Belva Bush
Editor’s Note: Both Belva Bush, the challenger in the April 8 election, and incumbent Charlene Herring were invited to submit a personal essay for our readers. Mayor Herring did not respond.
Belva Bush
I was born and raised in Ridgeway and grew up in the community on Mood Harrison Road in Longtown. I am the daughter of Sarah Bush and the late Leroy “Pistol” Bush. I am an active member of the Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church of Ridgeway, located on Longtown Road. I attended the public schools in Ridgeway and Fairfield County and later attended Midlands Technical College and Benedict College.
I am currently in my 21st year of employment with the Fairfield County School District where I serve as the Attendance Specialist, District Registrar and District Homeless Liaison. In past years I also served as Interim Director of Public Relations and as Director of the Parenting Resource Center. I am an advocate for homeless assistance and awareness in Fairfield County and served as Executive Director of HUGS, etc., a non-profit organization for the assistance to homeless and prevention of homelessness. Throughout the years, I have served as a member of numerous professional organizations and associations to include membership in the Order of Eastern Stars.
I participated in the Palmetto Leadership Fairfield Institute in 2001. This 11-week training program was sponsored by Palmetto Leadership, Clemson University and the Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce. This was my first vision into the leadership roles of our local politicians and served as a blueprint on how I could possibly one day make my contribution as an elected official.
In 2010, I was elected to the Town Council of Ridgeway after serving as Chairperson of the Town’s Public Relations Committee for several years. Since being on council, I have served as Chairperson of the Community Actions Committee. In 2013, the committee applied for and received a grant from Palmetto Pride that was used to enhance the landscape of Ridgeway’s Geiger Elementary School. I also served on the Pig on the Ridge and Christmas Parade Committees.
My reason for seeking the office of mayor is that I believe that a term limitation for mayor should be established and limited to no more than two terms in office. I feel that it is important to establish a vision for the Town of Ridgeway that will make it a better place for residents, businesses and visitors by creating and enhancing the town in such a way that ALL people feel a since of pride and existence. We need to establish an open dialog and focus on communication with citizens of the town as well as our local businesses. I earnestly seek the support of the citizens of Ridgeway in the upcoming April 8 election.
