Contact Name
William Crawford
Campaign Phone
864-216-3432
Brief Intro - 250 characters
Husband, Father, and Business Owner with real-world budgeting and management experience, Active community member in the non-profit sector and church leadership.
As a husband, father of two who are still in school, business owner, and employer within the county, I understand firsthand the challenges faced by households on a daily basis. While we hear a lot about DC and Columbia, I believe our local government has the biggest impact on our daily lives.
This position needs someone who will look at the county as a business. A business whose only purpose is to serve the people of the county as efficiently and effectively as possible. We must leverage the current momentum to shape the future that best serves the interest of our residence, so we keep the county affordable and recognizable for years to come. A place where our children can thrive and everyone can enjoy a quality of life we deserve.
My focus is on responsible growth, strong infrastructure planning, and fiscal discipline. We’re a growing county, and that’s a good thing—but growth has to be managed in a way that respects existing communities, keeps up with infrastructure, and doesn’t shift costs onto current residents.
I also believe in supporting public safety, building strong partnerships with our cities and state delegation, and making sure we preserve what makes Spartanburg County a great place to live. At the end of the day, it’s about making sure county government works the way it should—efficient, transparent, and focused on the people it serves.
The role of Chairman starts with listening. It’s about hearing directly from the people and clearly communicating what their local government is doing to serve them.
When there’s silence, it gets filled—often with misinformation or the worst assumptions about what’s happening. That’s not good for trust, and it’s not good for our county.
We need to change that.
The Chairman should be visible, approachable, and engaged in every part of the community. I will work to bring people together, encourage real conversation, and make decisions that reflect the best interests of the people we serve.
Quick, One Minute Introduction
Contact Name
Lekesa Whitner
Campaign Phone
8645806682
Brief Intro - 250 characters
What qualifies me to serve as Spartanburg County Council Chair is a combination of leadership, business experience, community development, public service, and a proven ability to bring people together. I’ve worked in community development and econom
What qualifies me to serve as Spartanburg County Council Chair is a combination of leadership, business experience, community development, public service, and a proven ability to bring people together.
I’ve worked in community development and economic development. I’ve helped entrepreneurs build businesses and access resources. I’ve served on the City of Spartanburg Planning Commission, so I understand the importance of responsible growth, land use, infrastructure, and listening to residents when development decisions affect their communities.
I’ve led organizations, managed programs and budgets, built partnerships, and served on boards alongside leaders from the business, nonprofit, education, and public sectors.
If elected as Chair of Spartanburg County Council, my top priorities will focus on “Smart Growth. Strong Communities. Sustainable Future.” I want to ensure economic development creates real opportunities for residents through accountable FILOT agreements, quality jobs, workforce development, and stronger support for small businesses. I also want to promote balanced growth that includes affordable housing, infrastructure improvements, preservation of green space, and community input in development decisions. Another priority is investing in our youth through internships, entrepreneurship programs, mentorship, and career pathways that prepare them for long-term success.
I believe the office of Chair of Spartanburg County Council can be improved through greater transparency, stronger community engagement, and more intentional long-term planning. As Spartanburg County continues to grow, residents deserve leadership that is accessible, collaborative, and accountable. I believe Spartanburg County has many dedicated employees and strong systems already in place, so I would not come into this office believing that everything needs to be changed. I would come in asking how we can make county government more transparent, accessible, accountable, and responsive to the people we serve. First, I would strengthen communication and public engagement. Residents should not have to wait until a major decision is nearly is
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