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 Kim Jones. I am a lifelong resident of Clarendon County and currently one of your first ever elected School Board members. I have a cleaning service that I am grateful to have served citizens throughout the county for over 30 yrs. I am a sponsor for our local Animal Shelter Golf Tournament Fundraiser and one of the Volunteer DJs for the Smokin' Fur A Cause/A cause 4 Paws TNR (Trap and Release Program). Helping animals and people has always been a special gift and it keeps me involved throughout my community. Not only do I clean to make people happy, I have been put in many of their lives to be a caregiver as well. I am the proud daughter of Mr. Frankie M. Jones, whom I still feel his wisdom guiding me every day and Helen Jones whose strength and love continues to be my rock. I have one son and two grandchildren who I am incredibly blessed to have in my life.
I'm not running for County Council because of the title – I'm running to help solve our counties' problems. I believe our community deserves leadership that listens, works hard and puts people first. I have lived here long enough to know the needs of OUR county and I care enough to fill the seat to have a voice for ALL the citizens of Clarendon.
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 believe the most important responsibility in stepping into this position, is to put God first in order to lead with transparency, integrity and accountability.
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?
Some of the residents' main issues are that they do not see the connection between their taxes and the results on the ground. We have had high taxes only to show high payrolls in the wrong hands; Roads paved only to show what looks like patch work then pot holes again. They need to be safe by being properly maintained. Also, we are losing our families and tax dollars to our surrounding cities. If people do not have anywhere to go, they will definitely spend their money elsewhere. We need spots that aren't just home or work for family's entertainment and we need to support anyone that brings something to our county. There are too many children and adults who have turned to major drugs and alcohol from depression. We don't need the statistics to rise any higher by not having great places for entertainment to offer them here.
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?
Some of my top funding priorities would be to balance Infrastructure and the critical need for water and sewer expansion. One best way to expand services without raising taxes is to use State and Federal grant money. It's out there, we just need to apply!
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?
My position on managing growth while being a representative of Clarendon County leadership, would be centered on proactive, balanced growth.
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?
My strategy for economic development is rooted in local first. We don't want to bring just jobs to Clarendon; we want to bring careers that support families.
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?
My views on funding and supporting Public Safety are simple. I view every cent of our dollar on Law Enforcement, Fire and EMS not just as an expense but a priority to support the safety of our community.
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.
If elected, I will stay accessible and communicate with my constituents by direct contact and also my work phone and email will be public.
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?
As your representative on the county council, my approach to working with municipal governments, school district, and state officials is built on mutual respect, fiscal alignment, and shared accountability.
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?
Voters should trust me with their vote because I offer a commitment to true Transparency, Modernization, and Accountability.
What sets me apart is A Household CEO Perspective: I bring a disciplined, common-sense approach to tax dollars, ensuring we prioritize our needs for our county instead of our wants. Some may look at how things have always been done, but I see where we need to be in the future.
One of the things I would like to have accomplished by the time my term ends is to finish Critical Projects on time and under budget!
