LAURINBURG — Three challengers for seats on the Laurinburg City Council shared a similar vision of what the city would look like if they were elected, including lower taxes, less crime — and most important no new City Hall.
The candidates — Mary Evans, James Garby and Brian Gainey — spoke to members of the Scotland County Republican Party on Monday. The local GOP invited candidates for the 2017 municipal elections to speak during the monthly meeting.
Evans, who is challenging incumbent J.D. Willis for the District 1 seat, said she is opposed to constructing a municipal building that could cost more than $8.1 million. She said the idea should be put to city voters. Her stance was greeted by applause by most of the 35 people in attendance.
“I am here to say to you, the honorable Republican Party of Scotland County, I oppose the unnecessary building of the City Hall and police department in Laurinburg at this time,” Evans said. “Our town is just bare … we must first clean the swamp.”
Evans, a former school board member and military veteran, said one of her goals if elected to council would be the revitalization of downtown Laurinburg.
Evans believes the current city council does not do enough to make the city attractive to young people or new businesses. She said she would like to see a store dedicated to Scottish heritage, as well as a theater, community center, and a community pool.
“We need to combine governmental leadership and push for lower taxes allowing everyone to have a certain quality of life for older people and young people alike,” Evans said.
Garby, a candidate for the at-large seat on council against incumbent Dee Hammond, is also opposed to the new City Hall project, which has become a contentious issue in the campaign.
A joke that Garby told about the proposed project and city leaders illustrated some of the rancor.
“If it was up to me, (City Manager) Charles Nichols would be in an outhouse,” Garby said. “And J.D. Willis would be in the bottom of it.”
Garby’s platform includes lowering crime and taxes and improving the city’s infrastructure. Garby said he would like to see council hold weekly meetings instead of once a month.
Garby, who works in retail management, said it was his first time running for office. He also shared with the Republican audience that the 2016 presidential election was the first time he has voted for a president.
“This City Hall has been a blessing and a curse. It has brought a lot of us together,” Garby said. “Two years ago, I didn’t care about politics,” Garby said. “When I started realizing what our community was going through and noticing the downturn, it opened my eyes and I decided to run.”
Gainey, the District 2 challenger, is also opposed to building a new City Hall. He said the city can use that money to make improvements to infrastructure and other projects around the city.
“I am invested in Laurinburg for the long haul and I care about our citizens,” Gainey said. “We do have a chance to have our voice heard again —voices that often fall on deaf ears. We need better choice, better options, and more practical and common sense plans for the future.”
Also seeking the District 2 seat are incumbent Drew Williamson and challengers Frank Evans and George Medlock.
Gainey said he wished council member Mary Jo Adams was seeking re-election.
“Mary Jo Adams makes that face,” Gainey said as he tried to imitate Adams by squinting his eyes and shaking his head. “I wish she was running because that’s one face we need off the council.”
The District 2 candidate has worked with the United States Postal Service in Laurinburg for 23 years.
“I am forever grateful for the relationship it has given me with this community,” Gainey said.
Frank Evans, who is also seeking the District 2 seat, was at Monday’s GOP meeting but was not allowed to speak. The Party prohibits letting a Democrat, speak if they are running against a Republican, which is the case with Frank Evans and Gainey.
The Scotland Republicans handed out a pamphlet with all of the candidates and the GOP’s preferred candidates listed in bold. The Party picked Mary Evans, a Democrat; and Garby and Gainey, both Republicans.
“I think they are all very good, honest people and want to do what is best for the community,” said Mark Schenck, Scotland County Republican Party chairman.
