This year, Dr. Robert “Bobby” Ridgeway stepped down from the District 64 SC House of Representatives seat. Five candidates have since filed to run against each other for this office. Those five candidates, John “Jack” Furse, Kimberly Johnson, Robert McFadden, William “Hal” Cercopely, and Cynthia Risher, all sat down for an Editor’s Office Interview in support of their campaign.
What is your name?
Kimberly O. Johnson
Where are you from?
Manning
Where did you grow up?
Manning
Tell me about your family.
My dad is Senator Kevin L. Johnson, my mom Gloria “Bee” Johnson . I am the oldest of three siblings. I have one brother Kenneth and his wife Sheila, and my sister Kyndra.
Where do you work currently?
I am the Director of Community Engagement with HopeHealth.
What is your highest level of education?
I have a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of South Carolina.
What church do you attend?
I am a member of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church. I also attend Bibleway Church on Atlas Road.
What party do you represent?
I represent the Democratic Party.
Do you have any prior political experience? If so, when and where have you served?
I’ve served on the Clarendon Two Board of Trustees for the past 6 years; currently the board chair. I am also a Regional Director for the SC School Boards Association; Region 5 representing Clarendon, Florence and Williamsburg County school districts.
What clubs, boards, and organizations have you been involved with?
Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce, Manning Rotary Club, Main Street Manning, Get Weldon Going, Habitat for Humanity, Friends of the McLeod Clarendon Hospital Advisory Board, SC School Boards Insurance Trust Board of Directors, Relay for Life, Communities in Schools, Clarendon County First Steps, United Way and the Santee Lynches Regional Education Council.
What made you want to run for this position? What makes you the strongest candidate?
I decided to run because this position requires the experience I already have and it’s work I’ve already been doing. When I initially looked at the candidates that filed, I was somewhat disappointed. I didn’t see anyone that was present when a Habitat Home needed to be built, I didn’t see a name of anyone that helped to feed the community and first responders during the flood or the ice storms. I built my home in this district 11 years ago, so I didn’t need to borrow an address from a friend or relative to qualify myself as a resident of this district. If you look at all of the choices, everyone can’t say that. I am a firm believer that you don’t need a title to serve. The strongest candidate is someone that has invested time, sweat and tears within this district not because a title is conveniently available but because of a genuine love and concern for the people. I can hit the ground running day one because I know this district and the people of this district know me. I am proud of the support and encouragement I’ve gotten so far and I only plan to add to that. I am an Army veteran, I have 12 years of banking experience, education is near and dear to my heart, and now I am learning the healthcare profession, recently employed by a community health center. More importantly, I’m diverse. There is not one group, culture, belief, etc. that makes me uncomfortable. I can cross any line to achieve the mission and it doesn’t matter to me who gets the credit.
What are some of your hobbies?
I love reading, I love watching political shows on Netflix such as Madam Secretary, House of Cards and Scandal and I love helping people.
Finally, what are citizens getting when they vote for you?
A vote for me is representation for all races, Democrats and Republicans, male and female, young and old. I will represent the district to the best of my ability and that representation will be for ALL people.