ELECTION

The Campaign for District 64 - William "Hal" Cercopely

Posted

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?

William Harold “Hal” Cercopely Jr.

Where are you from? Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Summerville, SC.

Tell me about your family.

I am married to Janice Cercopely, she is from Alcolu, SC. I have three children and six grandchildren.

Where do you work currently?

I am a retired disabled Vietnam War Veteran, and also the owner/president of Arboriculture Technologies LLC.

What is your highest level of education?

I have a total of 17 years of education. 

What church do you attend?

I’m a Southern Baptist.

What party do you represent?

I’m a Republican. 

Do you have any prior political experience? If so, when and where have you served?

I have no prior political experience. 

What clubs, boards, and organizations have you been involved with?

I have served in many capacities:

- Certified Arborist: International Society of Arboriculture

- Member: International Society of Arboriculture Southern Chapter

- Member: Association of Professional Landscape Designers

- Member: Society of Commercial Arboriculture

- Member:American Society of Consulting Arborist

What made you want to run for this position?

I wanted to run for this office because I believe I can get things done. The schools are some of the worst in the nation, that must be fixed. We also need to bring industry to this district. This district has been overlooked for too long. 

What makes you the strongest candidate?

I’m the strongest candidate because I’m not a politician. A politician will tell you what you want to hear, I’m going to tell you what you need to hear. I say what I mean and mean what I say. Having a business background will aid in my beliefs that District 64 can and will build on its economic future. 

What are some of your hobbies? Tell us some interesting facts about yourself so that the citizens may get to know you better?

I like to fish, hunt, camp, and play the guitar. 

Finally, what are citizens getting when they vote for you?

The citizens will get a person that will always represent them and listen to all their concerns. It’s time that we change the representatives in this county and district. The old thoughts and practices don’t work anymore. We need new ideas to bring industries here and I believe I can accomplish that task.