The special election for Summerton Town Council will be held Tuesday, May 14. Two council seats are open following resignations from Darion Canty and James Lloyd in February. Early voting has begun at the Clarendon County Voter Registration office, located at 3 S. Church Street in Manning.
The Manning Times presented the two candidates running for the open seats with several questions regarding their campaign and future goals. The following is their responses, along with provided biographical information.
Jazlynn Bowman: I grew up on the Westside of Summerton on Hill Street right off of Larry King Highway. I am a 2020 graduate of Scott’s Branch Middle High School and also graduated #6 in my class and was awarded the 2020 Eagle Award. My immediate family members are my wonderful parents Keith & Lyndra Bowman and my amazing sisters Kierra and Jada Bowman. Another significant reason I am running for town council is to continue the legacy that my grandmother Mrs. Haulean Smith began where she once served on the town council.
Manning Times: Why are you running for council?
Jazzlyn Bowman: I’m running for Town Council because I feel as a citizen of the Town of Summerton it’s my duty to partake in a noble cause for sake of the concerns and growth of my hometown.
MT: What previous political experience do you have?
JB: Just like many others that may have served before me, I have no previous experience but just like them I am willing to learn because one can only truly learn by experiences.
MT: What people or organizations do you seek guidance from?
JB: I’m a person that believes in seeking God for guidance first of all but I also have my spiritual leaders, my parents and many others that are always available to me whenever I’m in need of any advice.
MT: How have you been involved in the community?
JB: I’ve lived in Summerton my whole life so being involved in the community was something I did since I was a teen and still do to this day, by interacting with the people in the community, talking with them, giving advice and encouraging the youth and being of help to those anyway I can if needed.
MT: What is your greatest professional achievement?
JB: Starting my Go Be Great T-shirt apparel line as well as becoming a motivational speaker.
MT: What would you say the job description and/or purpose of a council member?
JB: To sum it up, I would say their duties are to set policy, procedures and do what’s necessary for the betterment of the town.
MT: How do you plan to involve residents in the decision making process in Summerton?
JB: By encouraging them to attend council members so that they can first hand what’s being presented and voted on.
MT: If you received a $1 million grant to use for the town any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?
JB: I’m not sure how far a million dollars will stretch these days but I would put some of it towards water/sewer improvement in the “Town of Summerton” I would provide our Police department with updated equipment to help protect our town better and of course a grocery store because it’s much needed.
MT: What sets you apart from the other candidates?
JB: What sets me apart from the other candidates is that I have a genuine concern for the Town of Summerton as a whole not just one side or area not for a particular set of people but all of the citizens of the town and I want to see my town grow and prosper.
MT: What neighborhood do you live in? Why? Where are your favorite places to spend time in Summerton?
JB: I grew up on the Westside of Summerton on Hill Street right off of Larry King Highway. Some of my favorite places in Summerton are my home, my Church and my T-shirt Lab where I work but hopefully in the future I’ll have more places to add to my list.
Elaine Wood: I grew up in Summerton my whole life except for thirteen years I spent working in Columbia and going to school to obtain my degree in accounting. From going to school at Summerton Elementary, I went on to graduate from Clarendon Hall. I then went on to Sumter Area Tech(now Central Carolina Technical College) and then to Midlands Tech. I have four daughters, three granddaughters, two grandsons, one brother, one nephew, one niece, 2 great nieces and 2 great nephews. I have recently become a widow.
Manning Times: Why are you running for council?
Elaine Wood: I am running for town council because living in my hometown most of my life, has helped me realize being a homeowner, parent and grandparent, I want to keep my town a great place to raise my family. Being a town councilman, I will work hard for the town as a whole, I will work hard and make my voice heard. Being on the front lines of fielding community concerns, issues, grievances, etc. will bring me closer to my constituents to be able to work with them better. I will do my very best to provide self-confidence to feedback and answers to better my community. Diligently working for our town’s people is not only a privilege but a challenge to make things better for this town, one people would love to visit and eventually make this their permanent home.
MT: What previous political experience do you have?
EW: My political experience has taken me to become president of Summerton #1 Republican committee. I also am secretary for the Swamp Fox Republican Women’s Club in Summerton and the Clarendon County Republican Group.
MT: What people or organization do you seek guidance and advice from?
EW: Without my God, I could do nothing. I depend on Him and his advice for everything. I have a group of praying ladies that give support and helpfulness and encouragement in everything we do. My Sunday School Class is amazing. Every one of us loves each other so much and uplifts each other. We also pray and check up on each other whatever the need. My church is a blessing. We pray, stand beside each of us, have fun with all the activities, and our worship service with the praise team is amazing.
MT: How have you been involved in the community?
EW: I am a former substitute teach at Clarendon Hall for grades k3-12 and I used to dog sit for 35 families in town. Sitting with the elderly is awesome. The stories they tell amaze me at what used to be in our past. I was also a nursery worker in our church and a Vacation Bible schoolteacher. Being a member of our Vision Team at church helps me to be a part of our church to make things happen for the better and the future. I am also head of our social committee at Summerton Baptist church and secretary for the Summerton Lions Club. I am also a member of the state Multiple Sclerosis Society.
MT: What is your greatest professional achievement?
EW: With the Lions Club, helping others get eye exams, glasses, possible eye surgery and hearing aids. With Clarendon Hall, helping start a school that emphasizes academic studies in a Christian environment.
MT: What would you say is the job description and/or purpose of a council member?
EW: One, meeting with constituents top discuss there concerns and issues. Two, negotiating and approving a town budget to monitor and make strategic investments. Three, approving contracts and bids for town projects. Four, attending regular meetings to discuss town policies and changes of ordinances. Five, researching all aspects of each activity to help our town’s people with their needs.
MT: How do you plan to involve residents in the decision making process in Summerton?
EW: LISTEN. LISTEN. LISTEN. One, we can make more informed choices that help us meet community needs. Two, resident participation fosters transparency. Citizens feel more informed and connected to help keep trust between all involved. Three, involved residents feel a sense of ownership because they have contributed to help with accountability. Four, people of all ethnicity, age, social status can provide unique insights. Five, residents being a part of the decision making process understand reasons behind policies. Six, involving residents in local decision- making, not only leads to better policies but also strengthens civic participation.
MT: If you received a $1 million dollar grant to use for the town any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?
EW: Since the town is getting grants and eventually some help from our US government for the water lines, I would use the money to get our town a grocery store, get more downtown businesses and promoting more tourism to Summerton. We have a town that could really “show out.”
MT: What do you feel sets you apart from the other candidate?
EW: One, I care. Caring goes a long way. I care about our town, its residents and our future. I care about detail, about what I do and make an effort to do my best. Caring also encompasses attention and responsibilities. Two, I listen. Listening to all sides of communication helps evaluate all problem-the good, the bad and the ugly. Listening has many possible impacts in many key areas of your life. I try to make good eye contact when people are talking to me. Three, I research. I check all the roles and benefits of the situation before making any decisions. Collecting different data helps to steer advancement and diverse discipline.
MT: What neighborhood do you live in? Why? Where are your favorite places to spend time in Summerton?
EW: After both my parents passed away, they left their house to me and my brother in a life trust estate off of Mood Drive. Having lunch or breakfast at the Summerton Diner or China Dragon keeps all of us connected. One of my most favorite places to spend time in Summerton is at Shared Treasures. What a unique store! I find so many treasures in there every time I shop with them.
