Marlboro County Council District 4 Questionnaire
On June 14, Marlboro County voters will have a chance to vote for a county council representative for District 4.
Candidates are Thomas “Pie” Johnson, Pearly C. Lawson, and Jaheem J. McLaurin.
The Herald-Advocate emailed questionnaires to candidates to allow the voters to get to know them and what they hope to achieve if elected as county council member.
Name: Thomas Pie Johnson
Education: I am a Marlboro County Public School graduate.
Residence: Bennettsville
Occupation: I am the owner of a local produce market.
What current or past offices have you held?
None.
What are your past/other areas of service?
I helped in feeding those in need with a local food bank. I served as a deacon in my church.
In 300 words or less, give your constituents your elevator pitch: Why are you running? Why should voters entrust you with this position? What are your priorities, and what would you want to see the county council do differently or better over the course of your term?
I am a lifelong resident of Marlboro County. I love our community, it’s where me and my wife raised our children and grandchildren.
I want to provide fresh new leadership on County Council. We need to develop greater opportunities for the people of District 4. We must look at recruiting more businesses and industries that will provide good-paying jobs for our citizens.
I want to work with local, county and state leaders in order to create economic opportunities for the families and small businesses across the district. I also want to ensure that the county has safe roads and bridges, and first responders have the resources they need to reduce crime and protect our citizens. I want to work hard in order to make our county a better place in which to live, work and raise a family.
What are three of the most pressing issues that the county is facing? How would you propose to address them? Please be specific.
One, bring in industry to provide better-paying jobs for our residents. Second, would be improving county services including working with law enforcement to reduce crime and keep our families safe. Three is improving our roads and infrastructure. For all three, I will work with local, county and state officials to bring the best resources available to our community to maximize effectiveness.
Name: Pearly C. Lawson
Education: I earned an Associate of Arts from Chesterfield-Marlboro Technical College, a Bachelor of Arts from Coker College, a Master of Arts in counseling from Webster University, as well as a Master of Education with honors from American Public University.
Residence: Bennettsville, South Carolina
Occupation: I am a retired school counselor from the Marlboro County School District.
What current or past offices have you held?
I have not held an elected office in government.
What are your past/other areas of service?
Some of my past/other areas of service include being a community activist for 35+ years in Marlboro County; a board member of Chesterfield-Marlboro Economic Opportunity Council for five years; a Marlboro County 2020 Census Community Liaison; and Marlboro County COVID-19 Community Organizer. I served as Branch President of Marlboro County NAACP for 17 years. I have been a Notary Public of South Carolina for 30+ years. I have been a Certified Lay Servant in the United Methodist Church for 30+ years and a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. I was a Red Cross Disaster Volunteer for seven years.
In 300 words or less, give your constituents your elevator pitch: Why are you running? Why should voters entrust you with this position? What are your priorities, and what would you want to see the county council do differently or better over the course of your term?
I am seeking to be elected as the candidate of choice for Marlboro County Council District 4 because I am knowledgeable, well-informed, and have a clear understanding of the needs of the residents in District 4. I am fair, impartial, honest, free from self-interest, and care about others. I am committed and dedicated to what I believe in. I believe in Marlboro County and its citizens. I am willing to give my time and energy in making my district the best; with God’s help and your vote, We Can and Will Do This Together!
Voters in district 4 will agree with me when I say, “Our district has been neglected for too long: We have too many abandoned and burned out houses, unpaved streets, lack of safety zones for the children to cross the street safely, lack of sidewalks, overgrown debris, and clogged ditches in our neighborhoods”. Voters in my district will also know that election time will not be the only time I will be meeting with them. I will set up quarterly meetings with voters throughout my district to provide them with updates and to listen to their concerns.
My first priority will be to ensure that funds distributed from the federal and state government be distributed fairly across the county, especially in district 4. My second priority is to ensure that renters in district 4, especially those who live in the Firestone area and on the 15-401 By-Pass West, have decent housing. I will push for an ordinance to be put in place for stricter safety and building code regulations from landlords. If the house is not adequate or safe enough for the landlord, it is not safe for the tenant. Yet, I am well aware that most of these tenants do not have anywhere else to go. Therefore, laws must be on their side to help and protect them.
Thirdly, as a short-term goal, to have a nice park and playground area constructed on the South Side of Bennettsville. As a long-term goal, seek out land, investors, and grant writers so that a nice housing complex can be developed for senior citizens on the South Side of Bennettsville. I want to see the county invest in heavy duty equipment or contract out with a company to clear out debris from clogged ditches around neighborhoods; have a disaster area set up in neighborhoods across the county so when people in the community are in need they will not have to go all over the county to get the assistance they need; take actions on the abandoned houses and buildings in the communities and along the 15-401 By-Pass West and work to make that section of the county more attractive because beach traffic comes through this area; this will also reduce crime in these areas. We must work together to show pride in our entire county. That will be the key to our success.
What are three of the most pressing issues that the county is facing? How would you propose to address them? Please be specific.
Marlboro County has been identified across the State as: the lowest in education, according to 2020 Census data; the highest unemployment in the state and in the Pee Dee area, with a rate of 7.5%; ranks 42nd across the state with a poverty level of 26.4, according to 2020 Census data. Census data indicates that only 7.7 % of Marlboro County residents age 25+ have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Many of our best and brightest young people move away from this county because the jobs and the salaries that they expect to obtain with their degree are not here. We must encourage our young adults to seek careers in top-level professions that we do have here such as registered nurses, business administration, criminal justice, education, social worker, etc. But the key is to get them to complete their majors. For those who prefer not to go to a four year degree program we need more skilled trade certifications for jobs such as plumbers, electricians, carpenters, welders, HVAC Technicians, linesman, auto engineering, building construction and landscaping. I propose that officials work closely with our local technical college to help provide these courses at the Bennettsville campus. One concern also is that too many of our young people take (for example) health sciences classes for CNA and their career ends at that level. They too are some of our best and brightest, the career that they have chosen is very much needed but the wages they earn are at the bottom of the pay scale. Let’s encourage them to go further with their education.
A high unemployment rate continues to plague over Marlboro County as it has for the past 10-20 years. We have not been able to attract industry here that will hire our citizens. This has to be an ongoing process that all elected officials (city, county, state, school and on the federal level) will have to collaborate and work together on a comprehensive plan for improvement. It is imperative that we seek out industries and companies that will also train their workforce and hire Marlboro County citizens for the top-level entry job. This earned income will help our tax base because the money will stay in the county.
Marlboro County ranks 42nd in the state with a high poverty rate. There are many contributing factors such as low wages or lack of wages due to unemployment, lack of adequate health care, lack of adequate and affordable housing. We must create more opportunities for our citizens to get the resources they need to help themselves. This may mean having a variety of volunteers from churches, civic and community organizations, and business provide their skills and knowledge. We must also create more innovative ways to utilize the hundreds of acres of land we have in this county so that it will be productive for all.
We all live here together. “What affects one directly, affect all indirectly” (MLK).
Name: Jaheem McLaurin
Education: I graduated from Marlboro County High School with a high school diploma. I earned an Associate in Arts from Northeastern Technical College. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Arts from University of South Carolina. I have miscellaneous certifications in firefighting, EMT, Notary Public and Eagle Scout Certificates.
Residence: Bennettsville
Occupation: I am a firefighter/EMT
What current or past offices have you held?
Formerly, I served as student body president at Marlboro County High School. Currently, I serve as third vice chair for the Marlboro County Democratic Party (MCDP), an ex-official member of the Bennettsville Police Department Citizen Advisory Board, and a mentor for Marlboro County School District.
What are your past/other areas of service?
During my time at Marlboro County High School, I served as the SGA President, DECA Vice President of Leadership, Pep Club Vice President, Beta Club Secretary, Superintendent Advisory Committee Member, School Improvement Council, FCA Chaplin, National Honor Society Member, and School Announcer.
In the community I have volunteered at the Marlboro County Civic Center, Marlboro County Rescue Squad, Bennettsville/Clio Fire Department and the Marlboro Chamber of Commerce. I regularly participate in city and county events, including food drives and county clean-up days. I also volunteer at our Community Kitchen every other month. I have helped with the Rotary BBQ Sale every October and the Local Thanksgiving Food Giveaway. During the Christmas Holidays, I help collect toys and other items for our local women’s shelter. Recently, I served as a poll worker and on a campaign committee for a candidate seeking public office.
In 300 words or less, give your constituents your elevator pitch: Why are you running? Why should voters entrust you with this position? What are your priorities, and what would you want to see the county council do differently or better over the course of your term?
My name is Jaheem McLaurin, and I am running for Marlboro County Council District 4. I have been actively involved in civic and political issues for the past eight years as a citizen, as I have sought to create effective change in Marlboro County. Advocating and working with local candidates has provided me an opportunity to create a platform that gave the citizens of this illustrious county a choice. My family and I now feel that the time has come for me to offer myself as a servant that is equipped to serve in a public service capacity. The skills, experience, and knowledge that I have gained by serving others within Marlboro County will enable me to address the needs, ideas and concerns of the county while serving on County Council in which I believe that is why voters should entrust me with this position.
I am a student leader, community activist, and proud Marlboro County resident running to champion the rights of citizens in our county. As a community activist in Marlboro County, I have seen firsthand how the voices of our community are constantly swept aside by the ruling authorities. The time is now that our community has a voice in Marlboro County. From fighting to keep a stable high school principal in place to participating in a racial justice march and speaking on behalf of his generation, Jaheem is the voice for the voiceless. I am running and I am equipped to be that voice. A voice that will hold our leaders accountable and ALWAYS put the interests of people over politics.
It is time for Marlboro to grow and become a county that represents ALL people. Serving as Student Body President at Marlboro County High School, I empowered, listened, and motivated people. That is what is needed on council. Marlboro County Council needs someone who represents the future of the county that will engage the younger generation. If elected to Marlboro County Council, I plan to work hard alongside County Council to bridge the gaps, clean up our neighborhoods, bring industries and revenue to the county, and provide recreational and various opportunities for our youth. From investing in public safety to ensuring we have access to improved healthcare; I am committed to working with all stakeholders to Move Marlboro Forward. You can view our full policy at www.mclaurinformarlboro.com.
What are three of the most pressing issues that the county is facing? How would you propose to address them? Please be specific.
I believe the three of the most pressing issues that the county is facing are lack of economic development, little to no access to healthcare, and lack of beautification and revitalization efforts in our neighborhoods. If elected to Marlboro County Council, I will address these issues in the following manner.
Economic Development Having jobs and training programs that provide growth and advancement allows for Marlboro County residents to be the best version of themselves while also having a stable job with good benefits. It is time we start inviting businesses and companies over to Marlboro County. As a county councilman, I will strategically work with County Council to ensure current and future companies and businesses have what they need from the county to be successful while also promoting that being responsible members of the Marlboro Community is good for business.
Access to improved Healthcare
From losing our local hospital in 2015, to only having an urgent care that is only opened during the day, it is past time that we aggressively address the lack of medical services in Marlboro County. The most recent study indicated it will be very unlikely our county can support a hospital or a freestanding emergency room. As County Councilman, I will work with County Council, local and state officials to see what alternatives we can put in place while also continuing to push for permanent emergency care.
Beautification and Revitalization Efforts From cleaning up the ditches on 15-401, to creating a brand for ourselves, it is time that we take care and promote our County. By beautifying and revitalizing our county, it will show that Marlboro County is a clean and safe place with the right conditions to live and raise a family. As County Councilman, I will work with County Council to implement these efforts in our strategic planning process.