Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
Peggy Kinlaw is seeking re-election for her District 2 seat on Barnwell City Council.
Peggy Kinlaw is the only candidate on the ballot for the Barnwell City Council District 2 seat. She was first elected in 2020.
She is a native of North Carolina but moved to Barnwell in 2000.
"For more than 23 years, Barnwell has been our home," she said.
She was a human resource manager for Mayo Yarns in North Carolina for 21 years and worked for First Citizens Bank in Barnwell 21 years, but is now retired.
She graduated from Bladenboro High School and attended Northwestern Technical College.
She and her husband Ben have one son, Jonathan, a daughter-in-law, Katie, and 2 grandsons (Thatcher, 10, and Harrison, 8) who reside in Georgia.
The Kinlaws attend Barnwell First Baptist Church. She has been treasurer of the Willise Keel Sunday School Class for many years.
How are you involved in the community?
I was elected to Barnwell City Council in October 2020 to represent district #2. My fellow council members elected me mayor pro-tempore January 2022, making me the first woman to be elected to this position.
I have supported Barnwell in events and activities since moving here. Currently, I serve on the following boards: Barnwell County Museum Board member and secretary, Keep Barnwell County Beautiful, South Carolina Litter Control Association, Barnwell County Sestercentennial (250) Committee, Appointed by Governor Henry McMaster to serve on region 5 of South Carolina Advisory Council on Aging.
Why are you seeking re-election?
I have served on Barnwell City Council for three years and have been a part of moving our city forward with honesty and integrity. I would like to continue to represent the citizens of District #2 and I would like to be a part of what can be accomplished in the future.
What makes you the best candidate?
I have three years of experience of serving on the city council, attending various meetings that impact our city directly and indirectly. One of the biggest challenges in 2024 is how do we invest the allocated capital sales tax.
In 2024, our county and municipalities will have the opportunity to make a list of capital projects, as was submitted in 2016. The police department and splash pad were the primary recipients of the CPST. With my experience on city council, I can represent what is best for the city.
The Capital Projects Sales Tax (CPST) referendum will be on the November 5, 2024, ballot.
If re-elected, what are your top priorities?
My top priority for the citizens of Barnwell is “safety.” I would like to ensure our citizens are afforded the best police and fire protection and provided with the best quality of life possible. Work with Southern Carolina Alliance and Barnwell County Economic Development Commission to work toward getting any idled plants back in operation.
Governing a town is a group effort. How would you work with the other town leaders and the public?
Establish communication lines with our county and municipalities to ask questions, share ideas and solutions with each other. The county sponsored an event last year and we learned of each municipality’s accomplishments. Suggest that this is a more frequent event. Also, welcome input and opinions from our constituents.
What do you love about your community?
As recently demonstrated with the Hagood Avenue Baptist Church fire, Barnwell is a caring and sharing community. Barnwellians rallied behind our firemen, offered support, and hope to church members. First Baptist Church made the Merge available and now the former Presbyterian Church has been made available. This caring is one of many reasons why I love Barnwell.
If you aren't re-elected, how will you work to be involved and make a difference?
I will continue to serve on the various boards, making my trips to Columbia representing our region, and working toward keeping Barnwell and our county beautiful.
Anything else?
One of my highlights during my tenure was Saturday, March 25th when we had the ceremonial groundbreaking for our new fire station. The next highlight will be the completion of this project with our council realizing our fire department deserves this new building after all these years. This was and has been a top priority since I was elected in 2020, and now is coming to fruition.
