Who will fill Swansea’s mayoral seat? Here’s where the SC candidates stand
Voters in Swansea will soon chose a new mayor after criminal indictments left the elected position empty.
A sitting town council member, a former 17-year town mayor and two newcomers to municipal office are running for the seat.
In July, state agents charged then-Mayor Jerald Sanders with embezzlement of town money and misconduct in office. Sanders denies the charges but the governor suspended him from office, leaving the elected mayoral seat vacant. Sanders is not running for re-election.
The election is Nov. 2. The State asked all four candidates what they would do if elected to a four-year term as Swansea’s mayor.
Hunter Hackett
Age: 21
Occupation: Land and aquatics manager
Education: Associate Degree in Applied Science - Forestry and Wildlife Management Technology
Political or civic experience: Swansea Lions Club 2018-2020, Georgetown Rotary Club 2019-2020, Boy Scouts of America 2013-present, Youth and Community Outreach Coordinator (AmeriCorps at Claflin University) January-June 2019, Lexington County Young Farmers and Ranchers 2018-present, Lexington County Election Commission (poll technician) 2018-present, Future Farmers of America 2015-2019 (chapter secretary 2016-2017), Indian Waters Council (Conservation Committee Chairman 2019-present), Saluda County Forestry Association 2019-present.
Campaign website: facebook.com/hackettforswansea
Why are you running for this office?
Swansea is my favorite place and I realize a need to reach its potential. For too long, Swansea has received bad press and has a hovering stigma of “nothing good ever comes from this town.” I consider it my challenge to prove the naysayers wrong. It is time for us to come together as a community with purpose and direction to make Swansea a better place to live, work, and play. I have heard and seen the needs of our people and it is time for them to have a true voice and representative with a strong moral conviction as mayor.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year in office?
Creating an environment of accessibility and transparency with the town financials and among members of the town council. With the approval of council and input of Swansea citizens, begin revitalization of our downtown area. Upon exploration of town financials, bringing on a town administrator and a grant writer to extend efforts in receiving money for updating infrastructure.
What unique skills or life perspective would you bring to city governance?
Although I am the youngest candidate, I have been involved in volunteer work and community service for the past 15 years. I am an Eagle Scout, have served as the battalion commander of Swansea High School Army JROTC, and have served as both state officer and national representative of SC, NC, and GA for the Boy Scouts’ National Honor Society. I grew up learning the value of hard work and that if you want something you may have to fight for it. For five years, serving with Christ Central Ministries, I spent Monday through Friday and many weekends serving those in need in the downtown Columbia area. I feel it is time to take care of my own, the family of Swansea.
What current practice policy of the city would you preserve or enhance? Why?
We should keep the option of paying water bills online. I believe that as we advance in technology and our schedules become more full, the option of online or remote pay should be available to everyone.
Michael Luongo
Age: 56
Occupation: Architectural engineer
Education: Graduated from Midlands Technical College 1989
Political or civic experience: A Swansea Town Council, District 3 representative who has effectively served for 4 years.
Campaign website: facebook.com/MICHAELLUONGOFORMAYOR
Why are you running for this office?
I am running for mayor of Swansea to shape the future of Swansea. I want to take advantage of what is available to Swansea, such as broadband, new businesses, the expansion of I-26 to Charleston, and federal funds that are available for small businesses in Swansea. I have been working for the last four years to make a difference in the lives of everyone in Swansea and I have been fighting to bring transparency to the office of mayor and opportunities for Swansea citizens. Too many of our previous leaders and their ideas were stuck in the 20th century. I want to lead Swansea into the 21st Century.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year in office?
A-I feel the official town of Swansea website should have a page dedicated to the most current information from the federal government, the state of South Carolina, and the Department of Education on COVID-19 guidelines. This information will be available to everyone. As the mayor, I will follow the current recommendations to reduce the risk to our employees and our citizens at town meetings.
B-As mayor, I would join with a feasibility discussion to bring Central Midlands Transit Authority to the Swansea area. I would like to work with the council to provide seed money for local entrepreneurs that would be interested in setting up local transportation like an Uber or Lyft to serve our community. The remodeling of the downtown sidewalks would make it more accessible for special need individuals.
What unique skills or life perspective would you bring to city governance?
I have spent the last four years as a council member, I run a beef cattle farm and a small business.
What current practice policy of the city would you preserve or enhance? Why?
Business license ordinance needs to be updated in order to help make it more accommodating for in-home based businesses, online businesses and one day events.
Viola Frances McDaniel
Age: 68
Occupation: Retired from state government and co-owner of Tidy Up Carpet Cleaning Service
Education: Graduated high school and Midlands Technical College
Political or civic experience: Have not held office before. Very active in local politics
Campaign website: None
Why are you running for this office?
I am running for the mayor of Swansea to bring peace and structure to a divided council. Swansea council is a council form of government known as a “weak mayor” but it has been run as a strong mayor. I hope to bring full transparency, total involvement by all council members, and unity to the council.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year in office?
1. Hire a town administrator
2. Make plans to utilize the American Rescue Act Funds when it is received.
3. Utilize the town’s website and social media sites for transparency that the citizen of Swansea is entitled to know.
What unique skills or life perspective would you bring to city governance?
I have financial, budgeting, and management experience.
What current practice policy of the city would you preserve or enhance? Why?
I would use my position as a mayor to show the council how a council form of government should be. A town council is only as good as the people who are elected to serve on the council. The mayor is a part of the council. The mayor and council members should work in unity to achieve what is best for the town. The mayor nor any members of the council should not have their own personal agenda. Everyone should have an agenda as to what is best for the town.
Ray Spires
Age: 65
Occupation: Retired
Education: High school
Political or civic experience: Mayor of Swansea for 17 years and Joint Water and Sewer Commissioner for 16 years.
Campaign website: None
Why are you running for this office?
I have immense pride in my hometown of Swansea, SC. All I want is to be involved in Swansea’s growth and prosperity in future endeavors.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year in office?
Firstly I would like to develop a town clean-up, especially for Main Street. Secondly I will establish a balanced budget. Thirdly I would like to promote current businesses and bring in new work establishments for the town.
What unique skills or life perspective would you bring to city governance?
My 17 years experience as the town mayor has advanced my organizing and diligence to establish a positive leadership role for my town. I have developed and maintained past relationships with local county and state government agencies. This will of course assist me in bettering my community.
What current practice policy of the city would you preserve or enhance? Why?
To make information more available and transparent for the citizens of Swansea. Seeking any policies (and) federal and state funds which can be used to improve the town in the most beneficial way. I also want to bring back fun and excitement with “Boo in the Park” and the Christmas Tree lighting.