While a host of candidates are vying for statewide seats from governor to treasurer, locally the only contested race is for the Democratic County Council District 6 spot between incumbent Bill Waldrop and challenger Tommy Longshore. The winner of the race will meet Republican Gregg Taylor in the November election.
Precincts will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday with votes being counted at the new election office in the Bilo shopping center on Wilson Road.
Voters must bring their voter registration cards or driver’s license to vote in the election.
When voters arrive at the polls, they will be asked to decide if they will cast a ballot in the Democratic or Republican primary as voters and are not allowed to vote in both.
Recent changes have been made in precincts. Voting for Newberry’s Ward Two was moved from Speers Street School to Serenity Chapel at 109 Speers St. Prosperity voters now vote at the Prosperity Civic Center and Pomaria voters will vote at the Pomaria Recreation Center at 138 Folk St.
Name: Tommy Longshore
Age: 62
Education: Graduate of Newberry County Public Schools, Career Academy of Dental Technology, Piedmont Technical College, associate of science degree
Career: 41 years of government service
Marital status: Married to Susan Epting Longshore
Name: William D. Waldrop
Age: 67
Education: Graduated Newberry High School, attended North Greenville College
Career: Self-employed poultry and dairy farmer-retired
Marital status: Married to Diane Waldrop for 46 years
The Newberry Observer asked candidates for the District 6 county council seat to answer these questions in 100 words or less, each.
Q.What are the three biggest obstacles for District 6?
Longshore: A. Lack of, or poorly maintained infrastructure
B. A decline in agriculture
C. Currently the nation’s economy in general.
Waldrop: One obstacle in District 6 is distance from services. This is why I’ve worked for putting an EMS station in Silverstreet. It will give Chappells, Silverstreet, the Bush River area, and Helena quick ambulance response time.
The lack of an extensive public water system is an obstacle. Until water service is extended further out into District 6, some communities won’t have sufficient fire protection and drinking water.
New boundaries for District 6 will soon be drawn to reflect the latest census.
Constituency changes are possible, and this can make representation more difficult.
Experienced leadership will become even more important.
Q. What are the biggest obstacles for the county?
Waldrop: Unemployment is currently our biggest obstacle. I worked closely on the project to bring 500 new jobs to Newberry’s Caterpillar plant and I think we can do even more.
We need industrial sites where employees want to locate. We’ve put nearly $2 million in grant funding toward infrastructure for the new Mid-Carolina Commerce Park. We made these investments without relying on property taxes.
State funding will continue to be a significant problem in the years ahead. State financial aid to Newbeny County has declined by hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Our response, as a county government, must be to economize.
Longshore: A. It appears to me that our county council is more interested in growing government than in providing service to the people.
B. A lack of properly qualified oversight in building projects (remember the mold and mildew problem with the highway 210 sheriff’s office, courthouse basement, and the flooding with the new Silverstreet Fire Station) and cost overrun on the 1 cent sales tax projects
C. Property taxes are entirely too high in Newberry County. We need to explore other means to provide the funding for the things we NEED!
Q. Name three actions that would promote healthy finances for Newbeny County
Longshore: A. Spend tax dollars only to provide our "NEEDS" and not our "WANTS"!
B: Make sure that all existing county resources are utilized to maximum advantage.
C. Broaden our tax base by attracting new industry, including small businesses.
Waldrop: Newberry County’s finances are healthy. However, we need policies that promote continued sound financial management.
Having four to six months operating expenses in savings is a necessity. State law requires counties to begin the financial year on July 1, but does not allow for the collection of real property taxes until months later. Between these events, the county has to remain solvent.
Indebtedness of the county should be managed conservatively, so at least half our debt capacity is free at any given time. We can reach this goal by paying down debt faster and refinancing existing debt at lower interest rates.
Q. What do you think is the most important penny sales tax project? Why?
Waldrop: Piedmont Technical College. The new campus will have a jobs training lab, which will assure manufacturers of a well trained work force. It will have expanded course offerings that allow students to complete more of their college more economically and closer to home. It will turn an eyesore, the old Wal Mart building, into something that is attractive and alive. And it will allow us to move the Sheriff’s Department into the current Piedmont Tech building, rather than building a new building.
Longshore: The Piedmont Tech project because it is a win-win-win situation. More students means more business, a more qualified labor pool for new industry/business, and it will free up much needed infrastructure for other county uses.
Q. The two of you live in the same community, go to the same church, and have both been members of Silverstreet Fire Department, what sets you apart from your opponent?
Longshore: My opponent and I have been amiably acquainted for more than 30 years. I would like to see this county council take different action on many issues. I am still an active member of the Silverstreet Fire Department where I currently serve as departmental chaplain.
Waldrop: Experience sets us apart. I’ve represented the people of District 6 for many years.
During that time I have learned a great deal about responding quickly and effectively to constituent concerns. I’ve also spent a lot of time examining budgets and understanding the activities of the various departments of county government.
Understanding the role of council member requires a significant investment of time and energy. I believe I have the passion and the proven ability that makes me the best investment the voters of District 6 can make in the upcoming primary and general election.
Q. What are you currently reading?
Waldrop: I focus my reading on The State (newspaper) and the Newberry Observer. In addition to these, I follow activities of the General Assembly through weekly county association publications.
Longshore: In the Old Testament; Book of Judges; the story of Gideon...and I would highly recommend it to everyone.
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