8 seeking 3 seats on Fairfax Town Council

Three seats on Fairfax Town Council will be on the Nov. 7 ballot. Eight people are vying for those seats, including two of the incumbents.

The three seats are currently held by Tiffine Forester, Pamela Love and Robert Thompson. Forester and Thompson are seeking re-election while Love is not.

Also seeking one of the three seats are Sarah Brooker Burgess, Ida Maxine Frazier Morris, Dorothy A. Kennedy, Carl M. Love, Reid Porter Jr., and Daniel Shramek.

The People-Sentinel sent questions to all candidates; however, not everyone responded. Below is information on those who responded.

Tell the community about yourself.

BURGESS: Being a native of Fairfax, I know that the citizens of Fairfax are proud and upstanding people. We want to keep our community safe, clean and growing.

FORESTER: I reside in Fairfax. I am the oldest of 6 siblings. I am a Rural Health and Nutrition Agent. I have a degree in Social Work and Human Service. I am currently up for re-election for town council.

KENNEDY: I have two children (Kwayme Kenya Kennedy and Ayana Afi Kennedy). I have my diploma, associate degree in secretarial science, bachelor degree in family and consumer sciences/early childhood education. Worked as a secretary for 8 years, taught school for 20 years and Head Start director for 5 years.

MORRIS: I am the 12th child of the late Oregon and Edith Frazier. I was born in Allendale County, attended school in Fairfax, graduated from Allendale-Fairfax High School. I also attended South Carolina State University, Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. I was married to John Morris for 31 years, we lived in Orangeburg and together we raised 4 wonderful children that are now all adults, and 5 grandchildren.

THOMPSON: I am a lifelong resident of Fairfax. I graduated from the old C V Bing High School in 1969. I spent two years in the U.S. Navy. On my return to Fairfax, I enrolled into Denmark Technical College. In 1985, I accepted a job at the Savannah River Nuclear Site, until my retirement. I am married to Ruby Harvey Thompson, and we have been married for 50 years. We are the parents of four children, eight grandchildren and four great-grands. I am a lifelong member of Nazarene Missionary Baptist Church. I serve as a deacon.

Why are you seeking election? What makes you the best candidate?

BURGESS: I want to reawaken that unity and drive to build a stronger, more connected Fairfax. I would be the best candidate because I have a vision for progress and action for the future of Fairfax.

FORESTER: [The reason] I am seeking reelection is because [of] the love that I have for our citizens and wanting the best for them. I feel that being their council person, one who would hear what they have to say and respect their opinions. I have the ability to work with the mayor and council to bring the things that our town really needs such as grocery stores. The reason I feel that I am the best candidate [is] because I have four years of growing experience, [I am] a people person [with a] vested interest [and will be in] contact with outside agencies and municipalities to assist with growth in our town. Finally, I have the will and energy to do what it takes to make our town a better place to live.

KENNEDY: I am seeking election because I have been a resident of Fairfax for over 50 years. Fairfax has been a thriving, prosperous town. I am the best candidate because I will work to make Fairfax a good place to live, work and enjoy life. Also, my leadership, communication and collaboration skills make me the best candidate.

MORRIS: I became a candidate in this election because I want to work with people in my community to keep it a safe, beautiful place to live.

THOMPSON: I am seeking election because I want to see Fairfax become as great as she can be. I am the best candidate because of my willingness to work with others to achieve the best for Fairfax. I am open to a dialogue with all who are willing to put Fairfax first in whatever we do.

The Fairfax Community Center is over budget and has suffered multiple delays. As a member of council, how will you work to address this issue?

BURGESS: As a member of the town council the way I would address this issue is to first get information about the status of the project. I would have to find out what was the initial budget and schedule for the project, then get an itemized list of paid items and compare it with the initial budget. Then work with fellow town council members and mayor to develop a plan to move forward with the most logical option.

FORESTER: When it comes to the Fairfax Community Center, I would work with the mayor and council to see how much has been spent and why. As a council member, I’ll review all documents pertaining to the Fairfax Community Center that includes the architectural drawings, planning documentation [and] the total cost expenditures to date. You can’t fix something without knowing the causes and effects. What are the factors that caused multiple delays? The outcome of my reviews and findings will summarize the mitigating plan and I would like for council and mayor to develop a comprehensive plan of action to complete the Fairfax community center in a reasonable time with a limited budget.

KENNEDY: When elected I will work to address this issue by discussing the availability of any grants or resources with Rep. Lonnie Hosey and members of the council.

MORRIS: As a new council member, I will work to keep the community informed on the progress of the projects put in place by the current mayor and council. I will make quarterly reports to the community.

THOMPSON: The Fairfax community center is over budget because the price increased due to the Covid epidemic. Moving forward we need to be more fiscally responsible to ensure that projects are completed within the allotted budget.

Gun violence is a persistent issue in the Fairfax community. As a member of council, how will you work to address this issue?

BURGESS: As a resident of Fairfax, I too want to feel safe in my town and home and agree that gun violence has reached a high level here. As a member of the town council, I would work with the Fairfax Police Department to come up with ways to improve the safety of our citizens against gun violence. I would also try to reach out to other areas that see lower numbers than us and find out what helps them. I also believe that the more events and activities we have for our citizens to get involved in the more likely how neighborhoods would be safer.

FORESTER: I will do educational outreach within the neighborhood to curb the violence. I would encourage the mayor and council to support the chief and his department in dealing with this issue. I will work with community leaders including religious [leaders] to curb violence in our community. I firmly believe that [we should give] financial resources to our law enforcement to assist them. Also, [I will] partner with different agencies to highlight gun violence awareness.

KENNEDY: As a member of the council, I will address the issue of gun violence by collaborating with various agencies to not only promote a town of gun safety but also reduce firearm access to youth and individuals who are at risk of hurting themselves or others.

MORRIS: I am aware of some gun violence, but all in all this is a great place to live. Gun violence is problematic all across the nation. We do need more law enforcement officers, community help identifying those who are committing crimes.

THOMPSON: Gun violence is a persistent issue. I will continue to work with the Chief of Police to ensure law enforcement has the necessary tools at their disposable [sic]; however, this is more than a law enforcement issue, it is more of a social problem that can only be solved by encouraging social agencies, such as churches, community-based organizations [sic] to become a partner in preventing this social problem.

Nutrition is a major issue in Fairfax, as the town lacks a grocery store. As a member of council, how will you work to address this?

BURGESS: First, as a resident of Fairfax I know as well the inconvenience of not having a local grocery. Nutrition is high on my list of priorities. I would be making a great effort to come up with ways to get a local grocery store in Fairfax along with possibly a farmers market. I would have to first consult with the mayor and fellow council members on strategic ways to make that possible sooner rather than later. We are on two major roadways US 278 and U.S. 301 [and] we have the potential to attract seasonal tourists.

FORESTER: When it comes to a grocery store, I firmly believe that our town should have its own grocery store due to many citizens who don’t have transportation to go out of town to the grocery store. I feel that this should be a priority of ours. I believe if the town supports the local non-profit food pantries, churches and food shares we would be able to help address some of the nutrition[al] need. I would like to work with our local Dollar General to see if it’s possible to bring a DG market.

KENNEDY: As a member of the council, I will solicit or investigate resources or initiatives to help establish a grocery store in Fairfax.

MORRIS: The issue of a grocery store is a big one. I would as a member council look into Dollar General Market or a locally owned market, etc.

THOMPSON: Nutrition is a major issue. We are in the process of partnering with the Savannah Council to determine the possibility of bringing a grocery chain to the area.

What are some other issues you believe the town faces, and how will you work to address these issues?

FORESTER: One of the issues I believe is the lack of trust. I feel that the citizens should be able to trust the elected officials in knowing that they would make the best decisions for the town. I would not only work with the mayor and councils, I would work with the citizens too.

THOMPSON: Public works needs to be addressed from equipment to water and sewage issues. We have applied for grants; we are still waiting for approval. We can generate funds by incorporating existing areas presently located outside of the town limits.

KENNEDY: Another issue of interest in the town includes not having enough fire hydrants. I will speak with the appropriate agencies to ensure that all guidelines and requirements are met for the installation of fire hydrants throughout the town.

MORRIS: I believe that we have a staffing issue here [as well as] cost of living increases for town employees. [We are also in need of] upgrading equipment needed to maintain Fairfax. We will need to get town finances in check.

Governing a town is a group effort. As a town council member, how will you work with other members of government to improve the lives of those in Fairfax?

FORESTER: The key is that we as elected officials have to be willing to work together. Will we always agree on everything? No, but we have to learn to agree to disagree. In governing this town, you have to be willing to hear what the citizens have to say. Finally, we as a council person have to be willing to work with all elected officials in Allendale County.

THOMPSON: I would encourage the town council to petition local, state and federal agencies to see if there are other options available to improve the town of Fairfax.

KENNEDY: I will work with other town council members and the mayor to promote open and transparent communication, work towards common goals and any other responsibilities needed for growth and development of the town of Fairfax.

MORRIS: As part of the town council, I and them must always remember that we are in service for the community at large and not for our personal gain.

Anything else you want to add?

KENNEDY: A vote for Dorothy Ann Kennedy is a vote for change!

MORRIS: We need to work with those who will set up or establish some wholesome entertainment and outlet for our youth. This would involve holding forums to help identify the needs of the youth. They are our future and it is our responsibility to ensure the best for them.