Letters to the editor – June 11

Climer for State Senate District 15

What an eye-opening debate at Winthrop between 31-year incumbent, career politician Wes Hayes and his innovative and energetic challenger, Wes Climer, for Senate District 15 seat. While Hayes has spent decades voting himself a retirement package of 345 percent more than his Senate salary, Climer has spent time thoughtfully creating solutions to stop gridlock, fix roads, fight corruption, and wisely use our tax dollars, presenting a classic case for term limits.

I would encourage voters to learn from the debate replay on CN2 or WRHI to make an informed decision. The choice is clear. We need Climer to selflessly protect taxpayer interests by ending wasteful spending, imposing term limits, closing special interest tax loopholes, and introducing true ethics reform to stop corruption.

Vote Climer for positive change in the June 14 Republican primary. The winner will serve in the Senate, since there is no opposition in the general election.

Sallye Wentz

Rock Hill

Hayes for State Senate District 15

As someone who has observed local and state politics in the Palmetto State for more than three decades, I wholeheartedly endorse the re-election of State Sen. Wes Hayes in Tuesday’s Republican primary.

Whether the cause has been ethics reform, strengthening public schools, highway funding or public support of the arts and arts education, Wes Hayes has been a leader. While his colleagues in the General Assembly often fall short in achieving results we prefer, Wes Hayes consistently has fought the good fight.

I cite just two examples of how his expertise and the respect with which he is held statewide have directly benefited citizens of York County. One was when he persuaded fellow legislators to fund the extension of Dave Lyle Boulevard, enabling the development of Waterford Business Park. The other was his leadership on a bi-state commission that ensured the continued availability of water flowing down the Catawba River – the principal water supply for Rock Hill, York, Fort Mill and most of eastern York County.

I won’t speculate on the motives behind out-of- state “dark money” that is funding his opponent’s campaign, but I say with conviction that voting for Sen. Wes Hayes will be in the best interests of this community and all of South Carolina.

Terry C. Plumb

Rock Hill

Climer for State Senate District 15

Tuesday, voters in our area will be given the choice between, funny enough, two people named Wes. Despite their differences, it is important to admit that both are men of strong character. However, I will use this time to voice my support for Wes Climer.

As a freshman at Winthrop, I joined the College Republicans and became the vice president of our group of initially five (now about 20). I hoped to form a relationship with the York County party, and no one was more helpful than the chairman at the time Wes Climer. He even gave me the opportunity to speak in front of the group at a meeting. Despite my youth, he treated me like an adult and has always treated myself and the other College Republicans with respect. Following that day we continued to coordinate. He and other party members came to our debate parties. We interacted with them and they helped us feel at home in a largely Democratic campus. Needless to say, Wes Climer is an honorary College Republican at Winthrop.

When I learned that Wes was stepping down as chairman of the York County GOP, I was initially shocked, but it made perfect sense to me when I found out he was running for the state Senate. His ideas spoke to me. I’m glad to see a friend of young Republicans run for office so that we can see real conservative reform. I trust him to go to the Senate for a few years, change the status quo, and then submit to term limits. Please vote on June 14.

Tyler Griffin

Fort Mill

Fanning for State Senate District 17

I never knew that Rock Hill actually has two senators, one north of Main Street, the other, south. I know we have the well respected Republican Sen. Wes Hayes, but until recently, I didn’t know we had a Democratic senator as well.

From what I’ve been told, that’s because he’s almost never around (except, they say, when it’s election time). Even The Herald never seems to have much to write about him.

That’s why I’m supporting Mike Fanning for South Carolina Senate. Mike’s a visible, hard-working, member of our community who will be there for us all year round, not only in election years.

He’s no politician. He’s running to get rid of those good ol’ boys in Columbia who do more for their big lobbyist friends than they do for us.

As long as I’ve known Mike, he’s been a fighter for the people. He even runs an education non-profit organization. He’s very passionate about everything he does.

And now, back to our unknown Democratic senator. We need Mike Fanning in that seat. We need a senator who is going to fight for us, be there for us, and work for us, 365 days a year.

Jennifer Norby

Rock Hill

Tolson for York County sheriff

I can confidently say that knowing that Kevin Tolson could pick up the reins and lead York County as sheriff helps me sleep better at night and worry a little less about what direction this county is headed.

With Kevin Tolson, there is no guessing, no chaos, no political pandering – just a devoted, hardworking citizen who has committed his life to law enforcement. Through his tireless work with United Way, working with children and keeping our citizens safe – he has impacted this area. Politics is a tough business, and a lot of people say one thing but sometimes find it hard to keep their word once they step into a position. I believe that Kevin Tolson will do what he says he will do, and he’s committed to leading our community into many positive directions.

Now is not the time to sit back and let the chips fall where they may. We have a voice and that voice needs to be heard on June 14. I need to know that my county will continue to be safe, that schools will continue to be safe and that neighborhoods will thrive. I need to know that the person who has picked up the reins from Sheriff Bruce Bryant will continue to make this county their priority and lead it with honesty, integrity and character.

I never set out to get involved with politics, but in the middle of the chaos that is surrounding the political world, I can’t leave it to chance that the wrong person may slip into political position. Politics is a tough business, but it doesn’t have to be when we put the right person into position. Kevin Tolson is that right person for sheriff.

Kimberly P. Johnson

York

This story was originally published June 13, 2016 at 10:24 AM with the headline "Letters to the editor – June 11."