Editors Office Interview

Looking for re-election

Posted

Sherry Welle has served as a Manning City Council Member for 16 years. This year, she is running for re-election against Johnny Weeks. Sherry agreed to answer questions in support of her campaign for an Editors Office Interview.

Editor, Jake McElveen: Do you have any prior political experience?

Sherry Welle: Yes, I have served as a Manning City Council Member representing District 6 for the past 16 years.  In my current term, I also serve as the Mayor Pro Tem of Manning. 

E: What made you want to run for this position?

S: Originally, After serving as a City Employee and City Clerk for Sumter City Council, Sumter, SC for almost 19 years, I relocated back to my hometown to have my kids closer to their Grandparents and to accept a new position as Clerk to Clarendon County Council.  At this time, a group of concerned citizens representing the Sixth District approached me to ask me to consider representing them and to pledge their support in my running for Manning City Council.  They saw strength in the fact that I had a great deal of knowledge of local government, after sitting on the other side of the table as an employee for so many years. My reason I’m seeking re-election is to finish what I started. One of the biggest reasons I sought election has now become one of my biggest achievements, The Gibbons Street Park. It not only became true, but it won Awards from the Municipal Association of SC for the Public/Private Partnership Award. Projects like this take a willingness of all to come to the table to make a difference for the entire community, not just one district, and I’m proud to say our Council works excellent supporting each other and looking out for the entire city.

E: What do you see as the three main issues affecting this constituency?

S: Well, that varies from year to year, but several major issues consistently stay at the forefront of our concerns.  They are as follows: Infrastructure; Maintaining high quality services on a limited budget;  Additional employment opportunities; and working hard to make Manning a safe place to live, work and play.  I know that’s more than 3, but all of them are very important.

E: What makes you a stronger candidate than your opponent?

S: My experience, knowledge, leadership abilities and honestly my love for my hometown.  I truly consider it an honor to represent my District and work hard to address each and every concern brought before me.

E: What are the citizens getting when they vote for you?

S: As I said earlier, they’re getting an experienced, knowledgeable, professional, progressive, fair and caring representative.

E: What organization's, clubs or boards are you involved with or serve on?

S: I currently serve on the Central Carolina Technical College Foundation Board representing Clarendon County. 
Member of the Manning Rotary Club.
Member of the Chamber of Commerce.
Chosen in 2019 as a Woman of Excellence.
I also work with Community Broadcasters as their Regional Senior Marketing Consultant, which allows me the opportunity to work with a lot of businesses in their promotional efforts.  So, I understand a lot of  the concerns our businesses face each day.

E: What is your current education?

S: I’m a college Graduate of Central Carolina as well as a graduate of the USC Bureau of Governmental Research and Science College.

E: What church do you attend?

S: I am a member of the First Baptist Church of Manning.

E: Finally, tell us about your family and hobbies so that the citizens can get to know you better.

S: I’m married to Lawrence A. “Larry” Welle. I have two married children:  Chase Evans “Angela” and Brooke Evans McPhail “Ryan” and four precious Grandchildren. I love being a GiGi. I love to decorate, make flower arrangements and crafts, read, walk and I love the Beach and being outdoors.