Aiken County Hosts Candidate Forum to Address Education and Safety Concerns Ahead of Elections

Aiken County Hosts Candidate Forum for Upcoming Elections

Aiken, S.C. – Residents of Aiken County gathered recently for an informative candidate forum hosted by the local branch of the NAACP. The event aimed to help voters become more familiar with the candidates they will see on their ballots in the upcoming elections this November. With various positions open, including crucial roles in education and public safety, community members seized the opportunity to engage with the candidates directly.

Community Concerns Take Center Stage

During the forum, voters expressed a strong interest in learning how candidates plan to address pressing issues affecting education in the community. Many attendees were eager to hear candidates’ strategies for improving local schools and ensuring the safety of Aiken County students. The upcoming change in leadership at the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office made this topic even more vital for voters as they want to know what plans the new sheriff has regarding school safety.

Candidates Focus on School Safety

Democratic Sheriff Candidate Lucus Grant emphasized that the foundation for school safety lies in hiring more deputies specifically for schools. He mentioned plans to create a grant writing team to help fund these positions, reducing reliance on taxpayers. “I’m going to be bringing forth a grant writing team to where we no longer are financing everything through our citizens but are going after the free money,” Grant stated.

His main opponent, Republican Marty Sawyer, acknowledged that he could not attend the forum due to prior commitments but reiterated that student safety would remain a high priority for his campaign. “School safety will be a priority at the sheriff’s office because school children, both high school and college, shouldn’t have to worry about their safety while they’re at school,” Sawyer assured.

Teaching and Learning: Further Discussions

Aside from safety, candidates were also asked about teacher retention, funding for schools, and literacy improvements for kids. State Senator Dee Elder, present at the forum, shared his commitment to prioritizing funding for public schools, confirming, “As a South Carolina state senator, I would focus primarily on funding our public schools.”

Voters consistently emphasized the importance of understanding the candidates more deeply. Tavion Woodley, a member of the Aiken NAACP Youth Council, highlighted the need for community education, stating, “You shouldn’t vote for somebody that you don’t know about, and even if you do, you should know more about them.” Woodley pointed out that elected officials control public resources, which significantly impacts residents’ lives.

Looking Ahead: Primary Races and Final Decisions

With election day approaching, Aiken County voters hold the power to shape their local schools and safety programs based on the candidates they choose. Aside from the sheriff’s race, other significant races include seats for the state house and senate, as well as positions on the Aiken County School Board. Many positions are still undecided and will be influenced by voter turnout and preferences in November.

As discussions continue around critical issues affecting schools and safety, the residents of Aiken County are encouraged to remain engaged, ask questions, and make informed decisions when casting their votes.