28 days ago, I had just wrapped up a trip to California mixed with business and pleasure.  For my entire adult life with my bride Suzy (almost 31 years of marriage after 4 years of dating), I long wanted to take her to visit my family in California and to show her where I lived as a little boy.  This particular trip, planned for two years, was a dream come true!

After she returned home to Edgefield County, I spent the second half of that trip preparing business plans, thinking about things I hope to execute in the next few years, and meeting with individuals who are passionate about things I am passionate about.

Our world has changed since I returned home to South Carolina, Monday March 2, 2020.

28 days ago, our economy was booming.  28 days ago, unemployment rates were at historic lows especially for the African American and Hispanic American communities.  Today, they are higher than we faced during the Great Depression, and our economy faces an unknown future as we fight an enemy we cannot see, the COVID-19 virus.  Last week, our Federal Government passed a stimulus bill that is the greatest single spending bill in the history of our republic.

The projected date for peak COVID-19 cases varies, depending on who you listen to. In a March 27 press conference with South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and Senator Tim Scott, South Carolina’s Senior Senator Lindsey Graham stated,  “While it is expected the summer heat will help end the spread of virus, we could expect a rebound in the fall,” (paraphrased), an indication that we really don’t know the length or impact of this current crisis.

My thinking has been profoundly impacted by this pandemic, my participation in daily state-wide conference calls on handing this issue and speaking with Edgefield County constituents during the past two weeks.  I will share an important decision after discussing three key factors:

First, during my California trip, I wrote my article posted on March 16^th, (linked), mentioning the two non-routine items County Council has planned to execute this year: The Capital Project Sales Tax and the Land Management Ordnance Project. At the time I wrote that, I didn’t have any doubts these items could be completed in 2020.  Both projects have either their own commission or steering committee, which hold regular meetings, which should be open to the public.  Due to COVID-19, we made the decision to postpone both meetings last week, until next month.  Currently, it is unclear how long this trend will be required to continue.  For the future success of Edgefield County, I care deeply about seeing these projects executed during my tenure serving you on County Council.

Second, during the last two weeks, I have talked a lot with residents in the Sweetwater and Merriwether sections of the county.  Honestly, I sought to persuade many of them to run for the District 5 Council seat.  With the 2020 Census, the growth District 5 is facing, and also considering  how the 2030 census will impact future County Council Districts, I believe it is critically important we have representation from District 5 that has strong ties to the unfolding history of District 5.  The vast majority of those I spoke with encouraged me to serve one more term, since the timing wasn’t right for them to serve.

Third, I have talked with constituents inside the county but outside District 5, who told me they were appreciative of my time serving as Chairman of County Council, and they did not want me to leave that position for at least one more term.

Based on these three factors, I have decided to file and run for another term. For those registered to vote in District 5, I sincerely hope to have your support at the ballot box at the Primary on June 9^th.