Thursday, Jun. 19, 2008

Q&A: Richland Council District 7, Kiba Anderson vs. Gwendolyn Davis Kennedy

Kiba Anderson and Gwendolyn Davis Kennedy will meet in Tuesday’s runoff. The winner will face Republican Celestine White-Parker in November.

The district comprises older urban neighborhoods and the fast-growing I-77 corridor, north of I-20 to Blythewood, between Monticello and Two Notch roads.

What is the single, most important issue you would address if elected to represent District 7?

Anderson: To continue working with others to ensure a high-quality education for all citizens. . The children are our future and it is my generation’s obligation to equip them with the tools necessary to become productive citizens in this county, as well as in the ever-growing global society. I will work to find/create means to facilitate more-than-adequate funding to our public school systems, increase teacher salaries, and work diligently to focus on culturally relevant instruction.

Kennedy: There are so many issues that need to be addressed in District 7, but having been an educator since 1966, I am truly an advocate for quality education and will do my best to see that the educational systems are funded adequately. I am concerned with developing county budget priorities that promise support for children and families.

Property taxes are going up. The council is weighing a proposal to increase the sales tax for transportation, too. Please share your guiding philosophy on budgeting and taxation.

Anderson: I oppose raising taxes the majority of the time, but there may be instances where increasing taxes may be the more viable option. For example, in order for Richland County, Columbia and South Carolina to grow as one and develop economically, we must prioritize by improving our infrastructure, i.e. widening Hard Scrabble Road, and transportation methods.

The Transportation Planning Commission’s recommendation (headed by Caroline Whitson) did a phenomenal job and their recommendation appears to be very feasible. We just all have to pitch in and work just a little bit harder, and pay a little bit more in terms of the 1-cent increase, to help continue to make our state attractive to new businesses.

Kennedy: I would have to be sure that as a council there was no other way to get the monies needed other than to raise property taxes.

Would you vote for the penny sales tax?

Anderson: Yes, I would vote for the penny, as long as it serves its purpose.

Kennedy: Before raising the sales tax even a penny, I want to know if there are any other options.

— Compiled by Dawn Hinshaw