Clarendon Votes is The Manning Times’ election coverage series designed to give residents a direct look at the candidates seeking local office through a consistent question-and-answer format.
This edition focuses on the Clarendon County Council District 2 special election, called following the death of Councilman W.J. Frierson. Voters will first participate in party primaries on March 10, with the special election scheduled for May 12.
The Manning Times sent the same 10 questions to all five candidates. Responses are printed as submitted, with only slight edits for grammar and clarity, and are published in alphabetical order by last name.
Because this is a party primary, voters must choose which party’s ballot to cast. Voters should refer to their voter registration cards to confirm their polling place. For questions, contact Clarendon County Voter Registration at 803-435-8215 or visit the office at 3 S. Church St. in Manning.
The Manning Times takes seriously its role in helping residents stay informed about local elections and encourages every eligible voter to make a plan to vote.
Please introduce yourself to our readers.
Share your background, family, occupation, community involvement and why you decided to run for Clarendon County Council.
My name is Michele Johnson Demery. I am a lifelong resident of Clarendon County and a dedicated educator with nearly three decades of experience serving local students and families. A family-oriented, God-fearing woman, I am the wife of Daniel, the mother of two sons, Treyon and Kyler, and “Yaya” to three grandchildren: Jamilah, Takari, and Xander. A proud coach and youth advisor, I have spent my life working alongside people of all backgrounds and beliefs, learning that lasting progress comes from listening, mutual respect, and working together.
I hold a PhD in Leadership and Supervision from Capella University. I served Clarendon County School District for 27 years as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and school administrator, and currently work as a 5th-grade special education teacher in Berkeley County School District.
As a woman seeking election, my objective in running for Clarendon County Council is two-fold. First, I am running to bring a collaborative, people-first approach to local government—strengthening neighborhoods, managing growth responsibly, and ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of taxpayer dollars. Lastly, I am running to bring diversity and a female perspective to the all male council.
This seat was left vacant following the death of Councilman Frierson.
What do you believe is the most important responsibility in stepping into a position that has recently lost a long-serving representative, and how would you work to maintain continuity for residents?
The most important responsibility of anyone entering a public service position is to actively listen to the needs of their constituents and be willing to engage in the often challenging work required to support them. As a woman of faith, I am guided by principles of integrity, fairness, and collaboration. In my role as a councilwoman, I will be committed to finding common ground, delivering real results, and always putting the people of Clarendon County first.
What specific issues or concerns have you heard most often from residents of your district during this campaign?
How would you address those concerns if elected?
The concerns that seem to resonate with most community members include road maintenance, particularly dirt and gravel roads, public safety, rising property taxes, and the overall increase in living expenses. To address these concerns, the council must engage in open, honest, and purposeful discussions regarding the available funding and budget allocations for the various areas of need, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are utilized as effectively and efficiently as possible to meet the needs of all constituents.
County Council plays a key role in setting the annual budget and millage.
What are your top funding priorities, and how would you balance the need for services with the tax burden on residents?
My primary funding priorities include policing and public safety, maintenance of roads and highways, youth development and recreation, as well as creating and sustaining quality employment opportunities. Striking a balance between the demand for services and the tax burden requires a thorough and deliberate examination of the existing budget and spending practices to ensure the elimination of frivolous and unnecessary expenditures. Council spending should be prioritized and purposeful. My aim will be to keep millage rates at the lowest possible level while ensuring that we can sufficiently fund programs and services that have a significant and meaningful impact on our county.
Infrastructure and growth continue to be major topics across Clarendon County.
What is your position on managing growth while maintaining roads, water and sewer systems, and other essential services?
We must manage growth in our county responsibly through assessment and proactive planning. Attracting major industry and new business is crucial for the enhancement of our community and economy in Clarendon; nonetheless, we must ensure that we possess the necessary infrastructure (water, sewage, power, roads, and broadband) and management systems to support this growth, ensuring that it is beneficial for the residents of our county. Ultimately, we desire a county and community that is livable, enjoyable, and sustainable for future generations.
Economic development and job creation are ongoing goals for the county.
What strategies would you support to attract and retain businesses while ensuring opportunities for local residents?
Attracting and retaining major industry and business is vital for the economic development of Clarendon County. Strengthening the partnership among the local school district, technical colleges, and other agencies in the region to create accessible job training programs for residents that focus on employability skills and align training with industry demands is a crucial strategy in the effort to attract and retain businesses. These job training programs would ensure that residents of Clarendon County have the skills necessary to adapt to the new jobs being generated. I would also consider endorsing reasonable tax incentives for an appropriate period, simplifying the permitting and licensing processes, and supporting infrastructure upgrades as additional strategies to promote economic development. Furthermore, ongoing support for local small businesses and entrepreneurship is essential, as they are the foundation of many of our communities.
Public safety and emergency services remain a significant portion of the county budget.
What are your views on funding and supporting law enforcement, fire rescue and EMS services?
Public safety and emergency services are the cornerstones of healthy and prosperous communities. Safe communities promote a sense of security; attracting families and businesses.Hence, adequate funding to support first responder services is essential for the stability, safety, and growth of our county. Providing the necessary funding for training, proper equipment and resources, and competitive salaries for the men and women who put their lives on the line each and every day to protect our neighborhoods, communities, towns, and cities is a non-negotiable.
How do you plan to communicate with and remain accessible to constituents if elected?
Describe how you would keep residents informed and involved in county decisions.
Accessibility and visibility are key aspects of public service. In an effort to remain accessible, constituents will be able to contact me via telephone or email. To enhance visibility and keep residents informed, I plan to maintain an active social media presence, host regular community meetings, and attend/participate in local events and functions.
County Council often must work with municipal governments, school districts and state officials.
How would you approach collaboration and conflict resolution with other local and state leaders?
Collaboration and effective conflict resolution are essential for teams striving towards a shared vision. When differing opinions emerge, it is important to set aside personal feelings and engage in constructive, respectful discussions focused on what will most positively benefit our county. Regardless of the organization or office, our unified goal should be to enhance our communities, towns, and cities. My approach is straightforward: maintain respect, concentrate on relevant facts, prioritize community needs, and reach consensus on decisions that will have a beneficial impact on the citizens of Clarendon County.
Why should voters choose you on Election Day?
What sets you apart from the other candidates, and what would you hope to accomplish during your first term on council?
Voters should choose me for Clarendon County Council because my commitment to fairness, truth, kindness, mutual respect, and service is deeply rooted in my faith. Regardless of the situation, my attitude and behavior remain consistent, and I will always stand up for what is right. Once elected, I will continue to engage with everyone, building relationships and fostering a sense of community.
I am set apart from the other candidates because my experience in education, leadership, team building, data analysis, strategic planning, and stakeholder communication has helped me to understand how county decisions impact daily life—from public safety and infrastructure to schools, jobs, housing, and essential services. My career has reinforced a simple truth: communities move forward when leaders listen, collaborate, and focus on practical solutions that work for everyone.
During my first term in council, I hope to strengthen public safety, expand recreation and development activities for youth, help to devise a multi-faceted plan to attract new industry and business, ensure transparency and accountability with the use of taxpayer dollars, and strengthen the trust between elected officials and the community.
The residents of Clarendon County deserve effective leadership that prioritizes service, integrity, and reliability.
A vote for Dr. Michele Johnson Demery is a vote for change and a voice that represents all residents.
I kindly ask for your support at the polls!
