The Manning Times invited candidates in local and state races to participate in a question-and-answer feature addressing their backgrounds, qualifications, priorities and positions on issues affecting our communities.
Candidates seeking the same office received identical questions, allowing readers to compare their responses on the same topics. Questions were tailored to the responsibilities of each office, with some addressing recent developments covered by The Manning Times. The Q&As are organized by race, with candidates listed alphabetically by last name within each race.
Candidates were asked to limit their responses to approximately 100 to 150 words per question and were offered the option of participating through a phone or in-person interview. Candidates seeking the same office received identical response guidelines. Answers are published as submitted, with only minor edits for grammar, spelling, punctuation, clarity, space and AP style. Response lengths vary according to the information provided by each candidate.
All candidates were given the same deadline to participate, which was subsequently extended to 10 p.m. Oct. 19 to allow additional time for responses.
Kimberly Herbert (R)
Tell voters about yourself, including your education, professional experience, community involvement and what motivated you to seek or continue serving as Clarendon County auditor. What qualifications and experience would you bring to the office?
I am a wife and mother, a resident of Clarendon County, and a member of Summerton Baptist Church. Growing up in a local family-owned business has instilled in me the importance of good customer service skills, competence, time management, and accountability.
My formal education includes a high school diploma and college coursework. In addition to my education, I bring practical, hands-on experience from working in both the assessor's office and the DMV. Those experiences have given me valuable insight into the processes, documentation, and taxpayer concerns that are relevant to the auditor's office.
I believe qualifications are measured not only by education, but also by experience, work ethic, knowledge, and a willingness to serve the public. I am running because I believe Clarendon County taxpayers deserve an auditor who follows the law, works diligently, provides accurate information, and treats every person fairly.
I believe public service means showing up, doing the work, and taking responsibility for the job entrusted to you.
What values or principles led you to affiliate with your political party? Are there positions within your party's platform that you disagree with or would approach differently? If so, what are they, and how would you ensure that your responsibilities as county auditor are carried out fairly and independently of political affiliation?
I am a Republican, but the responsibilities of the county auditor's office come before party politics. My responsibility is to the taxpayers of Clarendon County, regardless of their political affiliation, personal beliefs, or circumstances.
I believe in following the law, being accountable for public responsibilities, and treating people fairly. Those principles should guide my decisions in this office.
The auditor's job is not to favor one person over another or to make decisions based on political relationships. It is to administer the duties of the office correctly and consistently under South Carolina law. I will approach my responsibilities professionally, make decisions based on facts and applicable law, and work cooperatively with other county offices while maintaining the independence of the auditor's office.
Every taxpayer deserves the same fairness, accuracy, and respect.
What do you believe are the most important responsibilities of the county auditor, and what would be your top three priorities during the next four years?
My three primary priorities during the next four years would be:
First, accurate and lawful taxation. I want to ensure vehicle tax calculations are based on the correct information and applicable legal rates. Taxpayers should never have to wonder whether they are being charged correctly.
Second, accountability and dependable service. The office must be available to the public, perform its duties consistently, and take concerns seriously. I believe in showing up, doing the work, answering questions, and helping people resolve problems instead of leaving them frustrated or confused.
Third, taxpayer education and assistance. People should be able to understand their tax bills, know which office to contact when questions arise, and receive clear guidance about available exemptions, relief programs, and appeal procedures.
My overall goal is straightforward: a working auditor's office that serves taxpayers with fairness, accuracy, and accountability.
Clarendon County has postponed its property reassessment process by one year. Although reassessment is primarily the responsibility of the assessor's office, changes in property values can affect tax calculations and create confusion for residents. How would you work with other county offices to ensure accurate tax bills and help taxpayers understand how reassessment affects them?
I recognize that property reassessment is primarily the responsibility of the assessor's office, while the auditor's office has an important role in the tax calculation process. These offices must communicate and work together to help ensure that tax bills are calculated accurately.
My experience in the assessor's office gives me a practical understanding of why accurate property information and coordination between county departments matter. I would work with the assessor, treasurer, County Council, and other appropriate officials to help ensure that the information used in calculating taxes is correct and that applicable millage rates and exemptions are properly applied.
I would also make it a priority to help taxpayers understand which office handles each part of the process. When residents have questions about reassessment or their tax bills, they deserve clear answers and direction to the appropriate department.
When residents believe their property tax bills are incorrect, they may not know which county office to contact or how to challenge the information. How would you help taxpayers understand the process for resolving errors or appealing assessments, and what steps would you take to ensure their concerns are addressed promptly and fairly?
Taxpayers should not have to navigate a maze of county offices to find answers about their taxes. If elected, I would work to ensure that residents receive understandable information about their tax bills, know which office is responsible for addressing their concerns, and understand the proper steps for correcting errors or appealing assessments.
When a taxpayer believes something is wrong, the concern deserves to be taken seriously. I would want the office to review the information within its authority, explain the applicable procedures, and direct the resident to the appropriate department when the issue falls outside the auditor's responsibilities.
My goal is to help people get the right information and resolve problems as efficiently as possible, without unnecessary frustration or repeated trips to county offices.
Some residents may qualify for property tax exemptions or other forms of relief but may not know what is available or how to apply. How would you ensure eligible residents, particularly seniors, veterans and people with disabilities, are informed about programs administered through the auditor's office?
Eligible taxpayers should not miss out on exemptions or relief programs simply because they do not know those programs exist or do not understand how to apply.
I would work to make information about applicable exemptions and relief programs more accessible, particularly for seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and other eligible residents. This could include clearer explanations at the counter, printed information, online resources, and coordination with the appropriate county and state agencies.
I would also work to ensure that staff can explain which programs fall under the auditor's office and which must be handled by another department or agency. It is important to understand that the auditor's office cannot independently grant exemptions outside the law or administer programs assigned to other agencies. However, we can help taxpayers understand the requirements, identify the appropriate office, and learn what steps they need to take.
People deserve the opportunity to understand the benefits for which they may qualify and how to pursue them.
What improvements, if any, would you make to the auditor's office's technology, online services or day-to-day operations to improve efficiency, make tax information more accessible and help residents better understand their tax bills?
I believe the auditor's office should make information as clear and accessible as possible while protecting confidential taxpayer information.
I would review the office's day-to-day operations to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce confusion, and provide better service. That includes evaluating whether existing technology and online resources give residents the information they need and whether common questions could be answered more clearly through improved materials or procedures.
I would also emphasize professional, courteous customer service. Technology is useful, but it does not replace the need for knowledgeable employees who are available to help people understand their tax bills and resolve questions.
My experience in the assessor's office and DMV gives me a practical perspective on the questions residents bring to public offices. I want to use that experience to help people get accurate answers the first time whenever possible.
The auditor works with County Council, the assessor, treasurer and other taxing authorities in administering property taxes. What role should the auditor play in helping county officials and residents understand property tax revenues and millage, and how would you maintain the independence and accountability of the office while working with other county departments?
The auditor's office has an important responsibility in the property taxation process, and it must carry out that responsibility accurately and independently. That includes applying the appropriate information, exemptions, and tax rates as required by law.
I believe county officials and residents benefit when tax calculations and the responsibilities of each department are explained clearly. Taxpayers should be able to understand how their bills are calculated and where to turn when they have questions.
The auditor must work cooperatively with the assessor, treasurer, County Council, and other taxing authorities because each has a distinct role in the process. Cooperation, however, does not mean compromising the duties or independence of the auditor's office.
If elected, I would focus on accuracy, compliance with the law, responsible office management, and clear communication with taxpayers. When questions or discrepancies arise within the office's responsibilities, they should be addressed appropriately and promptly.
Ultimately, public trust is built by doing the job correctly, treating taxpayers fairly, and being accountable for the responsibilities of the office.
