Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
Incumbent Mayor Marcus Rivera is being challenged by Councilman Ron Still.
Mayor Marcus Rivera wants to keep his seat Nov. 7.
Councilman Ron Still wants to be the next mayor of Barnwell.
City of Barnwell Mayor Marcus Rivera is being challenged for his seat by City Councilman Ron Still.
Marcus Rivera
Marcus A. Rivera, the City of Barnwell's first African-American mayor, is vying to keep his seat.
After returning home from college, the Barnwell native began mentoring youth. He has 20-plus years of experience mentoring and developed his own group for young men: Boyz2Men, Inc. The mission of Boyz2Men, Inc is to mentor, inspire, educate, and nurture at-risk males who reside in rural South Carolina, especially between the ages of 12-18, so they may develop into focused, productive individuals with the skills to succeed in a diverse, global world and to participate in that world ethically and compassionately.
Previously employed 17 years by AT&T Mobility as an Integrated Solutions Consultant, he held various management jobs. In May 2021, he founded Dark Horse Staffing & Recruiting Agency, which offers statewide contracts, direct hire placement and recruiting services.
"I've been able to pair local citizens with great-paying employers here in our local region. In most cases this helps with our poverty level in our area. My ultimate goal is to help generate taxpayers within our communities," he said.
Rivera is a member of various local and state groups, including the S.C. Municipal Association, Barnwell County Healing Partners Coalition, Barwell County Career Center Advisory Council, Voorhees College Center for Entrepreneurship Board, Barnwell County’s Economic Development, and S.C. Black Municipal Caucus secretary. He completed the USC-Salk Leadership Forum.
He's a member of Trinity Outreach Ministries.
He's the son of Mike and Jannie Highsmith and Randy and Connie Hayes. He and his wife Shonda have 5 children.
Ron Still
Current Barnwell City (District 1) Councilman Ron Still wants to be the City of Barnwell's next mayor.
The U.S. Navy veteran is a lifelong resident of Barnwell. He has been employed at the Barnwell County Career Center for 25 years where he's the electricity instructor.
"I want each and every citizen to know that I will work hard to improve the City of Barnwell and each citizen’s quality of life. I was born and raised here and have a vested interest in my family as well as your family’s future. Many of us know what Barnwell used to be, a great, thriving small town. I believe that it can be that again. That is why I am asking for your vote and support on November 7, 2023," said Still.
He is a member of Mount Olivet Church where he is chairman of the deacons. He's a member of Hilda Masonic Lodge 426. He also is a member of the Ellenton Ag Club.
He has been married to Melissa B. Still for 34 years. They have one son, Mason Still. He's the son of Roy and Patricia Still of Barnwell.
He was first elected to city council in November 2021.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Why are you seeking election?
RIVERA: I'm running for re-election because I absolutely love the community in which I grew up in, and I feel that over the last four years we have made great progress when it pertains to positive change within the city. Therefore, I look to continue our march towards progression, when it pertains to unity, inclusiveness, and growth within our community. I also feel that Barnwell was at its best when we had a great presence and influence across the state. During my time in office, I have formed relationships that will prove beneficial in years to come.
STILL: I am seeking the office of mayor because since being elected to the Barnwell City Council, I believe that new leadership and vision for Barnwell is needed to move Barnwell forward in the future.
What makes you the best candidate?
RIVERA: What makes me the best candidate is the same thing that makes a great leader. My ability to operate in truth and transparency, all while keeping the peace, my willingness to listen before responding, and because I'm accessible. My track record shows that I know how to WIN no matter how dark or bleak the situation may be. Lastly, understanding that you manage things, and lead people. I know the difference in the two, and ultimately, I feel that will play a big role with both the city's employees and its citizens.
STILL: Being a lifelong resident of Barnwell, I have seen what our community has been. I know that with the right vision and leadership that our community can once again become a unified and strong community. I know that we live in a community that has citizens who have the ability to work together and make our community successful, but need a strong leader for all the people with a vision for the future. I believe that I am that person. As a coach I have been successful on the field. As a teacher I have been successful in the classroom. The reason for my success is that I have and will be willing to listen before reacting to each person and the situation. I will then work with our city council to make the best decision for all the citizens of Barnwell.
If elected, what are your top priorities?
RIVERA: Public safety due to the recent turn of events with our police chief's departure, and seemingly our entire command staff we are essentially starting from scratch. Other components that factor into this is mental health, homelessness, and the steady rise across the country in drug addiction.
Small businesses are the heartbeat of our community, not to mention they make most of the city's workforce. As a city we have to do a better job at assisting them with their needs, when it pertains to funding incentives and possible partnerships. The city thrives as our small business community thrives.
Housing is another item on my list. I feel with the recent additions of Tin Thahn Group in our neighboring community Fairfax, Koch & Co., and others in the area the housing demand will be at all-time high. We are also in a position where some of our lower income housing is just not livable anymore. I feel we owe it to our new and current citizens to try and increase both our affordable and attainable housing options.
Recreation is and will always be a focus of mine. As stated, small businesses is the heartbeat of the city, and recreation is the very fabric that keeps us all together. We will continue adding to Fuller Park, and the plan is to one day have a recreation facility, that will be used for a multitude of things. These resources will create environments that force us to laugh, love, support, and compete together as a community.
STILL: I will make working for all the citizens my top priority. I believe that the first priority is for myself and the city council to work together to bring unity to our community. I realize that six council members and a mayor cannot resolve every issue that the city has without the help of our citizens. The leaders of our community must show the people that we are willing to work together and bring unity to our community. The more people we have working toward achieving a goal the better the outcome will be. The City of Barnwell has great citizens but they must feel that their opinion matters, because it does. If we have unity amongst our citizens then other priorities like bringing industry, keeping our city clean and improving the downtown business area will start to fall into place naturally. Empower our citizens with ownership of their town and we as a community will be successful in the future.
Governing a town is a group effort. How would you work with others?
RIVERA: Since I've been elected, I've done my best to not only work with our elected officials, but others across the state as well.
STILL: I will work with our community leaders by meeting and listening to their ideas. I will listen to how to make these ideas a reality and will ask our city council to support the ideas that are feasible in any and all the ways the city can to help Barnwell move forward and be successful. I will also listen to our local business owners on their ideas and needs to help each business be as successful as possible. By listening, I feel we can see the areas that need improving. If any of these areas can be done or supported by our city government then we need to help. After all, our city government works for the citizens and business owners. Working with and for the citizens and business owners are a large part of what each of you have elected us for.
What do you love about the community?
RIVERA: The people, their passion, and the endless possibilities. My story alone is a testament that all things are possible through support, love, and belief.
STILL: One of the best things about the City of Barnwell and this community is even though we may have different views and opinions in many areas of our life there has never been any moment that I can recall that when someone that has been in need that this community has not stepped up to support whatever the need has been. Barnwell may not have all the conveniences that bigger cities have to offer, but we have some of the most kind and caring citizens I have ever been around, and I will always take that over the conveniences that some larger towns may provide.
If you aren't elected, how will you work to be involved and make a difference?
RIVERA: I'll continue doing what I've been doing the last 20 years and that's working in our communities. I'm a firm believer in the only thing that work is WORK!
STILL: I am always out in our community and, if elected, will continue to be visible and always be accessible to all the citizens of Barnwell. I will make sure that the mayor’s office will be open several days a week during the afternoon so each citizen can have access to me meet with me in person to discuss any questions, concerns, or ideas after normal working hours. I will work to have community events like family/bingo/movie nights at the park, back to school drives, and youth sports camps, festivals and other community events. I would like to have a committee to help promote these types of events. Our community has some events now but believe there is much more we can have for our children and citizens. An event committee would give our leaders ideas of what our community would like to see happen. Community events bring people together and helps improve each person’s quality of life. These events give the citizens an opportunity to come together and see family members and old friends with a chance to make new friends.
How are you involved in the community?
RIVERA: I have over 20 years of community service which dates back to my college days. Since 2005 I've volunteered my time to Barnwell Recreation Department, Guinyard-Butler Middle School, and Barnwell High School in some capacity. In 2016 myself along with our Co-Founder Captain/Coach Thomas Davis started our youth group Boyz2Men, Inc., that mentors at risk males in our area. I'm also the Director of the travel basketball organization named the Carolina Shockers. Through this mentorship we've exposed and educated hundreds of children through real experiences. All of our organizations perform litter pick-ups, educate the youth on financial literacy, resume building classes for citizens of all ages, and offer mental health coaches for those in need.
STILL: I served as a member of the Barnwell Baseball & Softball Association for 12 years. I coached youth baseball, football and basketball for 14 years. I was an assistant coach at Barnwell High School for 13 years where I coached football, baseball and track. I am a member of the Sundial Festival Committee. I am presently serving on the Barnwell County Ad Hoc Housing Committee.
