people of Pickens County to help develop long-term plans for economic growth that will bring sustainable, high-paying jobs. This will require coordination with county council. I will also make it a priority to find the best solutions to fighting the opioid scourge that has afflicted our citizens. I will also work to ensure that Pickens County gets proper representation in Columbia, and any money that is due to the citizens will actually come here. I will make myself accessible to ALL of the citizens of the county, listen to their concerns and work to find a solution.

Allan Quinn

1. Born on the Clemson campus after WWII, I am a Pickens County native and have lived and worked here all my life (with the exception of my Army service). A 10-year U.S. Army veteran, serving overseas in leadership positions, I have a degree in business administration and have worked with youth groups for 16 years at the local, state and national levels. I have 30 years with Duke Power in leadership and management positions and have been involved with administration and fiscal transparency in several organizations. I have a lot of experience in negotiating and creating rules for running a successful group.

2. Pickens County is far behind our sister counties in the Appalachian Council of Governments. This group represents six counties in the I-85 corridor from Charlotte, N.C., to the Georgia line, known as the Boom Belt — Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Cherokee, Oconee and Pickens counties. We are dead last by far and have become a dumping ground for surrounding counties. I feel I can help in this situation representing Pickens County in Columbia. Also, our current District 5 representative in Columbia is a known RINO (Republican in Name Only). I am a true conservative and believe completely in the Republican Party platform.

3. Recruiting good, well-paying jobs to Pickens County. I will push for the state to give surplus gas tax funds being held by the state to the counties to fix their roads. Otherwise, when surplus funds go into a very large pot, then they will be used for other purposes. Collins wants to increase the sales tax in Pickens County by an additional 1 percent to pay for repairs — double taxation — and he was an ardent supporter of the gas tax, which has collected $1.2 billion in three years and now has a $500 million surplus they can’t spend fast enough.

STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 10

Retired police officer Mark Durham is running against incumbent Rep. West Cox in the State House District 10 race. The seat represents parts of Pickens, Greenville and Anderson counties.

West Cox

1. In 2018, I was elected to my first term in the South Carolina House of Representatives. I am also a lawyer with Cox & Cole LLC in Williamston. My previous two years of service have taught me a lot about the legislative process and how to serve my constituents. In addition to my service and law practice, my life experiences have helped qualify me for this office. I have learned how to work well with others, but also know when to employ certain tactics to achieve a goal.

2. I ran for office because I have a strong desire to serve my community and I wanted to make a difference. In my first term, I believe I have made a difference in our community and state. I have worked on legislation in Columbia that will have a positive impact in our state. I worked to bring resources and services to District 10. In determining whether to seek re-election, I decided to run to continue the work I have done over the last two years on behalf of my fellow constituents and to continue to serve them every day.

3. My No. 1 goal is always constituent service. In that, I will continue to fight for change to ensure our state agencies are operating efficiently and effectively. My legislative priority for the upcoming term is to pass a constitutional amendment increasing our mandated reserve funds held by the state. Currently, we save 7 percent of revenues of each year. I want to increase that to 10 percent. This will make our state financially sound and ensure we can weather economic downturns and meet challenges ahead. The long-term health of our reserve funds will ensure tax increases are not needed in the future.

Mark Durham

1. During my career in law enforcement, I had to deal with many diverse situations and people. I am a trained negotiator and know how to bring about peaceful resolutions. I believe my ability to treat people fairly and listen to all sides before making a decision will help me as a legislator.

2. Legislative service is one of democracy’s worthiest pursuits. It is an important duty that deserves time, attention and dedication. Being retired allows me the time I feel I need for the folks I will represent. If elected, I will use common sense to vote for things that impact our district and state in a positive way. I will take honesty, compassion and integrity to the office. If elected, I will work to become more familiar and knowledgeable to enable me to make the best choices possible for our state.

3. First, I will work to be a voice for our veterans. Second, I will focus on the needs of our community by listening to the people and making wise investments for the future. Third, I will host town hall meetings to let folks know that I am accessible and working for them, making state agencies justify what they spend and enforce transparency. Fourth, I will work to allow churches more freedom to do what is needed to prevent an active shooter from causing harm or death.