Election Day is Nov. 4. Early voting for local 2025 races is from Monday, Oct. 20, to Friday, Oct. 31, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lexington County Voter Registration and Election Office, located at 605 West Main Street, Ste. C, in Lexington. The office can be reached at 803-785-8361, and more information is available on the county’s website. These Q&A responses are published in the order the Lexington Chronicle has received them; there will be more in future editions and online leading up to the election.

Bo Turner, running for Batesburg-Leesville Town Council District 1

1. Why are you running?
I have chosen to run for town council because of my love for this town, which has given me so much over the past fifty years, it has inspired me to give back to its citizens. I would be honored to serve and to demonstrate to the younger generations the incredible opportunities our town offers and what amazing things we can achieve when we work together. With my business background and deep love for our town, I believe I am the ideal candidate for District 1 Town Council position.

2. Have you run for political office before? If so, explain:
I have not run for any political office before but I have held several civic duty positions before including SCDPS Police Officer / Lex. Dixie Youth Coach / Certified AAU Volleyball Ref. / and 30+ Yr. Voter

3. Current job/profession, or if retired, past job/profession:
Salesman with Dana Safety Supply

4. What makes you qualified for the seat?
With my top priorities being to bring jobs back to Batesburg Leesville for our youth and manage our town's growth at a sustainable rate. My experience working for the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, where I was responsible for writing grants, Requests for Quotation (RFQs), specifications, and other procurement duties, has prepared me to effectively serve our community.

5. What challenges/concerns do you see in the area the seat you're running for represents, and how do you intend to improve them?
First, I urge the Town Council to collaborate with the County Council and the Planning Committee to establish more restrictive requirements for builders. Specifically, I recommend reducing the number of homes allowed per acre and implementing stricter separation requirements between properties.
Second, it is crucial that every aspect of our existing infrastructure be thoroughly reviewed and addressed before any new subdivisions are approved. This proactive approach will ensure our community can sustainably support future growth. Finally, to foster the long-term vitality of Batesburg-Leesville, we must invest in our youth and create job opportunities that encourage younger generations to remain and thrive in our community.

6. Any plans to address infrastructure? If so, explain.
As I've stated, it is crucial that every aspect of our existing infrastructure, from traffic patterns to stormwater drainage, be thoroughly reviewed and addressed before any new subdivisions are approved. This proactive approach will ensure our community can sustainably support future growth.

7. Are you actively involved in the community? How so?
My wife and I are actively involved in the community, regularly attending council meetings, planning committee meetings, Chamber of Commerce events, and Better Business Bureau events, as well as various social gatherings.

8. Anything else you want to add?
I believe one of the most critical issues we face is the ongoing discord between the council and the mayor, as well as internal issues within the council itself. It's essential for the council to remember their primary duty is to the citizens, not to their own interests or special interest groups. To foster better communication and accountability, I propose holding informal, open town hall-style forums. These would provide citizens with an opportunity to voice their concerns and gain a clearer understanding of the council's capabilities and limitations. Additionally, I would like to see more workshops involving both the council and the mayor to collaboratively address town concerns. The cohesiveness and effective collaboration of our council and mayor are vital for the proper functioning of our town government.

Angie Alley, running for Swansea Town Council District 1

1. Why are you running?
I am running because I want to serve my community a place where I live, work and where my children will plant roots.

2. Have you run for political office before? If so, explain:
No.

3. Current job/professional, or if retired, past job/profession:
Banker for 27 years.

4. What makes you qualified for the seat?
I care deeply about my town. I have been attending town meetings for over 2 years now. Serving currently on the zoning committee. I will bring positive energy, fresh perspectives and the drive to get things done.

5. What challenges/concerns do you see in the area the seat you're running for represents, and how do you intend to improve them?
The challenge with the current council and mayor is the lack of working together. Our town has so many opportunities I am focused on bringing people together and working as a team to bring progress to our town.

6. What successes have you seen in the area that you want to build on?
We have people who care deeply about our town. That commitment is something I want to channel into real progress. I want to make sure residents and business owners have a real voice in our town decisions. Everyone deserves to be heard.

7. Any plans to address infrastructure? If so, explain.
One of my first priorities would be to discuss a comprehensive plan to guide growth responsibly and effectively.

8. Are you actively involved in the community? How so?
Yes. I am a member of a group that helps promote Swansea . Swansea SC helping hands. We actively promote litter cleanup days, helping residents with yard clean up and many other special projects.

9. Anything else you want to add?
We are a small town with limited funds but that does not mean we can’t make progress. It means we have to be smart, creative and work together to get the most out of what we have.

Gregg White, running for Chapin Town Council

1. Why are you running?
Community service.

2. Have you run for political office before? If so, explain:
Yes, Chapin Council & Irmo Council.

3. Current job/profession, or if retired, past job/profession:
Retired Director SBA.

4. What makes you qualified for the seat?
Owned my own business, worked in private sector banking & worked with all levels of local, state and federal governments.

5. What challenges/concerns do you see in the area the seat you're running for represents, and how do you intend to improve them?
Managing growth.

6. What successes have you seen in the area that you want to build on?
Traffic improvements and controlled growth.

7. Any plans to address infrastructure? If so, explain.
Continue traffic improvements, lower water rates, green spaces and sidewalks, impact fees for developers.

8. Are you actively involved in the community? How so?
Rotary, Chamber & Church.

9. Anything else you want to add?
Chapin is in a great position with effective management, utilities, law enforcement, zoning and future plans. It would be ashamed to mess up a good thing!

George M. Crowe, running for West Columbia City Council District 3

1. Why are you running?
To Continue to make West Columbia a great place to live, work and play. This is an opportunity to serve our city where I believe I can make a positive difference right away.

2. Have you run for political office before? If so, explain:
I have been a City Councilman for District #3 for the past two and one half years.

3. Current job/profession, or if retired, past job/profession:
I am Director of the SC State Fair Event Services

4. What makes you qualified for the seat?
I served on the West Columbia Zoning Board of Appeals for 8 years where I learned a lot about City Government, then I ran for City Council District #3 because I care about our City where I have lived all my life, 72 years.

5. What challenges/concerns do you see in the area the seat you're running for represents, and how do you intend to improve them?
I want to see West Columbia grow in all areas. I want our neighborhoods safe. I want all our public services we provide for our citizens to remain the best; Sanitation, Public Safety, and especially our local law enforcement. We want to provide them with all the tools and equipment that they need to make our city safe.

6. What successes have you seen in the area that you want to build on?
Changing some of our zoning rules and regulations, construction and rebuilding of our neighborhood areas, the growth of our public safety .

7. Any plans to address infrastructure? If so, explain.
Continuing to stay behind our DOT to get our roads up to the level they need to be.

8. Are you actively involved in the community? How so?
I want to continue helping the citizens of West Columbia on any issues they may have.

9. Anything else you want to add?
I would appreciate your vote on November 4, 2025 for West Columbia City Council District #3. I promise to listen, be responsive and advocate for all residents of District #3.

Michael H. Kyzer, running for Pine Ridge Town Council

1. Why are you running?
I feel everyone should be involved in the community that they live in, in some way. This is a great opportunity for me to serve my neighbors in Pine Ridge.

2. Have you run for political office before? If so, explain:
No, I have not.

3. Current job/profession, or if retired, past job/profession:
I am currently retired. My past jobs have been in management and as a business owner.

4. What makes you qualified for the seat?
I have served this past year on the Zoning Board of Appeals for Pine Ridge. I grew up and lived most of my life in rural Lexington County and small towns, so I feel I can relate to most people in our town. My background in business has taught me how to be a team player and how to lead when needed.

5. What challenges/concerns do you see in the area the seat you're running for represents, and how do you intend to improve them?
Future growth of our town, along with consideration of infrastructure is an ongoing challenge. I plan to work toward improvement, without losing the hometown feel of our community.

6. What successes have you seen in the area that you want to build on?
I admire the team currently steering Pine Ridge. I have seen more community communication and an improved flow of information between Town Hall and our citizens. I plan to add my energy to the group effort in bringing the town together with even more community involvement of residents.

7. Any plans to address infrastructure? If so, explain.
Working with zoning has taught me that challenges with growth are ever changing and will require a coming together of all involved to face the future successfully.

8. Are you actively involved in the community? How so?
I currently serve on the Zoning Board of Appeals, have attended community trash pickups, attend town hall meetings (in person or online) and am a member of the Friends of South Congaree – Pine Ridge Library.

9. Anything else you want to add?
You don’t have to run for office to be involved in your town. Attend fairs and shows, buy local, come to meetings and voice your concerns.

Ron Colley, running for Town of Chapin Mayor

1. Why are you running?
For nearly two years, I went through one of the most frustrating experiences of my life: trying to obtain a simple building permit for my home here in Chapin. That journey even led to a lawsuit against the town before I was finally able to move forward. Throughout this process, I discovered just how difficult it can be for everyday citizens to navigate our local government. What struck me most was the lack of accountability and accessibility from those elected and appointed to serve the people.
When I tried to reach out to our Mayor, I found him to be completely unreachable. No one knew his telephone number, his office hours, or even the proper way to contact him. To this day, if he does keep regular office hours, they remain a mystery to me. Government should never feel like a locked door to its citizens.
I also spent more than six months waiting for the zoning director to give me a simple “yes” or “no” on my application. Ironically, that same zoning director later left town employment to work for a large developer, one who can seemingly build hundreds of homes more easily than an ordinary family can put up a fence. That isn’t fairness, and it certainly isn’t good governance.
As someone who has been a licensed contractor for decades, I know this process doesn’t have to be so complicated. I have the experience and the qualifications to run the building and zoning department efficiently. Under my leadership, ordinary residential permits will not require expensive architects or engineers for simple projects. Instead of dragging on for months, a zoning approval could be completed in 30 minutes or less. Citizens deserve straightforward, commonsense solutions—not red tape.
If elected Mayor, I will ensure accountability at every level of town government. Each town employee will be expected to write a short daily report outlining what they accomplished that day. This simple measure will improve efficiency, transparency, and responsibility. And let me be clear: all employees will be hired and retained on merit alone—never because of politics, favoritism, or connections.
Another issue I intend to address is fiscal responsibility. Right now, the town manager earns $120,000 a year plus benefits to manage a community that covers only 2.5 square miles. To me, that is excessive and unnecessary. The responsibilities of overseeing our town should be shared by the Mayor and Council Members—after all, that is what the people elected us to do. I have spent my life running businesses, managing budgets, and signing paychecks. I know what it means to live within our means, and I will bring that same discipline to Chapin’s government.
My concerns are not just professional—they are personal. Former Mayor David Knight once shared with me that his own daughter had been waiting more than a year and a half just to obtain a permit to cut down a dead tree in her yard. That is absolutely unacceptable. Under my administration, that kind of request would be handled in ten minutes. Government should serve people, not stand in their way.
I also have a deep, personal commitment to the safety and well-being of our children. I am the proud father of two children currently enrolled in Chapin schools. As Mayor, I will work closely with the Chapin Police Department to ensure a hands-on presence in our community, especially when it comes to keeping our children safe. School sporting events and after-school activities will have visible supervision from our officers, so that parents can have peace of mind and children can thrive without fear of violence or disruption.
I will never involve myself in development projects within the town beyond work on my own personal home, because I believe that would be a conflict of interest. I will never carry a town credit card or checkbook. If I choose to treat our staff to donuts, coffee, or lunch, it will be paid for out of my own pocket—not taxpayer funds. Serving as Mayor should never be about personal perks—it should be about public service.
At the heart of my vision is a simple goal: to build a kinder, gentler Chapin. A government that is open, approachable, and accountable. A government that treats citizens with respect and makes life easier instead of harder. A government that operates for the people, not for itself.
Chapin is a wonderful place to live, raise a family, and build a future. But I believe we can do better. With commonsense leadership, fiscal responsibility, and a heart for service, we can make Chapin a model of how small-town government should work.

2. Have you run for political office before? If so, explain:
I ran for County Council Member in Richland County Council District 1 in 2014, against a popular incumbent. I believe it now and I believed it then that our representatives should be accessible, visible, have common sense leadership, practice fiscal responsibility, and a heart for service.

3. Current job/profession, or if retired, past job/profession:
I am retired with active licenses in South Carolina as a General Contractor and Residential Homebuilder.

4. What makes you qualified for the seat?
My qualifications come from a lifetime of education, experience, and service. With 50 years as a business owner, I bring proven leadership, fiscal responsibility, and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure. I have always lived by the principle of serving others without asking for anything in return. As a critical thinker, I focus on applying common-sense solutions to real problems, approaching challenges with determination and a results-oriented mindset. I am not afraid to put in the legwork, and I believe in leading by example. Above all, I am reasonable, approachable, and committed to making a meaningful, positive impact on the lives of Chapin residents. I will be posting my office hours and phone number. I will truly be available to the people of Chapin.

5. What challenges/concerns do you see in the area the seat you're running for represents, and how do you intend to improve them?
As I mentioned in my earlier response, I am deeply concerned by the inefficiency and ineffectiveness of the systems currently in place in Chapin. These challenges are compounded by a lack of accountability and the absence of quality customer service. Our community deserves better.

6. What successes have you seen in the area that you want to build on?
Chapin’s Labor Day Parade is a wonderful tradition that brings people together and celebrates our community spirit. I want to build on that success by expanding opportunities for residents to gather and celebrate throughout the year. Many nearby towns have signature events—Gilbert has the Peach Festival, Irmo has the Okra Strut, and Newberry hosts an Oktoberfest. Chapin should have at least two annual festivals or parades in addition to Labor Day. I propose a Founders Day celebration to honor our roots and an Oktoberfest-style street party to showcase local businesses, food, and music. These events strengthen community pride, boost local commerce, and make Chapin an even better place to live.

7. Any plans to address infrastructure? If so, explain:
Chapin is a small town with unique charm and character. Unlike some neighboring communities, we are not sitting on unlimited space or infrastructure capacity to support unchecked growth. In fact, our community already faces challenges with sewer and water services. Before any talk of expansion or large-scale development, we must address the issues we have today. But let me be clear that I will never infringe on a homeowners' rights to build a home for themselves or remodel existing structures.
With regards expansion and large-scale development, I do not believe in spending taxpayer dollars on endless feasibility studies conducted by outside firms that charge enormous sums but deliver little in return. That approach is not fiscally responsible. Too often, government brings in “experts” who don’t live here, don’t know our community, and ultimately make decisions that do not reflect the will of the people. It leads to a situation where too many voices are involved, each trying to justify their own existence, while nothing truly gets accomplished.
My philosophy is rooted in common sense and accountability:
Take each issue one at a time. Not every challenge requires a new study or committee. Many problems can be solved by looking carefully at the facts, applying practical solutions, and listening to the people who are directly affected.
Listen to the community. Growth should never be something done to our citizens—it should be something done with them. Before making major decisions, we must seek public input and give residents a real voice in shaping their future.
Prioritize what matters most. Our focus must be on maintaining and improving basic services like water, sewer, roads, and public safety before entertaining major development projects.
The truth is, Chapin is not a blank canvas for endless growth. Our responsibility as town leaders is to protect the quality of life that makes Chapin special, manage what growth does come in a careful and deliberate way, and ensure that decisions are made based on the needs of the people—not the profits of developers or the preferences of outside consultants.
By stepping back, applying common sense, and respecting the will of the community, we can handle growth responsibly without losing what makes Chapin home.

8. Are you actively involved in the community? How so?
My community involvement has never been about building a résumé or curating the image of a career politician. Instead, it reflects a genuine commitment to faith, service, and people. My family and I are members of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Chapin and lifetime members of the Filipino-American Association of Greater Columbia. I have long supported organizations such as Operation Smile, Oliver Gospel Mission, and St. Jude Children’s Hospital, as well as local initiatives like Family Promise of Columbia, Jamil Temple, Saluda Shoals Park, and the Big Red Barn Retreat.
Equally important are the personal ways I have tried to give back. Over the years, I have mentored individuals of all ages pursuing careers in construction and offered free labor or knowledge to help community members fix problems in their homes. I have supported men navigating the difficult realities of divorce and custody battles, provided guidance to those struggling with drugs and alcohol, and assisted newcomers to South Carolina as they adjusted to life in a new community. These one-on-one acts of mentorship, service, and encouragement reflect the heart of my involvement: walking alongside people, offering practical help, and helping them find stability and hope.

9. Anything else you want to add?
If I am elected Mayor, my first priority will be to ensure a seamless transition of leadership. Chapin deserves stability and continuity, not disruption or confusion. From day one, I will be focused on serving our community with clarity and purpose. Part of that commitment includes personally learning the day-to-day functions of every role within Town Hall. I plan to spend time working alongside each department, from zoning to permitting to customer service, in order to identify areas for improvement. By understanding how each job is performed, I will be able to streamline processes, eliminate unnecessary delays, and create a culture of accountability.
Most importantly, I will never lose sight of who government is supposed to serve: the people of Chapin. Whether a family wants to build a new home on their property, remodel their grandmother’s house, or simply make small improvements to their land, they should be able to count on Town Hall for guidance—not roadblocks. If that means sitting down with residents personally to help them fill out the paperwork, I will gladly do so. Government should be a partner, not an obstacle.
All of this ties back to my central vision: a kinder, gentler Chapin. A community where government is approachable, helpful, and truly in service to its citizens. By focusing on accessibility, compassion, and efficiency, we can create a town hall that reflects the values of the people who call Chapin home.

Barbara Waldman, running for Irmo Town Council

1. Why are you running?
I seek to serve my community. Prior to being elected to the Irmo Town Council in 2021, I was involved with Town activities, including attending Council meetings and meetings addressing the development of Rawls Creek Park and the rededication of the historic Upper Pine Grove Cemetery. I served as a non-voting Irmo Okra Strut Commissioner and as the Chair of the Irmo Board of Zoning Appeals. I am seeking re-election to Council to continue my service in order to make Irmo an even more attractive place to live, work and play.

2. Have you run for political office before? If so, explain.
Yes. I initially ran for a seat on the Irmo Town Council in the Special Election of March 2020, and lost that seat by 5 votes! In November 2021, I ran again for one of two open seats, and won.

3. Current job/profession, or if retired, past job/profession.
In 1992 I moved to Irmo when I accepted a faculty position in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of South Carolina. I taught classes in Cell and Molecular Biology and in Experimental Biotechnology, and conducted research in cellular biochemistry. I have retired from that position.

4. What makes you qualified for the seat?
As mentioned above, I have been involved with Town activities for many years prior to being elected to Council. I am completing my fourth year as a Council member, and currently serve as Mayor Pro-Tem. Over the last 4 years, I have acquired a deeper understanding of local government functions, and have learned how to use that knowledge to pursue projects and programs that benefit the residents of Irmo. Also, I have taken advantage of the professional development opportunities provided by the Municipal Association of SC.

5. What challenges/concerns do you see in the area the seat you're running for represents, and how do you intend to improve them?
Maintaining the desirable quality of life the Irmo residents experience is my overarching concern. Dealing with growth, both commercial and residential, in the Town of Irmo is a major challenge. As new development is proposed, we now require the developer to complete a Traffic Impact Analysis, and abide by any road improvements required by SCDOT. Along with regulating growth, we can improve the quality of life for our residents and the greater Irmo community by providing additional community events and enhancing our park areas.

6. What successes have you seen in the area that you want to build on?
Since I have been on Council, we have reviewed and revised many of our Ordinances and Zoning and Land Use Articles, to update and clarify sections. We have created a mixed-use development district, which designates specific uses and development standards, and requires environmental studies, a Traffic Impact Analysis, and a development agreement. Rawls Creek Park, our newest park, was dedicated in October 2024 and includes a Community Garden, two Dog Parks (separate areas for small and large dogs), and a Skate Park. We are currently working with a local NPO to add an inclusive playground to this park. And we have expanded the number of community events (concerts and other family activities) sponsored by the Town and local business partners.

7. Any plans to address infrastructure? If so, explain.
With the exception of two small roads, the Town of Irmo does not own the roads within the Town, which means that roads are the responsibility of either the County or the State. Irmo does not provide water and sewer services, either. But Council does advocate on behalf of our residents to get roads maintained and to have water and sewer issues resolved by the appropriate entities.

8. Are you actively involved in the community? How so?
In addition to my involvement with Town of Irmo events and activities, I also serve on the Board of two local NPOs and serve on several Lexington/Richland School District Five advisory committees.

9. Anything else you want to add?
Since taking my seat on Council I have worked to increase communications, to involve our youth in local government, and to provide more community services and events. I established the Community Connections and School Showcase sections during Council meetings, and am working with the Town Administration to create a quarterly newsletter. I have worked with Irmo High School International School for the Arts to establish the Irmo Mayor’s Youth Council, a group of students who will have a voice in Council meetings and work on a project of their choice to benefit the Irmo community. Support for new community events, like the Irmo Town Limit Concert Series, and additional community services, like the Loan-a-Mower program, are also priorities for me.

More Q&As will be published online and in future editions of the Chronicle before the election.