Letters to the editor for June 8

Sen. Hayes has genuine integrity

Rock Hill and York County need to maintain a visible presence and influence in Columbia. This is one of many reasons I highly recommend Wes Hayes for re-election to the S.C. Senate. He is a man of integrity and honor.

I have worked professionally, personally and politically with Wes Hayes for many years, and his principles never vary. He is a true servant leader. The values he learned as a Christian, Eagle Scout, West Point graduate, and his quality years of experience in the Senate, still serve him to provide excellent leadership for both the state and York County.

I find it very unsettling that his opponent sends out misinformation about Sen. Hayes’ record. He voted to eliminate Common Core; he voted for over $2 billion for road and bridge repairs without raising taxes, and he has championed ethics reform trying to get rid of the “anonymous contributors” money influence on our state elections.

Gary Williams

Rock Hill

Williams offers valuable experience

Please vote for my good friend and neighbor John H. Williams on Tuesday for York County sheriff in the Republican primary.

Johnny has been a longtime employee of the sheriff’s office, serving over 20 years as a forensic investigator. He is a Christian and a member of Tirzah ARP Church, having served as a deacon. Over the years, he has been very involved with the Boy Scouts and is an avid hunter and fisherman.

Born and raised in York County, he graduated from Northwestern High School and attended Winthrop University. In 1983, he was hired by Sheriff Elbert Pope. After serving as a patrol deputy, he was appointed by Sheriff George Eaton as York County’s first forensic and crime scene investigator in 1988.

He received advanced training at the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy and with the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and is certified as an expert witness in both state and federal courts.

I feel he is the best candidate to lead our sheriff’s office into the future.

Rhonda Crump

Rock Hill

Fanning listens to the voters

As the chair of the York County Democratic Party, I had a personal policy against endorsing in primaries, but I was familiar with Mike Fanning a candidate for state Senate District 17, through his work with ROAR, a non-profit that promoted comprehensive tax reform.

As I made my way around the county, checking in with different constituencies, I heard Mike’s name everywhere. His positivity and boundless enthusiasm have energized voters across the district. His connection with and concern for the people he meets is genuine.

Few people have been immersed in education policy as deeply as he has. His work promoting tax reform shows he has a level head and the ability to take a hard look at numbers.

Since my term as chair ended in March, I’ve been happy to count myself among Mike’s supporters. I believe he’ll be an effective leader both in Columbia and here in York County.

Amy Hayes

Rock Hill

This story was originally published June 7, 2016 at 6:49 PM with the headline "Letters to the editor for June 8."