On October 6, 2023, the Aiken Chronicles submitted written questions to the two candidates, P.K. Hightower(D) and James Hankinson(R), in the upcoming Special Election for County Council District 8. The questions were compiled from submissions from Aiken Chronicles readers. The candidates’ responses are provided below.
The written online forum gives candidates and citizens time for thoughtful reflection on questions and responses. The hope is to contribute toward a better-informed electorate and a healthy democracy.
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Left: P.K. Hightower(D). Right: James Hankinson(R) and family.
Candidate Forum
for
Aiken County Council District 8
COUNTY LAW AND COUNCIL’S LEGISLATIVE PROCESS
Are you familiar with Aiken County Code of Ordinances as to the powers and limitations of County Council?
James Hankinson: Yes.
P.K. Hightower: Yes, I am familiar with the Aiken County Code of Ordinances. I referred to several of them when I served on the Aiken County Planning Commission (Chapter 17), and the Aiken County Historical Commission (Chapter 11.5). I also read Chapter 2, Administration. Recently, I have spent more time reading “A Handbook for County Government In South Carolina, 5th Edition, to gain a better understanding of the framework, governance, roles, and responsibilities of County Council. There are also training classes offered to newly elected county council officials to help them understand their responsibilities for governing the county.
When was the last time you read through the Aiken County Code of Ordinances?
James Hankinson: August 2023.
P.K. Hightower: I have not read through the entire Aiken County Code of Ordinances. After holding community meetings, I have referred to various chapters (Chapter 11- Health, Social Services and Sanitation, Chapter 13 – Licenses, Permits and Misc. Business Regulations, Chapter 15 – Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions, and Chapter 16 – Parks and Recreation) to better understand what can be done to help certain communities in District 8.
For example, I referred to Chapter 15 (Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions), Article 111. Nuisances, because of issues in neighborhoods where road blockages are potentially prohibiting emergency vehicles from reaching citizens in need of medical attention. There are issues with dumping unknown materials in areas located within neighborhoods, noise from private entities and businesses close to neighborhoods, and dilapidated dwellings that are not being addressed. I am working to ensure the citizens know what can be done to help them address these issues as a unified community organization.
What, if any, ordinances do you believe are outdated and/or should be revisited?
James Hankinson: I believe all should be revisited.
P.K. Hightower: We should have a schedule to review all of the ordinances within an agreed upon timeframe (e.g., all ordinance reviewed within a four- year period). As the county grows and citizens encounter more and more issues the council should review and/or revise current ordinances as needed. Any ordinance that is based on federal regulations should be reviewed periodically to ensure we comply with the federal regulations.
If a resolution or ordinance is brought before Aiken County Council that appears in any respect to represent the interests of others over the interests of Aiken County citizens, taxpayers, and voters, how will you be prepared to stand against it?
James Hankinson: I will always make sure my constituents are first: I will ask for public opinion by conducting town halls throughout District 8 and take concerns back to council.
P.K. Hightower: I will voice my concerns and vote against the resolution or the ordinance.
Would you vote on an agenda item that you have not personally read or understood? If the answer is “No,” is that a promise?
James Hankinson: No, I wouldn’t vote on any agenda items that I have not personally read or understood. Yes, that’s a promise.
P.K. Hightower: No, I promise to do my homework as a member of county council. I will work closely with the County Administrator to ensure council has all the necessary information to make an informed decision.
What is your position about voting on either a resolution or an ordinance where the name of the company is cloaked behind a project name, such as the proposed Project Sabal?
James Hankinson: I would have to educate myself more on the topic before making a decision. As previously stated, I would not vote on an agenda that I haven’t any knowledge of beforehand.
P.K. Hightower: First, I need to ascertain the need for the anonymity and then make a decision on supporting the resolution or ordinance.
CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT IN COUNTY GOVERNANCE
Do you believe that it is necessary for members of the Aiken County Council to have regular town hall meetings with Aiken County citizens, taxpayers, and voters outside of their committee, work session, and County Council meetings — and if so, how often and where?
P.K. Hightower: Yes, it is important to have meetings with District 8 constituents to ensure I understand their needs and vision for the county. I plan to issue a monthly summary of county activities (via email) and let citizens know what is on the horizon for council. I will meet at least quarterly.
James Hankinson: Yes. One of the things I would like to do as Councilman Hankinson is to meet with the constituents of District 8 by conducting town halls quarterly or as needed. These meetings could possibly take place at community centers, The Aiken County Library, or luncheons/dinners.
With the sole exception being truly abusive language — by voice, text, or social media — do you promise never to block the communications from your constituents or folks in Aiken County?
P.K. Hightower: No, I would not block communications from constituents about County Council activities. However, I have experienced truly abusive language on social media about me as a candidate. Knowing that the information is not true but is being repeated based on unsubstantiated claims is counterproductive. Currently, misinformation is a disservice to our society and we must do all we can to avoid it by communicating the facts and nothing but the facts not unsubstantiated claims.
James Hankinson: I believe everyone should be able to speak their mind in a respectful manner. No, I promise not to block anyone who is being respectful.
County Council presently allows three minutes of time for individual citizens to speak on non agenda items at the end of meetings. Do you believe that is a sufficient and fair allocation of time?
P.K. Hightower: It depends on the number of people who would like to comment on issues. I would suggest we revisit how we operate the public comment period by designating a certain amount of time for all comments (e.g., 30 minutes and two citizens (15 minutes/citizen)), requiring the citizen to sign-in, and have citizens provide the clerk a summary of their concerns and what action does the citizen want county council to take related to their issue. The council should provide the citizen feedback on their issue within an allotted time period.
James Hankinson: Yes, I do believe that’s enough time. Any more time should be one-on-one or in a town hall with your council member.
County Council meeting minutes currently do not reflect what citizens actually say during a meeting. As a Council member, would you be willing to ask for additions to Council meeting minutes to better document citizen concerns and questions?
P.K. Hightower: Yes, I would like to have citizens briefly document their concerns to assure their issue is fully understood. They should also provide what actions they want from County Council. The County Council should provide resolution in writing to the citizen.
James Hankinson: If the statement is true, yes I would.
INDIVIDUAL, LONG-STANDING ISSUES
Aiken County is heavily reliant on the one-percent sales tax that requires voter approval to fund capital projects. If voters say no to the next sales tax referendum, would you vote for a property tax increase to fund necessary capital projects such as purchases of emergency response vehicles?
James Hankinson: No, I would vote against it.
P.K. HightowerAiken County is heavily reliant on the one-percent sales tax that requires voter approval to fund capital projects. If voters say no to the next sales tax referendum, would you vote for a property tax increase to fund necessary capital projects such as purchases of emergency response vehicles?
No one wants an increase in sales or property taxes; however, as a council we have to determine how to fund emergency response vehicles (grants with the help of Lower Savannah Council of Governments, excess budget, etc.). In my professional career I help employees look for ways to be more efficient thereby doing more work with less money. The South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership can help the county implement Lean Six Sigma process improvements to save money for dire county service needs. It is not an easy decision; however, we have to make the case to Aiken County citizens to either vote for the one-cent local option sale tax or expect property taxes to increase.
Does Aiken County pay its employees a fair, competitive wage? If not, how would you propose to improve wages and benefits to improve retention rates and employee satisfaction?
James Hankinson: Each job has a different pay scale. I would have to look at each job title and learn more about the positions. (No matter where you work everyone can use more money).
P.K. Hightower: I cannot make a blanket statement saying that all Aiken County employees are not paid a fair wage. I do know that the council can have compensation perform a market analysis of job functions and determine where we are as a county and develop a plan to address the disparity during the budget process. The same goes for the benefits package. The county has limited funding and must save either in administrative cost or constituent service.
What approaches to crime prevention by the Sheriff’s Office are working and which ones are not working, in your opinion?
James Hankinson: In my opinion, with the Sheriff’s Office, the neighborhood watch is very effective in my area.
P.K. Hightower: In my opinion, the Neighborhood Watch Programs working in conjunction with the Sheriff’s Office are the most successful programs. The two entities have to work with each other to address crime.
PERSONAL MOTIVATION
What are your top 3 reasons for running for the District 8 seat on Aiken County Council?
P.K. Hightower:
1. My more than 30-years of public service in Aiken County and my desire to help make our community better was the biggest motivation for running.
2. The desire to empower District 8 communities to solve problems rather than being victims.
3. Use my professional skills to help streamline administrative processes to save money for constituent services.
James Hankinson: God, Families, and being the voice of all of the constituents in District 8.
If you win your race, what do you personally hope to achieve by representing District 8 on the Aiken County Council?
P.K. Hightower: Make Aiken County be more efficient and cost effective to save as much money for constituent services.
James Hankinson: When I’m Councilman Hankinson, I would concentrate on the constituents and their families. I would like to focus on communities with the most needs while maintaining currently structured communities. Adding family amusement and activity options would bridge the gap for District 8.
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