Editor’s Note: In preparation for the upcoming June 14 primary, The Press and Standard reached out to each of the contested candidates seeking the at-large seat on Colleton County Council. Some candidates did not respond to our inquiry. The candidates who did respond have their answers printed in full in this issue of our newspaper.
By Heather Ruppe
There are multiple Colleton County Council candidates asking Colleton County voters for their support in the upcoming June 14th primary.
The primary will determine which sole Democratic and Republican candidates will face each other in the November election. On Tuesday, June 14th, Colleton voters can go to the polls and make a choice about which candidates they want to represent them for each political party.
The most contested local race is for the at-large seat on Colleton County Council. The at-large seat represents all Colleton County residents on county council: it is not broken down by district.
The Press and Standard reached out to the candidates running for this at-large office. These candidates’ responses are below. Please note that the candidates’ answers to our questions have not been edited in any way.
Each candidates’ full responses to our questions are printed in their entirety.
Meet the
Candidates
Colleton County Council At-Large Seat
NAME: Maryann Blake
POLITICAL PARTY:Democrat
WHAT MAKES YOU EXPERIENCED
TO SEEK PUBLIC
OFFICE?
I have practiced law in Colleton County since 2006. I have always centered my career on serving the legal community and my clients to the best of my ability. I have spent a significant part of my career over the past few years concentrating on service to the legal community and the local community as well. My service includes the following:
Admitted to the South Carolina Bar 2006 where I have served on the Board of Governors from 2020-present; the House of Delegates, at-large 2017-19; the 14th Circuit Fee Disputes Resolutions Board 2017-present. I was admitted to Georgia Bar in 2009; the United States District Court for South Carolina in 2008; and the Supreme Court of the United States in 2019. I am also a Certified Mediator for Family Court and also Civil Court. I hold an at-large seat on the board for the South Carolina Women Lawyers Association from 2021-present. Most recently I was asked to help resolve bar complaints against lawyers by serving on the South Carolina Supreme Court Commission on Lawyer Conduct with tenure from June 2021-December 2024.
I am a member of Civitans International and served as vice president 2015-17; 2019-20; and as President October 2017-18; 2020-21. I have also served on the Colleton County Board of Assessment Appeals 2017-20. I am currently serving on the Colleton County Planning Commission 2020-24 where I have reviewed our code in depth and helped approve updates to the code. I was appointed by the Governor to the Colleton County Board of Voter Registration and Elections in 2017 and am the immediate past chairperson. I withdrew from the Commission to run for the Colleton County Council at-large seat. I am a 2021 recipient of the James Clyburn Political Fellowship and a 2022 graduate of Leadership Salkehatchie.
EDUCATION:highest level of education is JD with some doctoral studies in Sociology of Law
OCCUPATION:Attorney, city prosecutor, business owner
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO BE A CANDIDATE?
I want to help Colleton County to prosper and have a great quality of life. I am an existing business owner and know that investing time, energy and money is the only way a business of any sort will thrive. Small businesses are the backbone of rural communities. I am a firm believer in buying local to reinvest revenue into the local economy. South Carolina has many areas that are literally dying for lack of a stable economic workforce to support the local communities. Colleton County is one of these areas. The economic decline of rural South Carolina is of utmost concern as most young professional people want to flock to urban areas. There is great potential in redeveloping the rural parts of South Carolina, including Colleton County to support local economies. This is one reason why I chose to work in Colleton County.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE GOALS THAT YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH WHILE SERVING COLLETON COUNTY AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL?
Attracting new business that pay a livable wage; infrastructure improvements such as broadband, litter cleanup and roads; building a stronger relationship with the school district to provide quality education to our students.
WHAT DO YOU WANT VOTERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I am a proven community leader and business owner. I stand on my faith in God and the principles of integrity, compassion, and justice.
NAME: Hiram EM Davis
POLITICAL PARTY: Democratic Party
WHAT MAKES YOU EXPERIENCED TO SEEK PUBLIC OFFICE? Having lead several organizations and businesses, leading them to higher heights beyond the original organizational expectations; my leadership experience is one of my most influential. Now, let us be honest, having political experience…is that even important anymore? At this point, with the current state of our county, state and nation, we do not need political experience, we need people in office that sincerely have a heart for the people. Finally, possessing a self-propelled characteristic of ingenuity, this alone supersedes most when it comes to being experienced enough to seek public office.
EDUCATION: I am a 2009 graduate of the Colleton County High School and I am currently employed with the North Charleston Police Department and the Stephens Funeral Homes of Walterboro and Sumter.
OCCUPATION: Upon moving back to Colleton County from the great city of Atlanta, GA, I learned of the retirement of the current councilman in the At-Large seat…long before this I had intentions of running for office in 2024…but after learning of his retirement, I thought this would be an amazing opportunity to seek this office. I did not make this decision because I was asked to do so or because I was paid to do so like some of the other candidates. I ran because I want to make a positive change in this county. For far too long, the citizens of this county have lacked for so much because of the poor decisions of the current and past leadership. With that being stated, I announced my intent to seek this office.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE GOALS THAT YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH WHILE SERVING COLLETON COUNTY AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL?
Economic Development & Industry Recruitment
To review and investigate recent and past economic advancement opportunities (ex: why they were denied or decided to select another county)
To work with surrounding thriving counties; building relationships to enhance our workforce and economic growth
Global connectivity/Advanced Logistics: To make connections with international businesses, as we are near three very large ports in both Charleston and Savannah. This will also help with making positive use of vacant warehouses and plants in our county.
To restore industrial employment
To research and recruit companies and industries to our county to create new employment opportunities
Infrastructure-Evaluate our existing county buildings and roads to see where they can be improved.
To work on the county’s deplorable road conditions, such as, paving dirt roads that have a large number of residential properties
To properly maintain dirt roads with agricultural/non-residential properties
To fix and maintain existing paved roads
To find safer solutions to roadways that have contributed to serious injuries or fatalities
To evaluate the county buildings that have not been replaced or renovated in the past 10-15 years and see what will be the best options to make them safer, more useful, and more appealing to the community
To evaluate roadway and property water drainage issues throughout the county and find solutions for improvement
Personnel Wages, Salaries/Various County Funding Including the Colleton County School District
To establish competitive pay for the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office and Fire/EMS to increase our talent pool
To evaluate and enhance school district funding, and if necessary, re-appropriate properly. i.e.: If the county council and the county school board can work together to build a better school district, this will make our county more inviting to those prospective persons interested in relocating and raising their families here
To evaluate other salaries and wages to make sure they align or come close to the cost of living in our county
WHAT DO YOU WANT VOTERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I am ready!!! I am fired up and ready to go!!! I am all in!!! I am ready to work day one for the great citizens of Colleton, not just the democratic or the republican party, not just for a particular race or ethnicity, but I plan to work for every single constituent of this county. I was born and raised here and I am tired of people stating to me that they are ashamed to tell people they are from Colleton County. We have so much potential here and I am vowing to be the voice that this county has longed for….I am Hiram EM Davis, running for Colleton County Council Seat At-Large…The Voice for the People: Your Voice, Your Choice
NAME: David “Gar” Linder
POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat
Number one . I want to be different councilman for the people
Number two I ran before and it’s a open seat figure I would give it another chance.
Number three better education roads and better jobs higher pay.
I’m a lifetime citizen and I would be very open and available to all the citizens.
NAME: Terri Tomedolskey
POLITICAL PARTY: Republican
WHAT MAKES YOU EXPERIENCED TO SEEK PUBLIC OFFICE?
While following my husband’s career as a golf professional, I worked seasonally in education during the winter (NC & FL – several interim positions) and at the Blowing Rock Country Club in the summers, until we both accepted a year-round position at Cherokee Plantation. I was originally hired as a Duty Manager to oversee day-to-day operations. Much like the Cherokee itself, my role grew. My responsibilities now also include coordinating Member Services and managing Housekeeping & the Spa. My work requires planning, communicating with members, vendors, & other departments, budgeting and staying within the budgets set, as well as meeting and exceeding expectations of members and their guests. Since opening as a private club, the acreage and members’ families at Cherokee have doubled and the accommodations have quadrupled (and still growing). I feel that my education and “on the job” training over the years have given me experience for this public office.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree from Appalachian State University
Master’s Degree from University of South Carolina, Columbia
OCCUPATION: Manager at Cherokee Plantation since 1999; licensed SC Realtor since 2014
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO BE A CANDIDATE? Having grown up in Charlotte, living in a small town was foreign to me. I’ve been in Colleton County for most of my adult life and actively engaged in the community in many different capacities over the years (Arts Council, Historic & Preservation Society, First Baptist Church, CPA, Keep Colleton Beautiful, homeless & animal shelter, etc.). Having raised our two children here, I believe in the product. This area has so many great, genuine people. It’s truly a village. I never thought I would seek a political office until I was inspired by an interview on NPR with Maria Rivera, Mayor Central Falls, Rhode Island and then encouraged by my coworkers and friends. After hearing her story, I thought - Wow! Look at what this lady has been able to accomplish with so many cards stacked against her. And if she can overcome and give back, maybe I can be a voice too.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE GOALS THAT YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH WHILE SERVING COLLETON COUNTY AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL? My mission is to continue to improve & develop Colleton County without losing the spirit and character that makes our area so special. My top three goals would be:
“Keep Colleton Beautiful”– Take pride in where we live and show Colleton County in its best light. This is already being worked on jointly within the county with the SC Economic Alliance and the Animal Shelter. We need take care of the environment and its residents. This may also include improving our roads and implementing a recycling program. Just remember - Colleton County is part of the ACE Basin – Last of the Great Places (and Edisto Beach is too)!
Once we’ve re-established this inviting environment, I hope to attract new businesses to Colleton County - give tax breaks and incentives to reward businesses and employees for being part of our community. Let’s work with existing businesses to help utilize full potential, for example Lowcountry Regional airport or the Industrial Park area. (However, we need to be able to offer affordable housing to the labor force. Everything is connected, including the revenue of having people working and living in our county).
Have local businesses partner with Colleton County schools to help mentor and motivate students. We need to figure out a way to give the administrators & teachers the support they need to succeed. I know it may sound cliche – but the children are our future. We need to invest in them now or else it will be a downward spiral. I am positive and know children can be properly educated in Colleton County to go on and be successful. Let’s help where we can.
WHAT DO YOU WANT VOTERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? While still full-time at Cherokee Plantation, I obtained my SC Real Estate license in 2014. I realize the importance of buying and selling property and take the task serious of helping & protecting clients. I feel it’s important to love where you live, grow from the place you call home, and be engaged with the community you are a part off. I am also a certified First Responder. On a side note: I was previously certified to teach Art K-12. My sister Anna Hansen Pridgen and I co-authored and published a children’s book: “Sam the Shark and the Germs” that focuses on handwashing. We also produced a children’s video: “A Musical Puppet Variety Show - Healthy Habits”. I feel blessed to have raised our family here and be part of Colleton County. I want to continue to have a positive impact in our community and that is why I am running for Colleton County Council At Large (2022).
NAME: Josh Westbury
POLITICAL PARTY: Republican
WHAT MAKES YOU EXPERIENCED TO SEEK PUBLIC OFFICE? I have dealt with the general public for many years and I know how to treat others with respect, listen, communicate, be a team player, and I know the difference between right and wrong.
EDUCATION: Associates Degree in Machine Tool Technology
OCCUPATION: Palmetto Rural Telephone Cooperative, Cable Maintenance
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO BE A CANDIDATE? I decided to run for County Council because I felt that my family, my friends, and our county deserve the best. We deserve to have someone speak up when needed, listen when wanted, and do what needs to be done when it’s time to get it done. I feel it’s very important that our county grows for the best of us all, not just for the best of some. I know I can be that person to speak up, listen, and get the job done.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE GOALS THAT YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH WHILE SERVING COLLETON COUNTY AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL? Economic Development, improve county infrastructure, and promote job opportunities.
WHAT DO YOU WANT VOTERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I have a real passion for Colleton County and the people that live here. I am married to my wife, Rilee Anne Westbury, and we have three wonderful children together. I have a passion for the outdoors and have enjoyed the outdoors here locally in Colleton County all my life.
NAME: Bubba Trippe
POLITICAL PARTY: Republican
WHAT MAKES YOU EXPERIENCED TO SEEK PUBLIC OFFICE? I worked for Palmetto Rural Telephone Company for 35 years and covered all of Colleton County. I know the county like the back of my hand. I have met some great families through my work and always tried to help them in any way I could. After retiring, I joined the Colleton County Rice Festival and eventually was elected Chairman. I serve now as Event Planner for the festival. As chairman, I have had to coordinate with city and county officials to make sure all logistics were taken care of for each event. I have a great working relationship with all county and city officials. I feel like I know how our county works because I have been in this county either working or volunteering for years. I have always worked hard to make our county a better place to live. I think I have the experience to step in from day one and make the right decision for citizens of Colleton County.
EDUCATION: Bells High School Graduate, studied at University of South Carolina
OCCUPATION: Retired from Palmetto Rural Telephone Company after 35 years, Colleton County Rice Festival, Herndon Funeral Home
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO BE A CANDIDATE? I just didn’t wake up the first of the year and decide to be a candidate. I have been wanting to run for years and I have not minded telling anyone. I was waiting on my good friend Gene Wetshell to retire. When Gene let me know he wasn’t going to seek another term, I started letting everyone know that I was going to file for the at large seat. I care so much for the all citizens of Colleton County and want so much to make this county something that would make all of us proud. I think current council has done a great job but there are always ways to make things better. Colleton County citizens and County Council, is like a team and we must work together to reach our goals. I know as your next councilman I can make a difference.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE GOALS THAT YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH WHILE SERVING COLLETON COUNTY AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL?
First, I would like to see our taxes stay as low as possible.
My second goal is to somehow help our school board to bring our schools up to a higher standard.
My third goal is to bring in better paying jobs. I feel like all these things tie together; and when we accomplish the first two, then the third goal can be reached. With the Industrial Park, Airport, the Highway 64 Mega Site right next to I-95 and with Charleston Port and Savannah Port an hour away there is no reason we should not be able to land a large or midsize company to come into our county. If we could land an industry of that size, that would be game changer for our citizens for years.
As stated above, county officials and our citizens are a team and we must work together as one. I will work tirelessly to reach my goals and the goals that are put before me for this great county.
WHAT DO YOU WANT VOTERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? First, I love my family, my Lord and Savior, and my church Pine Grove Baptist Church #1. I have been : President of Communication Workers of America Union, PRTC March of Dimes Chairman, Colleton County March of Dimes Chairman, Construction Supervisor while at Palmetto Rural Telephone Company, Chairman Colleton County Rice Festival, Deacon and Trustee at Pine Grove Baptist Church #1, March of Dimes Volunteer of year in the coastal division of South Carolina two consecutive years, Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the year 2012, Civitan Citizen of the Year 2015-2016, inducted in Bill Sharpe Channel 5 Hall of Fame and in 2021 Grand Marshall of Walterboro Christmas Parade. I am proud of these accomplishments but I am also humble. One thing I feel people should know is that I treat all citizens of Colleton County the same way. I don’t change to suit the situation, I am the same no matter where I am and who I am talking to. I didn’t start coming to the events in our county because I was running for office; I have been coming for years. I don’t try to be someone else. I have no agenda except to do everything I can to help “ALL” citizens of Colleton County. If you want someone that loves this county, and a candidate that you can trust, then Vote Bubba Trippe for County Council on June 14th.
