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The Manning Times is committed to providing voters with clear, accessible information ahead of every local election. We believe an informed community is a stronger community, and we recognize that the right to vote is both a privilege and a responsibility.
Clarendon Votes is our ongoing election coverage series designed to give residents a direct look at the candidates seeking local office. Through a consistent question-and-answer format, we aim to provide readers with clear, comparable responses so they can make informed decisions at the ballot box.
This edition focuses on the Clarendon County Council District 2 special election, called following the death of Councilman W.J. Frierson. The special election will be held May 12.
Two candidates are seeking the seat — Republican Matthew Chapman and Democrat Delany Kay Frierson.
The Manning Times provided both candidates with the same 10 questions. Their responses are printed as submitted, with only slight edits for grammar and clarity.
Voters are encouraged to refer to their voter registration cards to confirm their polling location. For questions, contact Clarendon County Voter Registration at 803-435-8215 or visit 3 S. Church St. in Manning.
We encourage every eligible resident to make a plan to vote. Local elections directly shape decisions affecting infrastructure, public safety, growth and quality of life across Clarendon County.
Please reintroduce yourself to our readers.
Share your background, family, occupation, community involvement and why you decided to run for this seat.
I have been a resident of Clarendon County since May 31, 1976. I moved from Houston, Texas, as the wife of William James Frierson—life-long resident by way of Alcolu, South Carolina. We have 5 children, 8 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. I am a South Carolina certified and retired educator, serving as a classroom teacher, district-level administrator and middle school principal. I also served the Third Judicial Circuit representing Clarendon, Lee, Sumter, and Williamsburg Counties for 4 years as a Board Member on the South Carolina State Board of Education. My church affiliations are Green Hill Missionary Baptist Church and Unity Christian Church, in Alcolu. I am a member the Clarendon County Democratic Party, Life member of NCNW, Sumter Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., member of the Manning Branch of the NAACP, Manning High School Improvement Council member, and a South Carolina Master Gardener of the Clemson Extension Program.
I decided to run for the Clarendon County Council District 2 seat to honor and continue the legacy of my deceased husband, Councilman WJ Frierson by serving the people of Clarendon County with respect and determination to improve the quality of life for all citizens…One County—One Future.
You will appear on the ballot representing your political party.
What values or principles of your party do you most identify with, and how do they shape your approach to serving on County Council?
The Democratic Party aligns with a majority portion of my faith, values and spiritual beliefs. I believe that the Democratic Party advocates to improve the quality of life for everyone— one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all; and all means all. Economic development and prosperity, affordable health care, civil rights and liberties, infrastructure and decent roads and recreation for youth and adults in our county are all core values of my faith as well as my party—when we have helped the less fortunate, we have pleased God (Matthew 25:40–45). I believe that every citizen of Clarendon County deserves the same rights and respect to have the opportunity to improve the quality of their lives and communities.
What specific issues or concerns have you heard most often from residents of District 2 during this campaign?
How would you address those concerns if elected?
The most recent issue or concern was the future and the threat of the demise of precious artifacts in the Clarendon County Archives. This county is filled with rich history—and I had the pleasure of seeing these artifacts from every corner of Clarendon County in that building. The citizens want a safe and improved, remodeled, or renovated facility that will be able to accommodate, preserve and protect our history. The citizens are very concerned about artifacts and items being compromised, discarded, or destroyed and this cannot ever be an option.
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?
First, unless all entities of our county government are grant-funded, which they are not, we will have to rely on taxes. Clarendon County residents, businesses and traveling consumers all contribute through taxes so that we all can have the necessary resources that are needed for our county to survive and thrive. Our county is growing at a rapid pace and there is more need for improved infrastructure, roads, water and sewerage; education and training for future employment with new businesses and industries locating in this county and surrounding areas. There is also a need to increase the support for our county’s fire department and law enforcement services. With competitive salaries and access to resources, they will be able to effectively protect and serve all residents.
Recent council discussions have included the future of the Clarendon County Archives, including preservation, access and long-term responsibility.
What is your position on how the county should handle the Archives moving forward?
I sincerely believe that these precious artifacts are to be handled with the utmost care. I had the pleasure of viewing some historical documents, artifacts, and records, and some were over a century old. There were great representations of amazing information from every area of our county. I would love to see more time, effort, and monetary resources given toward the preservation, restoration and maintenance of these historical archives both now and for future generations.
Public safety and emergency services remain a significant focus for the county.
What are your views on funding and supporting law enforcement, fire rescue and EMS services?
I am 100% in favor of funding, increasing salaries to be competitive, and supporting all agencies who provide protection for all residents in this county, to include but not be limited to law enforcement, fire rescue and EMS Services.
County Council regularly hears directly from residents during public comment. How would you ensure you are accessible to constituents and responsive to their concerns?
County Council is not an individual entity, and so I must work with this framework. However, my phone number will be available to receive my constituents calls and concerns. I will respond by researching the situation and policies that may apply; if there is an opportunity to be an advocate, I will wholeheartedly do so and provide updates and/or other information to the constituents.
Because this is a special election and the seat will also be on the November ballot, if you do not win on May 12, do you plan to continue your campaign?
If so, what would your platform focus on heading into the general election?
My plan is to continue this campaign with a clear vision: One County, One Future. While much has been accomplished in our great county, there is still important work ahead.
We must invest in stronger infrastructure, expand and attract industry, and create more recreational opportunities for both our youth and adults. I am committed to being part of turning these priorities into reality.
Additionally, I will continue to advocate for increased funding, competitive salaries, and stronger support for our first responders across the county—ensuring those who serve and protect us have the resources they deserve.
County Council decisions often involve differing viewpoints.
How would you approach working with other council members when there is disagreement?
I am an educator and administrator by profession, and I have on many occasions worked with people on opposing issues. Even if we agree to disagree, and the solutions or outcomes may differ; the focus should always be on what is best for our county and constituents.
What sets you apart from your opponent in this race.
This question is subjective, but my record speaks clearly. I am a lifelong resident of Clarendon County with 50 years of deep-rooted commitment to this community. I bring 39 years of experience as a certified educator, along with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, a Master of Education, and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership.
I have been a consistent advocate for students, teachers, parents, and the community at large. I served on the South Carolina Board of Education from 2021 to 2025, representing four counties, and remain actively engaged in Manning-area schools through the School Improvement Council.
I am also a mother of five, grandmother of eight, and great-grandmother of four—personally invested in the future of our families and our schools.
What sets me apart is not only my professional experience, but my lifetime of service and proven dedication to this county. As the widow of the late Councilman W.J. Frierson, who served Clarendon County for 30 years, I stood beside a leader who was a true voice for the people. That experience, combined with my own service, has prepared me to continue that legacy with strength, insight, and unwavering commitment.
