County Council races at the Forum
- greenvillepolitics
- May 24, 2016
- 2 min read
We stopped by the candidate forum at the Greenville Main Library Monday night that brought together candidates for federal, state and local races. Since this was more of a literal forum and not a debate, there was almost no interaction between candidates. Though, some shade was thrown. To help share the story then, we are breaking it down by races, candidates who spoke and candidates who failed to show, what they talked about and the money quotes they gave all pulled from their max of five minute speeches. Today we focus on the county races that were done.
COUNTY RACES
District 21: (No incumbent)
Showed: Stacy Kuper (challenger- R)
No Shows: Rick Roberts (challenger-R) and Lance Byars (challenger-R)
Kuper focused on her well-versed plan of creating a better development plan, working on parks and developing more technology to aid the community. She also spoke about her accomplishments since coming to Greenville nine years ago that include serving on County Board and holding various leadership roles at non-profit in the community.
Money Quote: “I will serve the people.”
Money Quote 2: “I am a technology person so I am always thinking forward.”
District 18:
Showed: Joe Baldwin (incumbent-R)
No Shows: Mike Barnes (challenger)
Barnes threw some shade at Barnes for not attending, but focused his time on the accomplishments of County Council in the seven years he has been a member. That includes tech school growth and low millage. He also spoke about the need for the state to step up road funding.
Money Quote: “I am proud of what our County Council has done.”
Money Quote 2: “Government at the lowest level is the best.”
District 25:
Showed: Martha Evans (challenger-D, Ennis Fant, challenger –D)
No shows: Lottie Gibson (incumbent-D), Bunk Johnson (challenger-D), Bajeyah Eaddy (challenger-D)
Evans talked about the need for tech training as a way to grow the district while highlighting her career in the ministry in the district. She talked about programs she has started to aid community including midnight basketball leagues, tutoring and the like.
Money Quote: “All we need is the support, I am asking County Council to give us the funds.”
Money Quote 2: “I need a sugar daddy.”
Fant, meanwhile, laid out a plan to expand busing, pave roads and add recreational facilities. He also spokedheavily about his career as a minister, former County Council rep, and his work with the NAACP.
Money Quote: “If you can stay at a black church for 26 years and not get run off, you can get along with people.”
Money Quote 2: “Gentrification is in full swing in the City of Greenville.”
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