Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009

Conway city council candidates

Randy Alford (i)

Age | 51

Address | 1105 16th Ave., Conway

Occupation | owner of investment firm and property and casualty agency

Education | University of South Carolina American Institute of Banking; and Wharton School of Business, financial planning

Civic and political experience | Rotary Club of Conway, member, board president and Rotarian of the year; Lions Club, member in another district; Chamber of Commerce, member; Conway Main Street, member; Leadership Conway; Gethsemane Baptist Church, past deacon; incumbent Conway City Council

Family | married with three sons

Military | none

E-mail | ralfordco@sc.rr.com

What is the biggest issue facing Conway and how do you plan to address it?

The biggest issue at the local level is economic. ... When I ran for council, I wanted to promote economic growth and the business revenue in Conway has more than doubled in my first term. The recession has hurt towns and cities across America and we are addressing it with incentives. We issued an incentive package to get the movie theatre to Conway and are now offering incentives like reduced permit fees and reduced business license fees to encourage people to open new businesses in vacant buildings.

Given the current economic situation, under what circumstance, if any, would you be in favor of a tax increase?

I would not favor a tax increase in Conway. Most taxes are federal or state in nature so the primary local tax source is the property tax. The city needs to manage their budget around the revenue and not grow government. Federal and state government are much too large because they do not do this.

If elected to another term, what do you hope to accomplish while in office?

I have a broad range of naturescape type improvements, capital projects and projects for continued economic growth in mind. I want to see infrastructure improvements continue to be done in equal balance around the city and have Conway recognized as the truly exceptional place that it is.

William Goldfinch IV

Age | 28

Address | 1216 Snowhill Drive, Conway

Occupation | registered investment adviser

Education | University of South Carolina, Darla Moore School of Business, bachelor's degree

Civic and political experience | Waccamaw Sertoma Club, vice president; Conway planning commission, former member

Family | married

Military | none

E-mail | William.goldfinch@edwardjones.com

What is the biggest issue facing Conway and how do you plan to address it?

There seems to be a disconnect between business owners, developers as to the requirements set forth by the city. Business is important to Conway and we must work hand in hand with business to ensure their success.

Given the current economic situation, under what circumstance, if any, would you be in favor of a tax increase?

During tough times, tax increases don't work. I feel the tax incentives for business development would be more beneficial.

If elected, what do you hope to accomplish while in office?

I hope to see a state-of-the-art recreational facility that is maintained well and offers services to youth, adults and senior citizens alike. I would also like to see the city become more transparent on the requirements for business development and this includes such items as signage and construction. If elected, I would push for stronger neighborhood initiatives to reduce crime and restore confidence in our community.

Irby Koon (i)

Age | 61

Address | 1518 7th Ave., Conway

Occupation | retired educator

Education | University of South Carolina, masters degree in secondary education

Civic and political experience | First United Methodist Church Conway, member; incumbent Conway City Council

Family | married, two step-children

Military | none

E-mail | irbykoon@sc.it.com

What is the biggest issue facing Conway and how do you plan to address it?

The biggest issue that faces us at this time is continued advancement of quality of care for our citizens which translates into money management. Fortunately, we have a great administrator and financial director and by regular meetings and balancing the budget on a regular basis we have remained in the black while also maintaining a more than adequate rainy day fund.

Given the current economic situation, under what circumstance, if any, would you be in favor of a tax increase?

I don't know of any situation that would arise under normal conditions by which we would have to raise taxes. With our budget balance as good as it is and our rainy day fund as good as it is, it would have to be a catastrophic situation.

If elected to another term, what do you hope to accomplish while in office?

Biggest thing working on is indoor recreation facility and pool with renovation of the entire recreation department and improvement in the water and sewer service offered and construction of new fire department.

Jean Medlen Timbes (i)

Age | 67

Address | 607 Lakeside Drive, Conway

Occupation | retired educator

Education | Columbia College, bachelor's degree; University of South Carolina, master's degree

Civic and political experience | incumbent Conway City Council; Conway Planning and Zoning Commission, former member; various city committees; Conway Main Street, board member; Conway Chamber of Commerce board of government and economic affairs, former member; Horry County Historical Society member; First United Methodist Church, member, choir, pianist, chair of sanctuary renovation committee and capital building committee; United Methodist Women past president; Main and Fifth Properties, LLC managing member

Family | Three children, two grandchildren

Military | none

E-mail | jeantimbes@yahoo.com

What is the biggest issue facing Conway and how do you plan to address it?

I believe the biggest issue facing Conway is the safety and well-being of all our citizens. ... A downturn in economy is usually accompanied by a rise in crime and drug activity, and we must find ways to keep our citizens safe in their homes. There are things City Council can do to help: I will ask that any purchases or projects in our city be offered to local businesses so as to assist those who are paying our taxes and create jobs for our people. I will vote to increase efforts against crime and help our youth learn ways to solve problems effectively. I will initiate efforts to increase business and tourism to our city both through advertising and with new attractive initiatives for business.

Given the current economic situation, under what circumstance, if any, would you be in favor of a tax increase?

Under the current economic situation, I will not put any additional burdens on our taxpayers, so I will vote against any fee or tax increases until the economy improves. . ... If Conway were to face a need, I would favor using our reserve fund rather than increase taxes until the economy improves.

If elected to another term, what do you hope to accomplish while in office?

If re-elected, I hope this council will continue to move cautiously until the economy improves. ... Current projects that I support are establishing more green space in our city and completing the underground wiring projects that have been started. The city has funded a new gymnasium which will enhance our recreational facilities. I want our police to work diligently to keep crime and drugs off our streets and away from our children. More lights, streets and sidewalks are needed throughout our city, and we must continue to protect our historical significance for the future.