Incumbent Roy Blake, 59, is running for his third term in the district that covers south Rock Hill, including Saluda Street and Heckle Boulevard, and west of the city along S.C. 322 and Eastview Road. His platform is based on what he's accomplished in nearly four years on the job and how he'll continue to build on his track record.

Challenger Gwendolyn Connor, 45, a relative newcomer to York County, is basing her candidacy on her lengthy private sector experience in human resources and her civic involvement. William "Bump" Roddey, 34, claims his experiences as a member of a younger generation with a vision for the future give voters a fresh choice.

"I've been there, and I've been working hard, and I hope my constituents see that and let me continue," Blake told The Herald last week. "I think most people in the district trust me, and I think I'm the best one for the job."

Blake wants drug discount

At the top of Blake's list is a prescription drug discount program for seniors and low-income families, available through the National Association of Counties. He wants the county to sign up for the program that gives participants a coupon card that makes them eligible for small discounts at the pharmacy. It won't cost taxpayers a dime, Blake says, but saves users up to 20 percent on prescription drugs.

"A penny saved is a penny saved," Blake, a Rock Hill native, said. "There's a lot of people out there without insurance."

The County Council voted 6-1, with Blake dissenting, not to approve the plan this week until more research could be done on the contractual issues. But Blake said he wants to keep fighting for the program.

Blake also is touting his involvement with the county's waste management plans. He said he's been a steadfast supporter of waste-to-energy technology that might allow trash to be incinerated and converted to energy. He wants to serve a third term so he can continue advocating for the idea.

"I think that would be good for the county. Eventually, we're going to have a hard time keeping up with our waste," he said. "We need to be forward thinking. I think out of the box, and I think ahead because that's the way we grow."

Additionally, Blake said, if re-elected, he'll lobby for more money to be spent in the impoverished Blackmon Road community in his district. He said water and sewer lines need to be extended to residents there, and he'll support spending money to make that happen.

Connor: Education is priority

A human resources manager for Thomas & Betts steel structures division in Lancaster, Connor said education and its effect on economic development is her top concern.

While County Council members don't have direct control of local schools, Connor said she wants to work with local superintendents to pay teachers more in an effort to recruit and retain the best. She said a highly trained work force is one of the county's biggest assets in economic development efforts.

"What doesn't affect us directly will affect us indirectly," she said about playing an active role in educational issues. "When a company brings jobs to York County, residents should be considered for the jobs. We ought to reap the benefits with a talented, educated work force."

Connor, who moved to Rock Hill from Aiken in 2005, also wants to put her human resources training to work for taxpayers by being accessible. She cares for workers' well being on a daily basis, she said, and wants to do the same for constituents. She's also involved with Rock Hill's Committee on Human Relations, Rawlinson Road Middle School PTO and the school improvement council at Northwestern High School.

"Nine out of 10 citizens don't know their representative, and that's a shame," Connor said. "I'm accessible. I'm available. I want to be that voice for the people.

"I don't want to make impossible promises or tell people I'm going to change the world," Connor said, "But some issues, if we attack them, will make a difference for everyone, including education, economic development and building relationships."