20 hours Ago
CANDIDATE: P.K. Hightower RUNNING FOR: Hightower, a Democrat, is the incumbent in Aiken County Council District 8.
AGE: 63 OCCUPATION: Engineer FAMILY: My husband, Willar H. Hightower Jr., and I have been married for 22 years.
Our blended family includes three adult daughters, nine grandchildren and the apple of my eyes, Blue Ivy (my 12-year-old shih tzu). EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science, Physics/Math — Jackson State University. Master of Science, Nuclear Engineering — The Ohio State University TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF: I was born and raised in Jackson, Miss.
I moved to Aiken County 36 years ago after accepting a job offer at SRS (Savannah River Site). I am a 25-year volunteer at the United Way of Aiken County. I have held several leadership positions in volunteer organizations in Aiken County, and I am committed to helping people.
I am a firm believer in “whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” 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 WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR REELECTION? I am running for reelection to ensure constituents of District 8 have strong conduit to connect them to the correct county department to resolve their issues.
I also want to use my leadership skills to identify funding to help improve our neighborhoods (e.g. I asked the Planning [and Development] Department to determine if we could use federal and/or state funding to secure sidewalks from Shiloh Heights to convenience stores on Highway 19).
This is a safety issue since there are no sidewalks and poor lighting in this area. I have also requested another department to identify possible grants that we can use to improve other areas of the district. I am learning what programs may be available to help improve the district without seeking an increase in property taxes.
WHAT ARE YOUR PRIORITIES IF REELECTED? 1. Maintain communication with constituents of Aiken County District 8. 2.
Improve Aiken County infrastructures, which include technology and physical facilities, especially the Horse Creek Pollution Control Facility. 3. Improve the county’s response to weather and safety emergencies by improving partnerships with local nonprofits and the faith community during weather and safety emergencies.
WHAT WILL YOU DO TO BRING NEW BUSINESSES AND AMENITIES TO DISTRICT 8? I will continue to work with County Council and [the] Economic Development [Partnership] to entice business growth in the county by offering the best tax incentives and a strong workforce. Also, [I will] work with the county chamber organizations to attract retail businesses by ensuring we have safe and thriving communities to support the retail businesses. The partnership between the community, businesses and industry is important.
This was evident during the Hurricane Helene recovery. Meta, our newest industry, has already shown themselves to be a supporter of the Aiken County community by offering help during the recovery phase of Hurricane Helene. It is important to establish and maintain the bonds between industry, retail businesses and the community.
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