The Manning Times is doing a series on each of the candidates that are running for positions that will be voted in this November. This is the first week of the series. We asked the candidates to answer a list of questions in order to help the public get accompanied with them.
Here is our interview with Benton Blakely, the Democratic candidate for County Council.
Tell our readers about yourself.
“I am Benton Blakely and I have lived in New Zion, SC for my entire life. I worked at Santee Electric Co-op for 52 years. I’ve spent my adult life as a public servant in one form or another. I retired from the National Guard after 25 years of service. Served as a board member of the COG for 23 years, school board member for 18 years and I’ve served on County Council for 24 years.”
Where were you born and raised?
“I have lived in CLarendon County for my entire life. I was raised on my family’s working farm in New Zion where I learned the value of hard work and farm life.”
What is your educational background?
I am an East Clarendon Graduate and attended Gardner Webb University for college. We are third generation Wolverines; I attended and graduated public school in Clarendon County, my children are EC graduates, and my grandchildren now attend East Clarendon schools.
What do you do for a living?
“I worked at Santee Electric for years and retired as the Purchasing Director.”
Are you married?
“I am married to my wife Donnie and have two daughters Tina and Tiffany.”
Why do you want to serve on the City Council?
“I have served my district in some capacity for over years. Between the school board, county council, national guard service, countless boards and committees. I want to continue our work towards growth and prosperity, and I want to ensure a brighter future for the county’s children.”
Where do you see the district in the next two years?
“Construction of a much-needed elementary school is in the works for our district and will hopefully be constructed by then. We want to ensure there are well paying jobs available for the future work force to ensure opportunities for our residents and to make them want to stay and live here.”
What issues are most important to you and why?
“There are many important issues concerning our district but one at the forefront of our minds currently is school consolidation. Being a smaller district, we knew that consolidation was inevitable. Now is the time to rally together to ensure that our students are not only adapting to the changes, but that they are thriving. I’ve weathered many storms,, both figuratively and literally, and during these tumultuous times they need consistency and dependability and that would be me.”
What is one message that you want voters to remember when they are at the polls on November 8th?
“We have accomplished so much in the last 24 years. Our council has worked well together for the best interests of our citizens. We have experienced tremendous growth and are looking forward to a bright future in Clarendon County. I have fought for our District for longer than I have served on council and if elected I will continue to do so. My experience speaks for itself and my dedication to our country and residents has never waivered. I attended our District’s public schools, and my children and grandchildren have as well. I have always had a vested interest in ensuring that our schools are taken care of and that our side of the county has not been forgotten. I have the best interests of all citizens at heart, and I do not pander to a select few. In this time of change and uncertainty our citizens need consistency and someone that they can count on, and that person is me. I’ve proven it for the past 24 years and I will continue to do so. Thank you for your continued support.”
