Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009

Pine Ridge elections

Hazel Knipe did not respond.

David Busby

Incumbent

Age: 68

Education: Brookland-Cayce High graduate; University of South Carolina, bachelor’s in computer science Occupation: Retired in-formation technology director, S.C. Department of Natural Resources

Elected political experience: Town Council, 1990-93; mayor, 1993-present

Current community organizations: Sinclair Masonic Lodge 154, lifetime member; Scottish Rite, Jamil Shrine Temple; West Metro Chamber of Commerce; president of Platt Springs United Methodist Church United Methodist Men; United Methodist Volunteers In Missions recovery coordinator for South Carolina; United Methodist Volunteers In Mission endowment fund board member.

Family: Married, one adult child, three grandchildren

Why I am running: I have devoted at least 20 years of elected public service to the town of Pine Ridge, and it is my desire to see our town continue to grow in an orderly, controlled manner. Controlled growth is accomplished by thoughtful planning, a constant review of existing town ordinances, searching for ways to improve the quality of everyday life and making the necessary changes to meet the future needs for all citizens.

Town Council

Two seats, elected at-large

Floyd Dinkins

Age: 42

Education: Airport High graduate; USC, bachelor’s in history and master’s in early childhood education

Occupation: Third-grade science and math teacher, Claude A. Taylor Elementary

Elected political experience: None

Current community organizations: Pine Ridge Neighborhood festival committee, Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church choir member

Family: Married

Why I am running: While working on the festival committee, I have grown close to members of Town Council and our community at large, working with them to better our town. As population and commercial growth find its way into the town limits, we need to be aware of how we manage the growth to allow for change, yet maintain the our sense of community—remembering our past, embracing our future.

Robert Myers

Age: 44

Education: USC and Community College of the Air Force, bachelor’s in engineering technology

Occupation: Quality engineer supervisor

Elected political experience: None

Current community organizations: None

Family: Married, two children

Why I am running: My grandfather founded the town, and my mother Rowena is a former mayor. Pine Ridge is a small, friendly town and a great place to raise a family. I would like to keep these values and keep the business growth to restricted commercially zoned areas. The people make the town the place it is today. I have served my country in the Air National Guard, and now I would like to serve the people in my town.

Roger Simpson Incumbent

Age: 64

Education: No reply

Occupation: Owner of printing and promotional advertising agency; also, distributor for a health beverage company

Elected political experience: Town Council, 2001-present

Current community organizations: Board member of Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority; Lexington County Waste Water Consortium; West Columbia Chamber of Commerce; Palmetto Health’s Volunteers In Action

Family: Married, one son

Why I am running: Eight years ago, I ran for Town Council because I wanted to learn more about the town that I lived in, I wanted to learn about the folks outside of my own neighborhood and I wanted to learn how I could make a difference. Eight years later, because of an opportunity I have been able to grow not only as a councilman but as a civil servant. I am running for re-election because that desire to learn more and serve my friends, neighbors and community is still strong.

— Compiled by Tim Flach

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