Candidates running for Sumter city council seats

WARD 1

CHARLES JOE
Age: 63
Occupation: I am a former professor from Trident Technical College and have taught in Sumter School District 17 before consolidation. Years prior, I worked for the U.S. Treasury in Washington, D.C., as an architectural designer.
Platform: I see a need for equal growth all over the city of Sumter. I want to work hard with others to move Sumter forward in its infrastructure, crime reduction, paving of streets and sidewalks, jobs and job training. I want to help make Sumter an "all-American city."
What qualifies you for this position? I am over 18, a registered voter, and I live in Ward 1. I am a people person, and I know how to face and address the needs of the people.
Past experience in local government? I served on the Downtown Sumter Board of Directors from 2002-05 and was proud to serve four terms as president of the Northside Neighborhood Association from 2005-13.
Have you run for an election in the past? Yes, Sumter City Council in 2010.
Why are you seeking election? It is time for a change. I see the needs of the people, and I want to answer their cries.

THOMAS "BUBBA" LOWERY
Age: 67
Occupation: Retired police and probation
Platform: Keeping the flame burning for revitalizing our community, streets and sewers and trying to renovate or tear down dilapidated houses in the area
Past experience in local government? Was the agent in charge of Probation and Parole in Sumter for 23 years.
Why are you seeking re-election? I feel like some of the things I have done in the past need to be continued to help my community revitalize Ward 1.
How long have you served on city council? Since 2002

WARD 3
CALVIN HASTIE - UNOPPOSED
Age: 64
Occupation: Attorney
Platform: Crime, a sense of community and creating jobs for people young and old. My three C’s. That was my platform in 2010, and I want to continue with that.
Past experience in local government? Just city council
Why are you seeking re-election? There’s a lot more to do. The job is not yet done, and I’m going to continue to work on these things.
How long have you served on city council? Since 2010.

WARD 4
ALAN CANNON
Age: 45
Occupation: Funeral home owner and S.C. licensed funeral director and embalmer
Platform: My platform can be summed up as rebuilding the reputation of our city. I believe we have a community we should be proud of. Too often people dwell on negative events and rely on other influences to develop their opinion of Sumter. I do not allow negativity to blind me of the many great things that are going on in our city, nor is my vision blurred of future potential. We need leaders who are proud to represent our city, leaders that will promote and advocate to outside parties as well as within this very community. I am committed to working alongside the citizens of Sumter to provide an environment we are all happy to call home.
What qualifies you for this position? I have been a resident of this community since June 1985. I am a 1987 graduate of Sumter High School. I also graduated from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service. I have served this community in the funeral industry for more than 20 years. For the past 11 years, my partners and I have built and developed a successful business from the ground up. I understand business principles. Just as important, I understand people. My profession allows me the opportunity to be a part of and work with a broad spectrum of our community.
Past experience in local government? I have no previous experience in local government.
Have you run for an election in the past? In 2012, I ran for the Sumter School District board of trustees.
Why are you seeking election? As a business person in the city, I feel a responsibility to give back to the citizens. I am not entering this race with any fore drawn agenda. The city of Sumter has made great advances over the past several years. The approval of my constituents will afford me the opportunity to join the mayor and current council members who, I believe, share a common vision for our community and contribute to the continued improvement of city services and quality of life in Sumter.

EDSEL "WHIT" WHITAKER
Age: 57
Occupation: Real estate developer, manufacturer and sales
Platform: Bring positive change for our community; make the city of Sumter a better place to live, work and play.
What qualifies you for this position? I have experience in running a business, bringing in jobs in manufacturing and serving in our community, working on service projects like trimming trees and shrubs in our neighborhood walkways to keep our sidewalks safe for those who walk, run and ride bikes. I am in my 45th year working with the Boy Scouts of America. I am an Eagle Scout. I work as a mentor to young men working on their Eagle Projects.
Past experience in local government? Former officio member of Sumter County Development Board, Ambassador of Economic Development for Sumter County, served on the Historic Design Review Board. Sumter Chamber of Commerce Businessman of the year, Governor's Award for Economic Development, Tuomey Fellow Graduate.
Have you run for an election in the past? Ran for the office of mayor, city of Sumter, in November 2004.
Why are you seeking election? I am running in this election because I care about the direction of our city and how the Sumter community is perceived. Recently, a business developer from out of town was in Sumter looking at a project with me. As we were riding to lunch, he asked me if Sumter has a serious a crime problem, as has been reported. Before I could answer, he pointed out the sign, "Stop the Violence," displayed in a yard. I am tired of the negative light in which some media and the "excited attention seekers" portray the city I have lived in my whole life. My children have been raised here, and they are now raising their children here. I am proud to live in Sumter. I will work to change this negativity.

COLLEEN YATES
Age: 84
Occupation: Retired dietician and school teacher
Platform: My platform is anything and everything that would make us a better place to live. I am particularly concerned about neighborhoods — especially older ones. We need to work hard at keeping them more attractive, cleaner and safer. Empty houses and unkempt yards have a bad effect on our property value. Our visitors need to know we care. Our appearance can say a lot about who we are.
What qualifies you for this position? I am a longtime resident of the city. I have been involved in local government and civic activities for years. I have served on city council for three terms, beginning in 1970.
Past experience in local government? Served on city council for 12 years and was a three-term mayor pro tem. Before that, I was an election commissioner for 12 years.
Why are you seeking election? I was asked to run for Burns' last two years by my neighbors. I felt I had the knowledge of the job and the maturity to be effective for anything that needed to be dealt with.

WARD 5
ROBERT GALIANO - UNOPPOSED
Age: 70
Occupation: Real estate broker and owner of Palmetto Subs franchises
Platform: Continuing the progress of the city that we have made in the last 10 years both with commercial and industrial development as well as quality-of-life issues.
Past experience in local government? Before serving on city council, I volunteered on various committees.
Why are you seeking re-election? The importance of continuity and having the history to know the city. It's nice to have that experience to look back on.
How long have you served on city council? I served an unexpired term for two years starting in 1992, then served four full terms since. I was honored to be chosen by my peers two years ago to serve as mayor pro tem.