William Frick
WINNSBORO – With the announcement last week that Sixth Circuit Solicitor Douglas A. Barfield Jr. will retire at the end of his current term, Winnsboro attorney William P. Frick has announced his intentions to run for the top prosecutor’s job, which covers Fairfield, Chester and Lancaster counties.
Frick, who currently works as Deputy Public Defender for the Sixth Circuit, has previous experience as a prosecutor, having served in the Solicitor’s office in the Fourth and Sixth circuits and as an Assistant Attorney General with the S.C. Attorney General’s Office. Frick also represents District 6 on the Fairfield County School Board of Trustees.
Frick said that while pursuing the office will present no conflict with his duties as a School Board member, if elected he would have to give up that seat. His duties as a Public Defender, however, would come to an end once he files to run for the office.
“As soon as I file, that will be the end of my being a Public Defender,” Frick said. “I’ll be out of work for a few months.”
Frick said he will run as a Democrat, and filing for the Democratic primary opens March 16, with a primary election scheduled for June 10. The general election will be held Nov. 4.
“I am not sure if it really makes a difference whether you have a ‘D’ or an ‘R’ by your name in the job of Solicitor,” Frick said. “This job is about seeking justice and I am not sure how that is a Democratic or a Republican thing. I think that’s more of a Constitution thing.
“The Job of Solicitor is a complex one,” Frick added. “You must not only be able to handle complex criminal matters, you need to be able to deal with several of them at the same time, while also managing an office of attorneys and staff that encompasses Lancaster, Chester and Fairfield counties. I have the experience that is necessary to do that job.”
Frick’s election to the School Board in 2010 was part of a larger paradigm shift in School Board politics, one that has led the Fairfield County School District to calmer waters.
“I’ll do whatever I can to help recruit a candidate (for School Board) who understands the role of a School Board member,” Frick said.
