The story of my great-great-uncles, Thomas and Meeks Griffin, is more than a family tragedy, it’s a sobering reminder of the irreversible failures of our justice system. These two Black brothers were executed by the state of South Carolina in 1915 for the murder of a white man they did not know and who they […]
Guest Editorial: Concerns About Renewing V.C. Summer License
February 20, 2025 By
Amid ongoing concerns about safety, environmental risks, and financial accountability, I have submitted a formal statement to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) opposing the proposed license renewal for the V.C. Summer nuclear power plant. The NRC is currently reviewing a Subsequent License Renewal (SLR) request from Dominion Energy to extend the V.C. Summer plant’s operation […]
Guest Editorial: Smith Escaped Lynching Only to be Gunned Down on Courthouse Steps
February 6, 2025 By
It’s June 14, 1915. The night air is thick with the scent of blood and burning tobacco. The Courthouse steps in Winnsboro are still slick from the morning’s carnage. Somewhere beyond the gaslight’s flicker, a man in a dark suit smirks, leans back in his chair, and exhales; satisfied. The mob has done what mobs […]
Letter: Job One – Hire Top Administrator
January 16, 2025 By
It’s the new year and I want start off by thanking county council members for all their efforts for Fairfield residents. But I also want to remind you what Job One is for the coming year. You must hire the very best county administrator – a new, smart, experienced, hard-working administrator with a heart for […]
Letter: I Am Normally Conservative
January 9, 2025 By
Socialized medicine: a plan where all of the people have free health care. We all pay taxes. We all ride on public roads free. So, why should only government employees have free health care …and some for life? Why not include the independent carpenter or merchant already struggling with daily bills and no retirement benefits, […]
Letter: Three New Council Members Bring Hope to Fairfield
January 2, 2025 By
Fostering economic development should be the major focus for all local elected officials. A thriving economy directly impacts citizens’ quality of life through job creation, household income levels, county amenities, health care access, education, housing, business growth, and increased tax revenue that can be used to fund essential services like infrastructure and public safety. So, […]
Guest Editorial: Picking the right quote is fun, daily challenge
November 27, 2024 By
Just about every business day for the last two decades, the morning has started with picking out an interesting quote for a daily news service sent to South Carolina businesses. The quote, called a “thought for the day,” is a way to ease a subscriber into the news morning, offering a pithy thought, amusing comment […]
Guest Editorial: Government business should be open to the public for inspection
November 21, 2024 By
Now that we have elected new county council members, school board members, sheriffs, house and senate representatives, this is a good time to let them know that we expect public meetings and the work of government to be done in public so it is open and transparent to everyone. This is enshrouded in law as […]
Letter: Fairfield County Council Meeting Raises Leadership, Public Engagement Questions
November 7, 2024 By
During the latest Fairfield County Council meeting, tensions flared as members discussed various topics, from STEM education initiatives to community welfare issues. However, pressing questions regarding the county’s safety and emergency preparedness were sidelined, raising concerns among some residents about the effectiveness of their elected officials. Councilwoman Peggy Swearingen attempted to address these vital issues, […]
R2 Black Parents Assoc. grades incumbent candidates
October 31, 2024 By
The Report Card The Richland 2 Black Parents Association believes that families, parents, and community members should be thoroughly informed about the current incumbent board candidates’ records with the district as they seek another term on the school board. As an association, we have 3 specific goals. To serve as a voice for parents, teachers, […]
