BOWMAN -- Three candidates are seeking two Bowman Town Council seats on Nov. 5.

The two seats are at-large, meaning all voters within the town limits can vote for two candidates.

On the ballot are incumbent Councilman Michael Void, Shaquetta Pelzer and Jessica Darnell.

Pelzer is a political newcomer seeking a four-year term on council.

Darnell declined to be interviewed and provide a photo for this preview.

Michael Void

Void served in the Marine Corps and is also a published poet.

He is seeking re-election because he wants to be a part of Bowman’s growth.

“I want to see this through because I have high hopes for the future and this town,” Void said.

“Right now one of my main things is commerce," Void said of issues facing the town. "We need some businesses in town."

He pledges to address the issue by pursuing investors and businesses for the town. “We’re in the process of trying to find some investors."

Void praised and critiqued the current council.

“We are improving our parks,” said Void, who is proud of the effort. But council must continue to work on bringing people into the town for commerce.

Void said he intends to spend “however much time is required” to perform the functions of a council member.

He cited additional needs of the town.

A continuous effort to upgrade infrastructure is needed, Void said. Plus there must be an effort to expand the town’s current industries, including solar farms.

Void said he is aware of the S.C. Freedom of Information Act and intends to abide by the law.

Shaquetta Pelzer

Pelzer serves as director of Precious Moments Childcare and Development Center.

She is specific in her reason for seeking election.

“I feel that it’s time for a change for Bowman. Prior to running, I’ve got involved in the change that’s taking place, and I feel that I have to be in a certain position to be able to help bring about what needs to be done in Bowman,” Pelzer said.

Pelzer says several issues are facing the town.

“We have a lack of businesses, and I feel we need more businesses in Bowman to help the town grow, and in order to give the citizens more resources within the town. I also feel that recreation is a shortage in Bowman, not only for the children but for the adults as well because everyone needs something they can do in their own town, and to bring people into the town,” Pelzer said.

Pelzer said she would address the issues if elected.

“I plan to work, and that’s what I always say. No matter if it’s inside the town hall, in the council offices or in the street. Planning different events,” she said.

Pelzer said she is a part of an improvement group and plans to further expand its efforts.

She said she plans to network and bring businesses to the town.

Pelzer offered praise and critiqued the current council.

“I believe that because they’ve served on council for a long period of time that they’re passionate about their town, they know their town, they have love for it because they grew up here as well. I feel that they’re driven by that,” she said.

Council can improve by “embracing the change that we’re facing in the world," she said.

“We have to switch things up a bit to do them a bit differently," Pelzer said. "So, sometimes doing everything the same and getting the same results is not progress."

Pelzer said she would spend as much time as it takes to perform the functions of a council member.

She also sees additional needs of the town.

“Main Street, it needs a lot of work with infrastructure. There’s a lot of old buildings that need to be torn down or revamped,” Pelzer said.

Pelzer said Bowman needs volunteers because the town can use as much help as it can get for betterment.

She pledged to adhere to and uphold the FOI Act.

 

The article was written by Bradley Harris T&D Staff Writer
This article was obtained from the Times and Democrat Newspaper.