WINNSBORO — Three candidates are vying for the office of mayor for the Town of Winnsboro. The candidates will participate in a forum March 21 at the Winnsboro Woman’s Club. The public is invited to attend.
The three candidates are Mayor Roger A. Gaddy, Town Councilmen Bill Haslett and resident Michael L. Davis. The election April 2 will also include City Council District 2 and City Council District 4.
Each of the three mayoral candidates completed a survey for The Herald Independent to share more about why they want to become mayor of Winnsboro. The candidates surveys will run alphabetically. Roger A. Gaddy will be featured in the Thursday, March 7 edition of The Herald Independent and Bill Haslett will be featured in the March 12 edition of The Herald Independent.
MICHAEL DAVIS
Name: Michael L. Davis
Date of birth: Dec. 5, 1975
Marital status/family: Single, one son, De’ Michael Jarrell Davis, age 13
Education: Graduated from Fairfield Central High in 1995; graduated from South University 2001, associate degree in business administration with a concentration in finance; graduated from Allen University in 2012 with a bachelor degree in business administration with a concentration in organization management.
Current employment: Shift leader at Hardee’s (2½) yrs.
Prior political experience: Elected vice president (2008-09) and Chaplain (2009-10) of Phi Beta Lambda Inc. Active member of Allen Pre-Alumni Council. Elected Mr. Yellow Jacket 2008-09; vice president of Fairfield Magnet School of Mathematics & Science (2008-09).
1. Briefly discuss your background and qualifications for the office you are seeking.
I, Michael L. Davis, former drum-major of Fairfield Central High Marching Band (1992-95), exemplify great leadership skills serving members of 150-200 with respect, dignity, and loyalty. Also, I am inspired to reach out to serve others with a pleasant smile while putting the community first. I worked in numerous businesses in Fairfield in customer service.
2. Why are you running for mayor?
I decided to run for mayor because it’s the place I call home. As a citizen of Fairfield County, I believe this would give me a great opportunity to serve the community with 200% of hard work and devotion. I’ve learned that the most important part about running for Mayor is letting the citizens know they are important. My vision for running for mayor will be building a positive relationship between diverse neighborhoods that make up the Town of Winnsboro. In conclusion, the noun “I” must become “WE” in order to improve the community and City of Winnsboro.
3. What would you do to foster economic development in the town? As Mayor, I would foster economic development to attract businesses to the City and to progress the economy on diversity, expansions and fostering innovation to create jobs. Also, to foster the economic development we must be supportive to local businesses in order to enhance and stabilize the tax base. This will help small businesses to improve their investments and to develop business growth.
4. How would you improve the situation in the town?
In order to improve the situation in the town, as Mayor and city councilmen, we must work together productively and actively as a team. We must communicate the message to the community to help improve the school system. We must develop an array of opportunities which can provide good programs to help increase the students’ academic ability. I truly believe in order to convince the citizens of Winnsboro and Fairfield County, we can make a difference by working together.
5. In your opinion, what are the biggest issues facing the town?
In my opinion I believe the biggest issues facing the town now are jobs, recreation and education. As mayor, I’m seeking to put forth efforts to bring jobs, provide amenities for the youth, and to be supportive to the School District to empower the education of our youth. Education is the key to a successful life.
6. What do you feel is the most important aspect of this position?
I feel the most important aspect of this position is to be active, motivated, and determined to serve each citizen equally. The most challenging position is to serve with domination without any doubts that God will see me through to make a remarkable difference for a new path for the Town of Winnsboro.
7. What will your number one priority be if you are elected?
My number one priority if elected would be to implement manufacturers and other businesses to be a part of our Southern hometown. This will allow them to become a part of our family.
8. What is your favorite book and why?
One of my favorite books is by Gary Zukav, Seat of the Soul; this book inspired me to understand the difference between External powers vs. Internal Power. As everyday people, we shouldn’t be afraid to lose anything because at the end of the day God will provide. The best part of this book defines no matter how much power you have, the Internal power is the soul power and it follows along the line of acting “love, forgiveness, and humbleness.”
9. If you are not a native of Fairfield County and/or Winnsboro, where are you from originally and when did you move here?
I’m native of Fairfield County where I was born and raised. I am supported by family and friends. There’s no other place I’ve rather live besides the “Southern” hometown of Winnsboro, South Carolina.
Post a Comment
