Candidates for Cherokee County Council District 1 issue statements

The Gaffney Ledger - 9/6/2017

LYMAN DAWKINS

My name is Lyman Dawkins III and I am seeking the District 1 County Council seat. I am married to Mahogany Funderburk Dawkins and we have one son, Lyman Dawkins IV (six months old). I am employed as a science teacher at Granard Middle School and I am the reigning First Year Teacher of the Year for the Cherokee County School District. I also work as a co-advisor for CALL ME MiSTER teacher program at Limestone College. I am running for County Council because I want to inspire the youth, see positive change, and cultivate growth in Cherokee County.

I am committed to fighting for our communities and being a spokesman of the people. It is very important that our county make progressive and innovative decisions in order to promote progression and development for the future. I believe the critical areas of focus are in economic development, recreation expansion, infrastructure improvements, and producing well-educated graduates. As an educator, I understand that aligning education with 21st-century job demands will bring more economic opportunities. It is my goal that all county graduates will be equipped with the competencies necessary to be productive and contributing citizens to society. Economic development is directly related to a sustainable educated workforce. Pursuing and securing new industries will help boost our local economy. The growth of local business creates jobs and also builds a sense of community. Infrastructure upgrades are a priority of mines because they keep our citizens safe. Infrastructure improvements also helps attract and secure companies to locate in Cherokee County.

If elected to council, I will be the voice of ethics, common sense, and advancement. I believe the issues that I have addressed are vital to the success of our county. On September 5th, please vote Lyman Dawkins III for County Council so we can grow, develop, and spark positive change in our communities. I sincerely believe we can build a better tomorrow for Cherokee County by getting involved today. Thank you for your support because together we can make a difference for all of Cherokee County.

JOHNNY SARRATT

Johnny Sarratt, Sr. is a strong honest man with integrity and Christian values. He

is married to Peggy Sarratt and together they have: four children, Johnny?"J.J." (Kendra) Sarratt, Jr., chairman of the Trustee Board of the Cherokee County School District, Brandon Sarratt, Terrance (Adeldra) Smith, and Tashia (Derrick) Willis; and eight grandchildren.

Born and raised in Cherokee County, he lives in and works to make a positive impact in this community every day. He is a long time active member of Concord Baptist Church where he serves in many capacities including the usher board, youth advisors, and the hospitality committee. His passion as a proven servant leader is evident in his 10-year career at Gaffney Middle School in maintenance and as assistant coach of the football team, and as Co-Founder and CEO of the non-profit Giving Back Organization.

Johnny and the Giving Back Organization have been working to benefit youth and senior citizens in Cherokee County for over 24 years. They organize an annual basketball and cheerleading camp each summer that served over 500 youth this year. He also is an integral member of the One Team / One Dream committee that stresses the importance of education to children and parents and encourages them to be actively involved in their child's education. The organization also has hosted many events over the years from Thanksgiving dinners for seniors to trips to colleges, historic landmarks, and the Battle of the Bands. All of these activities have been completely free for youth and seniors. He has always been willing to help those in need.

He believes Cherokee County is a great place to live and work, but there is room for improvement. Johnny truly believes investing in our youth is of the utmost importance. Modern recreational facilities are needed to offer Cherokee County's youth access to a variety of new and traditional educational and sporting activities critical to saving youth at risk to gangs, violence and non-productivity. He supports providing innovative educational opportunities to reach children in new ways because the current systems are not proving to be effective in preparing our youth for the workforce.

Johnny not only works to enhance the lives of our youth, He also believes we cannot forget the senior citizens in the county. Many are on fixed incomes and have difficulty meeting basic needs and accessing community resources. The county needs to continue to support and expand senior programs to look after those who have invested so much of their lives in our community.

He recognizes that continued economic development is also essential to the long-term viability of Cherokee County. Johnny supports initiatives that leverage the county's prime location between Charlotte and Greenville to bring in more manufacturing and distribution employers. He also supports looking into tourism growth and encouraging more small business development in order to bring money from other places into Cherokee county and keep it circulating here. While larger companies definitely have great value, studies show that increasing small business boosts the economy in small communities by helping provide jobs for people with unique skills that aren't in demand by larger companies. Balance is needed to provide for a solid future.

Johnny believes all people are created equal and should have the same opportunities to live the American dream and to be productive citizens. He is capable, willing and ready to represent and work for the citizens of Cherokee County. He looks forward to working collaboratively with other local agencies and the District 1 residents to really make a difference.

JOHN STEEN

John W. Steen is running for county Council District 1 on Tuesday, September 5. Mr. Steen is married and he and his wife have four children. Mr. Steen's vision for Cherokee County: Better roads and bridges, better policing, better ways of diversifying. Mr. Steen will strive hard for a black Magistrate Court Judge. Better Health care for all of its citizens, better housing for of its citizens. On Tuesday, September 5 vote for John W. Steen, the candidate with honesty and good moral turpitude.

HERMENIA GARDNER

Vision

Cherokee County will be a dynamic and culturally rich community in which citizens who are seeking employment will find meaningful jobs with living wages.

Our children and youth will grow and develop reach their maximum potential.

Our seniors will lead active and productive lives.

Our health outcomes will exceed the national average.

Our institutions will be responsive to the needs of our citizens.

Service

Cherokee County Economic Development Board

Know 2 Health Committee - eat smart, move more

The Ambassadors

Cherokee County Dr. Martin Luther King committee

Cherokee County family YMCA board of directors

Cherokee County community partnership

South Carolina Silver Haired Legislature, Appalachian Caucus, Cherokee County Representative