SCDems News
Florence Democratic Party prepares for November elections
July 21, 2008
The Democratic Party is prepared to move forward with getting candidates elected in the November election.
First of all, I would like to thank the staff of the Florence County Election Commission and interim Director Steve Love for conducting a fair and efficient primary election. As citizens, we must trust and have faith that the Florence County Election Commission did everything in its power to ensure each voter and candidate had the same opportunity to vote and be voted for.
"Unfortunately, you cannot plan for every problem that will arise on election day," said Spencer R. Scott, chairman of the Florence County Democratic Party. "This is why legislation provides candidates with the opportunity to protest the election results, as we are in the midst of a mayoral protest by Mayor Frank Willis concerning the one-vote lead by challenger Stephen Wukela.
"Mayor Willis is within his rights as a candidate for the mayor's race to appeal to the 12th Circuit Court. Several voters have asked, 'What is the position of the Democratic Party?' As chairman, I have always stated that we will not support either candidate during the primary election. Once a candidate is declared the winner, we will do everything in our power to ensure that we have a Democratic mayor in November."
Scott says he is asking Democratic voters not to forget the other candidates who are running for office in November. "Former Sheriff Jimmy Gregg will face the incumbent Kenney Boone (who switched from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party). This switch has left Democratic voters disheartened because they had supported and voted to elect Sheriff Boone," he said.
Barry Wingard will face Kris Crawford in the House 63 contest. "The Republican Party requested that Wingard be removed from the ballot, but the Florence Democratic Party is proud to have Wingard as its candidate to face Crawford in November. Crawford appears to wish that he did not have to face Wingard in November," Scott said, "Wingard has a distinguished career in the military, including a 26-month recall and deployment to serve in Afghanistan after his retirement. He also has volunteered with new Florence Veterans Park, Friends of the Library, and the Florence Rotary Club."
Zackery Cooper, a local businessman and newcomer to politics but not to the community, will face incumbent Phil Lowe in the House 60 contest. In local politics, Octavia Williams-Blake (an attorney and administrator at McLeod Health) and Steve Powers (owner and operator of S/W Printing) will face incumbent Bobby Holland and Glynn Willis for two at-large seats on the Florence City Council.
"These races have the potential to change the way old politics has run our community," Scott said. "Imagine if we had one city, one state, one country, and not a city, state, country divided by race, sex, age, and the wealthy and poor.
"What if we educated our kids, they graduated from high school, got a job, got married, started a family, and become a vital part of the community? Instead, we under-fund education, family-strengthening agencies such as Department of Social Services, Department of Health and Environmental Control, and Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, and cut programs that successfully impact the survival of our families.
"If you're personally affected by today's economy or just sick and tired of the way things are being run, come join us and make your vote count."
— Spencer R. Scott is chairman of the Florence County Democratic Party.
The Florence Morning News
