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 Delaney Kay Frierson and I have been a resident of Manning, South Carolina for nearly 50 years. I remain a certified educator for the State of South Carolina and retired after 39 years. All 7 of our children were educated in the Clarendon County School District 2. I continue to advocate for education as a member of the Manning High School Improvement Council.
It was an honor to be appointed by the Legislative Delegation to serve on the South Carolina State Board of Education (March 2021-April 2025) representing the Third Judicial Circuit (Clarendon, Lee, Sumter, and Williamsburg). This position in leadership allowed my voice and ideas to collaboratively assist in setting policies for teaching and learning to ensure children are prepared for life-time success.
My decision to seek office for Clarendon County Council to represent District 2 was one that came with a deep desire to continue my husband’s, the late Reverend and Councilman William James “W.J.” Frierson, Sr., legacy of service to mankind. W.J., as he was fondly called, compassionately served the citizens of Clarendon County for 30 years.
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?
I know that the most important responsibility in stepping into a position that has recently lost a long-serving councilman is to ensure that the progress that our Council has made continues by working as a team.
For nearly 50 years, I stood side by side with my late husband witnessing firsthand what it means to sincerely serve the people of Clarendon County. He did so with integrity and heart. He didn’t just hold an office; he held a deep-seated love for this community and every person in this county. While he is no longer with us... that mission, that legacy of service, is very much alive.
I’m not running to just hold an elected position; I’m running to be a voice for the people; continue the county’s progress; and like my husband, to serve with integrity and heart. There’s more work to be done and I’m ready for the challenges and finding the appropriate solutions.
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 most consistent feedback I have received from residents has been concerns about our infrastructure - both water and sewer expansions, but mainly, the improvement of rural roads.
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 funding priorities are infrastructure and roads, economic development and jobs, and youth and adult recreation. Addressing these issues will improve the quality of life for everyone. It’s a tough balance with the varying needs of our county and finding resources other than increasing taxes. However, I will join the Council and staff in their efforts to find alternative funding sources such as grants and low interest loans.
The economic development successes that the county continues to make will contribute to our tax base. Our county has a strong and successful Economic Development Team. Council will need to continue providing the needed infrastructure to ensure we’re ready when opportunities arise.
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?
In managing growth, we must plan and prepare for growth. It is definitely a tough balance to maintain our current needs while preparing for our future needs. Strategic planning and reliable projections on future needs for our infrastructure with roads, water and sewer systems, landfill usage, and public safety (law enforcement, fire protection and first responders) are a must. Planned growth is the smart way to prepare for expansion in Clarendon.
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?
Clarendon County in partnership with the S.C. Department of Commerce is able to develop incentives to lure businesses/industries. These incentives are sometimes connected or determined by how many jobs will be available to the public. The number of available jobs these new businesses/industries offer along with their proposed salaries are promising to improve the quality of life for many.
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?
I’m definitely an advocate for supporting public safety in our county.
These men and women place themselves in harm’s way to protect and serve our citizens. The expenses incurred to have fully prepared public safety units must be met. This isn’t an area that we can afford to underfund.
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.
I will make myself available to the citizens of Clarendon County with appointments, phone calls, texts, and emails. When needed for special concerns, I will be open to participate in town halls, special meetings and invite constituents to take advantage of speaking at council meetings.
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?
I think most conflicts occur due to a lack of communication, which can result in mistrust and misunderstandings. The first step is to try and handle all conflicts at the lowest level. If this doesn’t resolve the conflict, I would suggest having open communication with all entities involved by inviting all concerned to the table to transparently discuss the concerns/issues respectfully.
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?
As the wife of a Councilman who served for 30-years, I have had a bird’s eye view on many of the initiatives in which County Council has implemented and addressed. I have attended several county council meetings through the years and have a clear understanding of how our government works. I know what I’ve observed for the past thirty years, gives me a unique advantage to others.
I have been a servant and community leader through volunteering time and personal resources to include but not limited to the School Improvement Council from early childhood to the high school in Clarendon Schools.
I worked for 39 years as a certified South Carolina educator, administrator and principal. These roles come with a wide range of experience. I’ve had to pivot and adjust to meet the intended goal of educating children while simultaneously supporting and guiding the staff with proven strategies for success, as well as addressing the concerns of parents and the community.
I was a member of the South Carolina State Board of Education from 2021- 2025. I am an ordained minister, and a member of other community organizations.
If elected, I would work diligently alongside Council to advance my top three priorities: infrastructure and roads, youth and adult recreation; and economic development & job addressed with positive outcomes. I plan to be an impactful leader who is open and available to the public. I know working as a team to improve Clarendon County is essential.
After all, we are One County with One Future.
