Mayor Nelson runs for Re-Election

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Current City of Manning Mayor Julia Nelson has served the town in that capacity for the past eight years. This year, she is running for re-election against LaNette Samuels. Nelson agreed to answer questions for an Editors Office Interview in support of her campaign. 


Editor, Jake McElveen: Do you have any prior political experience, if so when and where did you serve?

Julia Nelson: My political experience includes the following:

Mayor of the City of Manning, SC - July 2011
South Carolina Councils of Governments - November 2011 (Elected State President, November 2019)
Santee-Lynches Regional Council of Governments - August 2011 (Vice-Chairperson)
Former member Clarendon Co. School District Board of Trustees; and 
Former member of the Summerton Planning Commission.

E: What made you want to run for this position? 

J: I had considered running for a public office following my future retirement. However, when the position of mayor became available for an unexpired term in 2011, I was approached by local citizens to run for the seat. After lots of prayer and taking an internal and realistic review of my knowledge of government and what I could offer, I decided to seek the office of mayor.
I'm seeking re-election to continue the progress we're making in our city. We have had a winning season, and I know this can continue under my leadership. I know how to be reasonable about what our government can and can't do. I am acutely aware of our city's budget. We must be careful to address our needs first. The government can't do everything, and we need to seek private investors for some of the things on our "want list."
 
E: What do you see as the three main issues affecting this constituency?

J: Actually, I see five main issues affecting our city and will be addressed by the following: 

Increase Economic Development opportunities for additional employment and decrease the tax burden of our citizens and business owners;
Improve water and pipelines within the city limits and beyond. (Our underground infrastructure is old. This will be a continuing concern and project for years to come.); 
Continue to decrease dilapidated structures (Seek additional grants and implement stronger fines for property owners as an incentive to take ownership and take action. The majority of these properties are owned by individuals who no longer live in our area and/or out of state); 
Improve litter awareness and control, which impacts our beautification; and
Increase awareness and create additional recreation opportunities for the youth and all seeking more physical activity (Establishing public and private partnerships will lessen the financial burden to our city).

E: What makes you a stronger candidate than your opponent?

J: My educational background, experience, and compassion, which includes the following:

Bachelor of Arts degree (South Carolina State University)
Master of Public Administration degree (Troy University)
Graduate of SC Department of Commerce Economic Development Program
Graduate of Retail Economic Development (Retail Strategies in Montgomery, Alabama
Graduate of the Municipal Association of SC
Institute Program
Advanced Institute Program
Graduate of Leadership South Carolina (Clemson University); and
Graduate of Furman University's Riley Diversity Leadership Institute.

Along with my educational background, my experience in government and mayor are also great benefits. I have worked in government and human services for the past 35 years.

Since being mayor, I have a proven record of dedication, effectiveness, and success. I also have the proven ability to sustain our city while having a purposeful vision to continue moving Manning forward. This is a tough balance, but it is a must to ensure our city's future success.  

E: What are the citizens getting when they vote for you?

J: When the citizens vote for me, they will have a mayor that's "ready to serve" and doesn't need "On-the-Job Training." I possess the skills and experience necessary in public administration to ensure the best practices are in place to be accountable and transparent with our operations. I know the importance of making sure our city is financially sound and adhering to all state laws and municipal ordinances. 
Often, we're compared to what Sumter, Columbia, Florence or Charleston have to offer its citizens. A few don't understand that some of those things are from private investors and/or special (additional) taxation on the public. The other pertinent factor, there truly isn't a fair comparison to our budget, tax base, and population to these neighboring cities. Only a couple of departments within the city contribute revenue to our budget. For example, public safety is necessary and expensive, and we depend on general funds to ensure it's operating correctly.
While being mayor and my work in government, I have built important relationships with key state and federal agencies. These contacts are well aware of my reputation for being engaged and knowledgeable of their operations and how our city can benefit from funding and other opportunities.  
I also have a genuine heart for our seniors and individuals with challenges. Those challenges can range from acute health and financial issues to those times of severe weather, i.e., floods, etc. I am committed to going beyond the first "No, we can't" to seeking solutions that say, "Yes, we can." I believe public servants must be willing to make sacrifices of their personal time to improve the quality of life for our citizens, especially during emergencies.  
Lastly, I'm a mayor for ALL people. I prefer being inclusive as opposed to exclusive, and I'm accessible to all of our citizens and business owners. I schedule "Saturday with the Mayor" to allow individuals to have one-on-one meetings to address their concerns and ideas. Also, when new businesses are looking to locate in our area, or media outlets contact me, I'm always coherent and ready to represent our city professionally and respectfully.
 
E: What organizations, clubs, or boards are you involved with or serve on?

J: I am or have served on the following organizations, clubs, or boards:

South Carolina Councils of Governments (State President)
Santee-Lynches Regional Council of Governments (Vice-Chairperson)
Municipal Association of SC Legislative Committee 
Manning Rotary Club (President)
The Forum 
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Former member of Clarendon District Two Board of Trustees; and
Former member of Summerton Planning Commission.
 
 
E: What is your current education?

J: My highest level of education is a Master of Public Administration degree. I also lack 16 hours toward my doctorate in Human Services.

E: What church do you attend?

 J: I attend several churches of the Christian Faith. I've been a member of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church since the age of 14.
 
E: Tell us about your family and hobbies so that the citizens may get to know you better.
 
J: I'm blessed to have Nelson as my son. He's such a personable, compassionate, and comical person. I'm a daughter of the late Ervin Nelson, Jr. and late Edna Mae Taylor Nelson. I have two siblings, Teresa Nelson and Ervin Nelson, III, both of Atlanta, GA.

I think everyone is aware that photography is my main hobby. I like capturing those special moments in the lives of others and our community. I also enjoy visiting historical sites, cooking, reading, continued learning opportunities, and downtime at home with Nelson.