Rep. Jackie Hayes
During early voting and on Election Day, Marlboro County voters will have a chance to vote for the State House of Representatives for District 54 and District 55.
The candidates for District 54 are incumbent Rep. Patricia Henegan (D) and Sterling McDiarmid (R). The candidates for District 55 are incumbent Rep. Jackie Hayes (D) and challenger Robert Norton (R).
The Herald-Advocate emailed questionnaires to candidates to allow the voters to better know them and what they hope to achieve if elected or reelected to the board of education. Norton received a questionnaire but did not participate.
DISTRICT 54
Name: Patricia (Pat) Moore Henegan
Education: I earned a Bachelor of Science in education from Francis Marion University, a Master of Science in Education from Francis Marion University, and an Education Specialist degree in Administration from Winthrop University.
Residence: Bennettsville
Occupation: South Carolina House of Representatives – District 54
What current or past offices have you held?
I have served in the South Carolina House of Representatives for District 54 (Marlboro, Darlington, and Chesterfield Counties) since 2015; during the past seven plus years, I have gained seniority and have made connections in State government, which are invaluable to serving the needs of the citizens of District 54.
During my service in the House, I have been given the opportunity to serve on the following Committees:
Present – Judiciary Committee (Privileges and Elections), Rules Committee, Rules Ad Hoc Committee, and Redistricting/Reapportionment Committee.
All of these important Committee assignments were given to me by the Republican Speaker of the House because he respects me as a consensus builder; I’m honored to have gained this respect.
Previous – Legislative Oversight (Oversight and Review of Government Operations and Accountability); Labor, Commerce and Industry (Labor, Commerce, and Manufacturing, Banking and Insurance, Merchants and Mercantile Affairs); Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs (Medical Affairs, Social Security, Penitentiary, State Hospital, Police Regulations, Military Affairs and Veterans’ Affairs). I also served as Chairman of the South Carolina House of Representatives Black Caucus, 2020 to present; CareSouth Board of Directors, 2018 – Present; Marlboro County Coordinating Council Chairman, 2015 to present; South Carolina Connection State Chairman, 2016 to present; South Carolina General Assembly Women’s Caucus Chairman which is non-partisan and Chairman of the local Democratic Party.
What are your past and other areas of service?
Previous – Marian Wright Edelman Public Library Board Chairman (Served as member and Chairman). Played a major role in a dream that was fulfilled in our community with the huge successful building and soliciting funds for the Marian Wright Edelman Public Library; First Steps State Initiative Board, Chairman (Helped write the first and subsequent grants) (Appointed by the Governor) Served for 15 years; Man2Man Fatherhood Initiative Board, Secretary (Helped to write the initial grant and subsequent grants.); Carolina Kiwanis – Trustee District 8 Division 20, Kiwanis of Bennettsville, President and Secretary; Lieutenant Governor District 20; Young Children Priority One; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated Upsilon Sigma Omega Chapter and Life Member (International Leadership Training Committee, President of the Local Chapter four 2-year terms, etc.) Cluster VII Coordinator, South Atlantic Region; Leadership South Carolina, Unanimously voted to serve on the board of directors; EDGE Member, Education Drives a Generation to Excel (A program that allowed individuals to continue their education after graduating from Adult Education or high school free) Served 2 years; Place Matters Team Member, Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, Health Policy Institute (Program that studied the disparities due to zip codes – disparities in employment, poverty, housing, education, power, money distribution and resources) Served 4 years; Hosted CAMP R.E.A.D.Y program for children and parents, Workshop/Speaker Presenter at National, Regional and State Conferences, Churches, School District, Colleges and Technical Schools, etc.; Pee Dee Citizens Committee on Judicial Qualification (Qualifications of our state’s Judges); United Negro College Funds of the Pee Dee, County Chairman and Gala Co-Chair; NAACP Life Member and Membership Chairman; NAACP “Woman of the Year”; Marlboro County Family Literacy Board of Directors; Children’s Defense Freedom Schools Advisory Board; 1890 Extension Advisory Council Chairman; South Carolina State Department of Education; Evaluator/Grant Reader; Assistant Superintendent of Personnel, Marlboro County; Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, Marlboro County; Assistant Principal, Marlboro County; Teacher of the Gifted and Talented, Grades 3-8; Teacher of Middle School, Marlboro and Scotland Counties; Teacher Assistant; Secretary, District and School.
As an incumbent, what difference do you think you have made to Marlboro County as the State House Representative for District 54?
I am proud of having gained influence with the House leadership, which is controlled by the GOP, as well as with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. I am proud of having been recognized as a consensus builder. I work tirelessly every day to use that influence to help our local citizens who have various constituent problems with the State government. When it comes to serving my constituents, I never ask anyone if they are a Democrat or Republican or how they voted…my job is to serve ALL the citizens of my District, and I work hard to assist every citizen who comes to me with a problem. I have been honored to serve under two Republican Speakers, Jay Lucas and now G. Murrell Smith, Jr., of the House where both have entrusted me with several important committees. I have been assigned to the Judiciary and Rules Committees as well as the Ad hoc committee for Rules. Serving on the Rules and Judiciary Committees allows me to support many issues and address concerns of counties and our state of South Carolina. I also have a great relationship with the Governor and his staff. This mutual respect is something a public servant has to earn, and during the past seven years in the SC House, I have worked hard to network with other leaders to put me in a position to get results for the many needs of our community. Smaller rural counties can easily get “left behind” when they have elected leaders who lack seniority, experience and respect. I dedicate my efforts towards working hard to use my seniority, experience and respect to making sure our community does not get left behind, and to producing real results for the citizens of Marlboro and surrounding counties. For example, I’m proud to have worked hard to produce the following results securing additional funding this past year of $1 million dollars to invest in District 54 for land for Trinity Behavioral Care ($500,000) and roof repairs and renovations at our beautiful Marlboro Civic Center ($500,000). This year, I worked hard to secure $2 million dollars for Marlboro County Recreation Facilities; $3 Million for the Trinity Behavioral Care of Marlboro County; $750,000 for the Old Marlboro County Center; and $500,000 for the Coulter Academy located in Cheraw, SC.
This year’s state budget totals $14 billion dollars and made crucial investments in our state and District 54. Included in our budget is $1 billion in income tax relief for our citizens as well as $75 million in new annual funding for public education. I am proud to have fought successfully for our State Employees to receive a much-deserved pay increase as well as a one-time $1,500 bonus. I am happy to say that the minimum starting salary for teachers was raised to $40,000. Bus drivers received a 5% pay increase. Also, $55 million in recurring funds is allocated for a tuition freeze at state colleges and universities, making higher education more affordable for our citizens’ families. I am pleased that $40 million dollars is designated for law enforcement and correctional officers, and $1 billion has been allocated to the Department of Transportation to fund repairs for roads and bridges.
I have shared a letter from SCDOT with many concerned citizens regarding our roads and bridges. I am requesting that the letter be published in the Herald Advocate so all citizens will be aware of what is happening on several important road and bridge problems in our county.
August 23, 2022
The Honorable Patricia Moore “Pat” Henegan
South Carolina House of Representatives
Post Office Box 41
Bennettsville, South Carolina 29512
RE: Marlboro County Update for US-1, Academy Road, and Old Wire Road
Dear Representative Henegan:
Thank you for your recent inquiry concerning three roads within Marlboro County. This letter is to provide you with an update on SCDOT’s progress toward repairing the US 1 bridge over the Great Pee Dee River between Cheraw and Wallace as well as the status of the road closures on Academy Road and Old Wire Road in Marlboro County.
SCDOT let a contract to repair the bridge on US 1 on July 12, 2022. It was awarded to a contractor on August 10, 2022. SCDOT staff will soon be meeting with the contractor for a preconstruction conference at which time additional project details and timelines for the repair work will be discussed. Soon after that meeting, the contractor will submit their construction schedule and provide the timeline for repairs. These dates can be shared with you as they become available.
The road closures on both Academy and Old Wire Roads are a result of pond dam failures. Both dams are regulated by the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and must meet specific regulations to be certified before SCDOT can make road repairs. SCDOT is working with both DHEC and the dam owners to resolve the dam deficiencies and restore the roads.
Old Wire Road has two dam owners. Recently, SCDOT received concurrence from both the dam owners to permanently breach the dam. This will allow SCDOT to decommission the dam and restore the roadway. With these agreements, SCDOT is able to move forward with negotiations with a consultant engineering firm to develop plans for the dam removal as well as the installation of a culvert/bridge and roadway repairs. Once plans are developed SCDOT will work with DHEC to receive a dam permit which will allow work to commence. A contractor will then be hired to remove the dam and restore the roadway.
The dam owner for Academy Road is working with a dam engineer and DHEC to receive a permit to repair the dam. Once repairs are complete, the dam will be certified allowing SCOOT to repair the roadway and re-open it to the traveling public.
Again, thank you for your inquiry into the status of these road closures and your continued support as everyone works to resolve these issues. SCOOT will provide updates for these closures as milestones are achieved.
Sincerely,
Andrew T. Leaphart, P.E. Chief Engineer for Operations at SCDOT
I genuinely love Marlboro County and work tirelessly every day to make it a better place to live, work and raise a family. Marlboro County has been my home since I was four-years-old. My life is Marlboro County! This is what inspires me to serve! Many people are happy to receive funds from the State; however, they fail to know the work a legislator has to do to get funding, especially in smaller rural counties. I take the time to meet with the Ways and Means committee members and attend budget meetings. I also work hard to secure state government funding for important projects in the communities I serve. I have worked tirelessly to bring millions of dollars to the needs of our county, and I pledge to continue these efforts. When people vote to elect a legislator, these are important decisions which have consequences for a small rural county. Another responsibility of legislators is to introduce bills and/or become sponsors or supporters of bills introduced by other legislators that are necessary, important, and will promote change in the state. I am proud to have helped sponsor bills related to Hate Crime, Child Protection and Permanency, Historically Black College & Universities Day, Early Voting, School Lunch Debt, Barbers Examiners Board, Kinship Foster Care, Birth Certificates, Property Tax Installment Payments, Child Protection and Permanency and Women Rights, etc. As chair of the Marlboro County Coordinating Council, I have been able to write grants and receive funding to support community needs. As a team, we have organized eight forums to address Community Wellness and Resources. These forums have been very helpful. During several hurricanes in the last few years, we were able to get ten truckloads of supplies for families which included clothing, household goods and food. We have over 40 plus agencies working hard for the communities we serve. I consider this service to be an important part of my role as a leader. Recently, we had 10 elderly individuals in need of window air conditioners. I made several calls and was able to not only get 10 air conditioners, but was able to get them delivered from Charleston, SC. As a legislator, I have been able to help many deserving people with so many human needs — from receiving their disability to finding housing for ones in need. I view my service not as a politician, but as my ministry.
What do you believe to be the top three priorities for District 54?
One is job creation and economic development – this is a critical need, especially considering the recent closing of Mohawk-Oak River Mill, and I pledge to work tirelessly and cooperatively with all involved to bring some economic vitality to our community; An important part of economic development is attracting a 24-hour Healthcare Facility; Two, education and job training is extremely important to building a better future for our community, and is a critical part of economic development. That is why it is necessary for this community to continue to support our educational system which includes our local technical school, Northeastern Technical College. Three, supporting our Farmers and agriculture because not only do farmers assure we have food on our table, but we are well positioned to attract agricultural-related economic development.
Name: Sterling McDiarmid
Education: I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1986.
Residence: Wallace
Occupation: I am president of Sterling McDiarmid Paving, Inc.
What current or past offices have you held?
I am on the North Carolina Human Relations Commission.
What are your past/other areas of service?
First Presbyterian Church of Bennettsville; Bennettsville Lodge 88; Rotary Club; Pope Air Force Base Board of Visitors; Chamber of Commerce, Chesterfield and Marlboro Counties.
Why do you feel that you are qualified to be elected to this position?
As a business owner, I have the perfect skill set to be elected as the Representative for State House District 54. I am a retired Highway contractor who has employed hundreds and worked with state officials to build roads, bridges, etc. I know how to get things done. I have been a job creator all my life. I am running as a Republican to become a member of an overwhelmingly Republican legislature.
What do you believe to be the top three priorities for District 54?
I believe a main priority is infrastructure. Bridges have been out for 5+ years in Marlboro County. Roadways are crumbling and other bridges in our district are structurally unsound. Jobs and industry is another priority. Currently, industry is leaving our area. Marlboro County is #1 in the state for unemployment. We must attract business. Marlboro County is 1 of 8 counties in the state without a hospital, which could potentially employ many. Businesses need access to quality roads and bridges in order to be successful. My third priority is recreation. We have so much in District 54 that we aren’t utilizing to the full extent such as the river, streams, ponds, etc. Our children deserve more opportunities.
DISTRICT 55
Name: Jackie E. Hayes
Education: I earned a Bachelor of Arts from Catawba College in 1984.
Residence: Dillon
Occupation: I am the director of operations at Dillon School District 4.
What current or past offices have you held?
I am the State Representative for House District 55
What are your past/other areas of service?
I have 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 to Marlboro County as the State House Representative for District 55?
Due to redistricting, this will be the first time I have had McColl in my House district. 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. I look forward to being able to bring new industry to McColl as well.
What do you believe to be 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.