Richland County Council District 7
Election InformationThe 2024 Party Primary Elections will be held Tuesday, June 11, 2024. Your address indicates you live in the district for this race. You may vote in either the Republican or the Democratic primary.To find your election day polling location, go to:https://vrems.scvotes.sc.gov/Voter/Login?PageMode=PollingPlaceOr you can vote early during a two-week early voting period at your County Voter Registration and Elections Office and other early voting locations from May 28 until June 7except weekends. See:https://www.scvotes.gov/early-votingOr you may be eligible to vote absentee by mail. For details on eligibility and how to submit your request, see:https://www.scvotes.gov/absentee-votingPosition Description - Richland County CouncilRichland County Council is composed of eleven members, one from each district, elected to 4-year terms. As the governing body of the county, it enacts laws by ordinance and may also adopt resolutions. The Council hires the county administrator; sets budgets; levies taxes; approves contracts, agreements, and bids; and appoints the membership of boards and committees. A council member must be a registered voter, a resident of their district and at least 18 years of age.
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Gretchen Barron
(Dem)
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Taneshia S Horne
(Dem)
1. How would you address the impact of population growth and development on roads, traffic, and schools?
2. What are your strategies for reducing gun violence?
3. How would you advocate for under-served areas of the county?
4. What is your position on the renewal of the penny tax?
Campaign Phone
8034703889
Campaign Email
teambarron@gretchenbarron.com
Education
University of South Carolina
Qualifications
Gretchen has been engaged in educational program implementation and management for nearly twenty years. Gretchen is the owner of two small minority-owned businesses, Barron Academy, LLC and GBarron Consulting. In November 2020, Gretchen was elected to Richland County Council District 7. While in office she has to worked to rebuild the trust of the citizens of Richland by focusing on moving the county forward and aligning county resources to foster a vibrant economy that addresses needs of our citizens.
From day one of my term, I have supported smart growth. I think it is critically important that residents know what is being proposed to be built in their communities and how it could possibly impact their day-to-day lives. I have done this by conducting town hall meetings for EVERY rezoning that has been proposed in District 7. These town hall meetings allow the applicant to share their intent with the "neighbors" and for the neighbors to ask questions. I take this information and use it for the basis of how I vote on the proposed project.
As a member of County Council, I believe its my responsibility to collaborate and support organizations who are involved with the day-to-day operations of reducing gun violence. How have I done that over the past four years?
- Providing funding to support organizations to who are addressing this issue
- Providing youth activities that provides supplemental community activities
- Partnering with organizations who provide services and program to address this issue
- Creating a youth board to serve as an advisor to organizations who are addressing this issue
- Providing Safety Sundays that teaches self-defense techniques and gun safety tips
Before you can advocate for a group you must first know what the needs of the community. What are the specific challenges and issues facing under-served areas of the county? What resources and services are lacking? Secondly, we need to build relationships with community members, develop trust and rapport. When taking office initially, this was where I sent a lot of time. I wanted the community to know that I was indeed “Here to Serve” and that it was not just another slogan. I got to know the people who live in these areas and listen to their concerns. I partnered with community organizations who are already working to address the needs of this areas in the county. Partner with these organizations to leverage their resources and expertise.
Richland County Council's soul responsibility is to make the decision whether it goes on the ballot or not. I am in support of Council creating the ordinance that puts the penny tax on the ballot in November 2024. The penny tax is not just to support infrastructure, but The Comet bus system is funded through this tax. Without the penny, a service that many depend on to provide reliable transportation will likely no longer be afforded to provide its normal services. I will support the decision of the what is decided on election day.
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