20 hours Ago
CANDIDATE: James Hankinson RUNNING FOR: Hankinson is a Republican candidate for the District 8 seat on Aiken County Council. AGE: 40 OCCUPATION: ISS supervisor, community leader, head coach and co-owner: Hankinson Boxing Gym "Gloves Up, Guns Down" FAMILY: My family consists of my wife, Brittany; three children (Tyriona, Jabreiona and James Jr.), and one grandchild (Armani).
EDUCATION: High school diploma. TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF: First, and above all, I want to say that I love Jesus and am a committed believer and follower. My commitment to the community began in 2015 when Brittany and I became alarmed at the amount of gun violence and crimes committed by area youth in Aiken County.
We worked to find a way to redirect young people, providing them with a positive outlet to release their energy. In addition, we wanted to provide daily assistance with homework and Bible study, guidance in personal hygiene and a safe space to come to after school. We started a nonprofit, Hankinson Boxing Gym, with the motto "Gloves Up, Guns Down.
" We are very proud to report that 100% of the kids that completed the program have graduated from high school. We were also invited to participate in the National Junior Olympics this past summer and are very proud to report that of the seven students that competed, five came home with medals, finishing in the top three. In addition to also serving as president of the South Carolina Amateur Boxing Commission, I am a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, son-in-law and friend.
I love Aiken and am led to help people in my community. [I have been involved] at the grassroots level for almost 10 years. The county needs a person like me, who works day in and day out with the children and youth of District 8 and their parents.
I understand their challenges and struggles and work and live close to the people of District 8. WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR ELECTION? God told me to run. I live in District 8 and believe in the people of District 8.
District 8 needs more than just the lip service they've been getting for several years. My neighbors, the people of District 8, need basic things like fire hydrants, sidewalk repairs, safer streets [and] productive activities for the kids after school, during school breaks, and on weekends. They need to regain a sense of pride in their community.
WHAT ARE YOUR PRIORITIES IF ELECTED? My priorities if I’m elected will be the people of District 8, as well as helping to make effective policy decisions for all of Aiken County. Motorcyclist killed in collision at Wrights Mill Road and SC 118. No other injuries Do you live in Aiken County and want to vote in the election? Here's what you need to know.
Three developments are planned around Aiken's Powderhouse Connector. Here's what we know. Aiken woman accused of holding man at gunpoint, ordering him to lie on firestarter-covered mattress Midland Valley keeps it clean, rolls to region win over Aiken High Motorcycle crash in North Augusta leaves one dead, one severely injured Meet the Democratic candidate for Aiken County Sheriff, Lucas Grant Ridge Spring-Monetta takes rivalry game over Wagener-Salley for 5th straight win Melanie Pniewski, Aiken County Board of Education District 8 candidate, answers new questionnaire Murdaugh-related case over leaked photos of Mallory Beach's body now needs a new judge We need to improve the county roads in our district, and then maintain them.
Neighborhoods need to be properly maintained, and the people of District 8 need to have access to the proper tools so that they can. Trees need to be cut back and away from power lines [and] storm drains need to be cleared. Speeding is also a major problem! Strategically placed speed bumps will help slow people down, especially in neighborhoods where kids may be playing in the streets.
WHAT WILL YOU DO TO BRING NEW BUSINESSES AND AMENITIES TO DISTRICT 8? To bring new business and amenities to District 8 I would be transparent and consult with my constituents about what they want and need to improve their everyday lives. I would work with the other County Council members, setting up meetings with developers and negotiate the new businesses my constituents and I would like to bring to District 8. Are there people in District 8 that have always dreamed about starting their own business? Let's find out who they are and connect them with the Small Business Administration to work on business plans and loans that may be available to them.
Let's engage the Aiken Business Coalition Entrepreneurship Program as well and educate the people of District 8 about all of the resources available to them. I’ve written a poem that I would like to share: I’m tired of things that’s supposed to change, Broken Promises, while things remain the same, The hard times, so tired of the struggle, Cries for help but my cries are muzzled, So tired but I must keep, keeping on, For the ones that’s weak, I’ll continue to be strong, Overcoming the burdens that’s left at my door, Poverty not welcoming, it’s real when you’re poor, I refuse to sit back and fall in line, I’m tired, but this mountain I’ll have to climb, Through trials and tribulations, we got to, Still stand tall for my community, Nothing will ever be solved with disunity, So if you’re tired like I’m tired, let me be your motivation, Families first is the aspiration..
