On June 14, Marlboro County voters will have a chance to vote for a candidate to represent them in the State House of Representatives District 55.
Incumbent Jackie Hayes (D) will have competition from Jamal C. Campbell (D), Michael Copland (I), Marion Tracy Pelt Jr. (R), and Robert Norton.
The Herald-Advocate emailed questionnaires to candidates to allow the voters to get know them and what they hope to achieve for District 55. No responses were received from Copland and Norton.
Name: Jackie E. “Coach” Hayes
Education: I received a bachelor of arts degree from Catawba College in 1984.
Residence: Dillon, SC 29536
Occupation: I am the director of operations at Dillon School District Four.
What current or past offices have you held?
I am currently the State Representative for House District 55.
What are your past/other areas of service?
My service includes 37 years in public education and 24 years as State Representative for House District 55.
As an incumbent, what difference do you think you have made as an incumbent for District 55?
Being on the House Ways and Means Committee, I have been able to secure funding for education, infrastructure, and economic development in District 55. I assisted in bringing businesses like the Inland Port, Wyman-Gordon, and Perdue to the District.
What do you feel are the top three priorities for District 55?
The top three priorities are economic development, infrastructure and school funding. These are essential to helping the continuing growth of District 55.
Name: Jamal Campbell
Education: I’m a 2011 graduate of Dillon High School. Upon completion, I furthered my education at Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte N.C.
Residence: I’m a resident of Dillon County
Occupation: I was once graced with the opportunity to reach and touch inspiring minds as the Culinary Arts teacher for MCHS from 2014-2018. Since then, I’ve furthered my career in Culinary and was given the opportunity to work in McLeod Hospital Systems by way of Morrisons Compass Group as the Food and Nutrition Director.
What current or past offices have you held?
Currently I have the pleasure of serving on the Dillon County Council as its youngest member ever.
What are your past/other areas of service?
No response provided
Why do you feel that you are qualified to be elected to this position?
Growing up as a young man in rural South Carolina I had the chance to experience a lot. Statistically, I grew up in what would be considered one of the worst neighborhoods in Dillon County called New Town. Most would suggest that people from that area can’t be successful, however I’m proof that it starts with a choice. I made the choice to go off to school and come back home to be the change I want to see in my community. After growing up in Dillon and going off and being able to see the world I realized early on that with a real plan things in my own community would be and look a lot better. I feel I should be elected because I have a REAL plan for CHANGE. My platform explains very clearly how to change rural South Carolina.
What do you feel are the top three priorities for District 55?
We must start with the economic conditions as we all know crime is a direct result of the economic conditions. Those conditions consist of low-wage jobs, poor housing, failing schools, and high crime. Economic Development affordable housing and better quality of life for all. We must educate our children so that they may be able to obtain a decent-paying job. Workforce development is also essential because every child isn’t going to college and the fact of the matter is we will always need plumbers, electricians etc. Public, College and Trade schools will be a major focus for me. Lastly taking care of our Palmetto Heros which are our teachers, first responders and health care workers. For too long we have overlooked the people who make all other avenues possible, our teachers. It’s time we fight for fair wages for our teacher and then we will see an increase in education. I’ve been where our teachers are trying to work several jobs to make a decent salary. First responders is a must. At some point we will all experience something and need first responders weather Fire, Law Enforcement or EMS. Health Care Workers I’m also able to side with you as I served as an administrator for an assisted living facility during the pandemic. All of us in some way have experienced the trauma of COVID but, you haven’t seen anything until you’ve worked in health care living, breathing, and sleeping COVID-19. Your countless hours of service, dedication and time away from family wasn’t unnoticed. It’s my mission to create a better District 55 by facing these issues head-on and being a voice for us all!! Remember a vote for me is a vote for us!!!
Name: Tracy Pelt Jr.
Education: High school and some college.
Residence: Dillon
Occupation: I am director of security and emergency management.
What current or past offices have you held? None
What are your past/other areas of service?
I am retired from Law Enforcement, a youth coach, SC Republican Party State executive committee and ordained deacon.
Why do you feel that you are qualified to be elected to this position?
I have lived a lifetime of service to my community. Many elected leaders fail to serve anyone but themselves. With my many years of service, I feel that prepares me to represent the people of District 55. I have a passion to see our community go to a place of prosperity it hasn’t ever seen. Dillon, Horry, and Marlboro counties deserve better representation and are desperate for change. I am that change.
What do you feel are the top three priorities for District 55?
The three priorities are education, crime and, infrastructure.