MaryGail Douglas
Age: 62 years
Marital Status: Single
Education: USC School of Nursing
Current Employment: Retired
1. Briefly discuss your background and qualifications for the office you are seeking.
Life-time resident of Fairfield County. Employment as a nurse at our local hospital and then; as Executive Director of the Council of Aging; I am acquainted with the different pocket communities in the county. Extensive budget experience in the state/federal grant areas. Led the state association of Council of Aging directors as President and was successful in getting pivotal legislation passed which continues to be in place today. Appointed as a charter member of the Elder Trust Fund. A major strength is my ability to work with and for people, which is needed during the current policy-making environment.
2. Why are you running?
I want so much more for Fairfield County and her people; as well as other areas now covered in House Seat 41. Some neighboring communities are thriving. Critical players in the county’s/district’s business need to find common ground to move the county forward. There is a perception that critical players in policy-making positions are fragmented for a variety of reasons. I would like to be a catalyst for the voices and ideas that many in our district have; but are seldom heard. I’m willing to bring a voice for those people and search out every opportunity for the good of those in the district. Twenty years from now, I don’t want to look back and say, “I wish I had done more.”
3. What are the biggest issues facing the district, in your opinion?
There are many issues facing District 41. Attracting industry for jobs, an employable and trained workforce, the issue of an adequate water supply, a community of leaders who work together; these are among the top issues at the present time. This is the short list. Why would industry be interested in coming if a basic need like water would be limited? Another issue of concern is the tax assessment dollars generated by VC Summer and the idea of spreading the wealth throughout the state. We need to be vigilant and on guard at the state level. Now, I ask the reader of this article to pick an issue that is more important than the rest.
4. What will you do to foster economic development in the district?
Any development in creating and growing an economy involves developing a community in which businesses/industry want to be a part. Develop a 5 year plan which would attract people, businesses, and jobs. Strategies to do this would include reducing the tax rate to make the district more attractive to more people coming; fewer people leaving. When more people come; businesses will follow; and jobs will come with the businesses.
5. What do you see to be the toughest challenges with the job?
District 41 involves a large area in square miles. There are groups with wide and diverse backgrounds. The term for this House Seat is a total of 730 days, (2yrs.) I will work hard to get into the different communities and address the varied issues this district while taking on a leadership role at the State House.
6. What is your favorite book and why?
John Grisham’s, The Client. Grisham writes for the reader who enjoys twisted plots and suspense.
William N. Gray
Age: 63
Marital Status: married
Education: University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC Master of Public Administration and Masts of Arts in Political Science
Benedict College, Columbia, SC Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies
Current Employment: Retired
1. Briefly discuss your background and qualifications for the office you are seeking.
Every thing I have done in my life reflects my values and concerns for the well being of all people. I have been in positions that have entailed a more progressive level of job responsibility. I am a member of the Board of Director’s for Senior Catering Inc.: a multi-million dollar company providing meals to the disadvantage over the state of South Carolina. My experience with the company has exposed me to problems associated with expansion of services, employee relations, job creation and budgeting. I have taught at the university level, and served as directors of various state programs. I have been self-employed as a political/health consultant, retired military (USAR) with active duty service, and many years of community involvement. I believe my education and experience more than qualify me for this position.
2. Why are you running for this seat?
I am running because I feel I have the education and experience to meet the challenges that face our district and state. As an elected official, I will have the opportunity to further work and foster an atmosphere of interracial cooperation; to promote job creation through intra-county economic development. To assist in the establishment of a viable educational system and help foster through advocacy a system where each child can reach his or her potential. I would like to be able to promote independent ideals and concepts that are embraced; and finally to help create a viable two party system that will breed competition, and when this occurs we all are much better off.
3. What are the biggest issue facing the district in your opinion ?
The district is made up of over 21,000 voters of that total approximate 8,500 live in Chester and Richland counties. Fairfield has a voting population of approximate 12,500. The population according to the 1860 census for Fairfield was around 22,000 individuals. The 2010 census was around 24,500. In order to increase our population we must make our county an attractive place to live and grow. Chester and Fairfield face similar problems; education, economic development, and jobs, racial disharmony and the lack of population growth. These problems tend not to be a major issue in Richland County.
4. What will you do to foster economic development in the district?
I will work to create a community culture for growth, business and population. I will insist that we use our educational system and its resources wisely. We can not attract economic development and grow our population if our school system is not viable. We must be willing to leave our comfort zone and create a vision for the future that can sustain growth. We must also ensure that our work force is qualified to fill high tech jobs inside and outside the district. To ensure those skills are usable for today’s market. I will endeavor to work with and assist all our local governments by creating a climate of cooperation and coordination. Finally, I had a conversation with Governor Haley about economic development. She is committed to bring economic development to small rural counties. She stated that she had great difficulty in getting cooperation for economic development in Fairfield due to her inability to work with our legislative delegation. This would not be the case with me.
5. What do you see to be the toughest challenge with this job?
The toughest challenge would be to keep all the citizens abreast of current information that may affect their lives. My intention is to have small offices in Fairfield and Chester counties that would be open on certain days so that they can voice to me in person their concerns. I will try to articulate the concerns and values of the people of district 41. If elected I will be a member of the majority party. I am currently on first name basis with the House leadership and most of the State Constitutional Officers. I would be able through my experiences and political contacts to hit the ground running. However, if elected I must endeavor to represent the concerns and wishes of those I serve through my comments and votes. I do not foresee any problems or challenges that can not be addressed.
6. What is your favorite book and why?
The Bible is my favorite book (the King James Version 1611). I call the Bible a book full of history and wisdom, only if we heed its writings. Whether I have good or bad times it gives me comfort and a peace of mind. Although it is misused and misunderstood it can still be used to solve and answer many of life’s concerns. Used correctly, it can help answer many of life’s questions. However, if used incorrectly, it can foster confusion and mistrust. It offers a blueprint for how we should interact with each other as well as shaping our ideals and values.
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