Longtime Horry County Councilman won’t seek re-election, but his son is eyeing seat
The 2020 Horry County election ballot will be without a familiar first name to residents of Longs and Loris.
District 9 Council Member Paul Prince, first elected to the council in 1983, said on Friday he is no longer seeking re-election. But his son, Rome Prince, will be seeking his father’s position.
Paul Prince served from 1983 to 1992 and then again from 2002 until present day. He is excited for working on the fiscal year 2021 budget, completing his term as vice-chair of the council and advocating for his region.
“I feel like I’ve been on council my whole life,” he said. “But I still have plenty to keep me busy.”
On Friday, Paul Prince saw his goal of getting a Longs fire station come closer to fruition as leaders broke ground on the new location. He has served for more than 50 years as a firefighter with the Loris Volunteer Fire Department.
Rome Prince knows he would have big shoes to fill following in his fathers footsteps. He wants to focus on continuing current efforts on county council to improve the lives of public safety officials and to address the stormwater needs of the Longs and Loris communities.
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He knows the area is growing and believes it’s going to take diligent work from council to address needs across Horry County Government, including in the Parks and Recreation department.
“One thing I can promise you is I’ll work my butt off,” Rome Prince said. “Doing the right thing is hard work.”
Longs resident Terry Fowler declared his candidacy for the seat. At his announcement news conference, he thanked Paul Prince for his service to the community.
This story was originally published February 14, 2020 at 11:57 AM.
