Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
On November 5, the Town of Allendale will vote to elect a mayor. The candidates are former sheriff Tom Carter, mayor Larry Cohen and Allendale town council member Marlon Creech.
Ahead of the election, The People-Sentinel sent the three candidates the same questions. Below are the responses from Carter and Creech; Cohen did not respond.
Why are you running for mayor?
Carter: Allendale is my home, and I want to make Allendale the best it can be. There are a lot of things in Allendale that do not reflect the capabilities of our town. The town needs leadership to strengthen the council and accomplish many of the opportunities that have been recently neglected. For years people blamed Allendale's failure on Interstate 95, but it was not 95 that proved to be the demise of the town. It was leadership. Other towns along Highway 301 have prospered. Why can't we?
Creech: I’m running for mayor because I believe in Allendale’s potential. I’ve lived here, worked with the community, and seen both the challenges and the opportunities. I want to bring fresh ideas and proactive leadership to tackle the issues we face, such as economic development, infrastructure, and public safety. I’m committed to creating a future where Allendale thrives, and I want to be a part of that transformation.
How will you work with other members of local, state, and federal governments as mayor?
Carter: I will work with the local council to tackle the problems that we have. I have a plan to pull the municipalities in the county to work together and not work against each other. More can be covered together to stop the division in this county. Communication is key with the federal government.
Creech: Collaboration is key to success. I plan to maintain open lines of communication with county and state officials, as well as our representatives in Washington. I will actively seek out partnerships and grant opportunities, advocate for our needs, and ensure that Allendale’s voice is heard at every level of government. By working together, we can pool resources and align our efforts for the greater good of our community.
What is your top priority as mayor?
Carter: My top priority is to turn our town around. What has happened in the past is gone. We have to look to the future and work towards our goals. I will work with the council and prioritize a list of needs and then go after these issues as one body and not a divided government for the town.
Creech: My top priority is to be for the people because I am the people. My priorities are to serve with compassion, kindness and love. My priority is to deliver on broken promises that were made in the past, become the spokesperson that the Town needs, restore hope and to stand on business when it comes to the economic health and development of our town. Without a strong economy, other aspects of life such as public safety, education, and infrastructure suffer. I want to attract businesses, create jobs, and provide opportunities for residents to prosper.
What steps will you take as mayor to help the town address gun violence?
Carter: The council and I will meet with and work with the chief of police to try to increase his resources. We will meet with the solicitor's office to stress the need to prosecute these cases when they are made, and even set up a meeting with the Attorney General if necessary to prosecute criminal acts.
Creech: Gun violence is a serious concern. As Mayor I plan to tackle the issue by assuring that the police department is fully staffed, with 24 hour coverage enforced, as well as surveillance cameras operating around the clock. I will work closely with law enforcement to ensure they have the tools and training necessary to keep our community safe. Additionally, I will partner with local organizations to provide programs focused on conflict resolution, mentorship, and job training for youth, which can help prevent violence before it starts. Collaboration with state agencies for funding and support in these efforts will also be a priority.
What steps will you take as mayor to help improve the town’s economy?
Carter: If elected, I will review finances with the council to address discrepancies, spend money wisely, apply for grants, and establish grant managers to ensure that funds are actually used for intended purposes. Everyone will be made accountable for the town's finances. We also need to do what we can to make Allendale more appealing to businesses. We have to work on our image to make Allendale more desirable for businesses. There is a possibility that 95 at Santee's bridge will close for repairs and traffic will be rerouted to US 301. This can be a big boost to Allendale's economy. We must work accordingly.
Creech: To revitalize our economy, I’ll focus on attracting new businesses by opening opportunities for organizations to host more job fairs in the community, supporting small businesses by offering viable resources to market and promote their products and services. I’ll work to streamline local regulations to make it easier for businesses to start and grow here. I will promote Allendale as a great place to live and work in order to attract both new residents and entrepreneurs.
What steps will you take as mayor to help address the town’s infrastructural/water issues?
Carter: We need upgrades to our water system badly, and we need to seek grants from federal infrastructure programs. We need a qualified company to come in to redo this system. All we are doing now is patching. Our workers do the best job they can working on the water system. We need a company to do this. There is a major US highway that runs through our town. Now we are ducking cones and pot holes in the roads. This needs to be fixed.
Creech: Our infrastructure, particularly our water system, is in urgent need of attention. As mayor, I’ll prioritize securing state and federal funding to upgrade our water infrastructure. I’ll work with engineers to develop long-term solutions and ensure that our system's pipes are replaced, safe, reliable, and sustainable. Additionally, I’ll work with the town council to improve road conditions and public utilities so that Allendale is better positioned for growth and investment.
What distinguishes you from the other mayoral candidates?
Carter: I am a visionary. I have a vision for Allendale. I am not in this for personal gains. I have leadership experience. As a 23 year veteran, I know that my experience and knowledge will help me be a strong leader in this town. Having been the Sheriff of Allendale County for 20 years I know how things are supposed to be handled. Most of all, I have common sense.
Creech: What sets me apart is being that perfect bridge between the younger and the older generation here in Allendale and my proven ability to bring people together to solve problems. I’m not just offering ideas, I’ve already been involved in projects that have had a positive impact here. My focus is on practical solutions, and I have a vision for the future that’s grounded in action, not just words. I’m committed to transparency, accountability, and making sure that every voice in our community is heard.
Anything else you’d like voters to know?
Carter: I want voters to know that Allendale is my home, so I want the best things possible for our town. My vision is to turn our home town around and make it a place to be proud of, so when our kids move on to colleges and other future experiences, they will not be ashamed to call Allendale home.
Creech: I want voters to know that I’m not just running for office—I’m running for the future of Allendale. I’m committed to making our town a place where everyone has an opportunity to succeed. I’m here to listen, to lead, and to make decisions that will benefit the entire community, not just a few. Together, we can build a stronger Allendale and I want voters to remember you are not out of reach when you vote for Creech.
