Meet the candidates for Horry Countil Council, District 9

Terry Fowler

Age | 51

Occupation | Police officer, Horry County Police Department

Family | Wife, Bridgett; four sons

Education | No Answer

Civic and Political experience | CCI Greenheart foreign student exchange program, Upwards Sports volunteer, Loris Lodge 205 AFM

Military | No Answer

Question | What would you do if elected to repair confidence in the Horry County Police Department as well as reduce crime?

Answer | The Horry County Police Department has taken steps recently to correct their image by adding additional reviews of cases by supervisors. This will result in a more complete investigative process and assure victims that they are receiving the service that they deserve. Horry County has failed to stay competitive in the job market for police officers. This has caused a constant turnover which has resulted in a reactive department rather than proactive. I will work to restore benefits that were reduced and to increase pay to retain officers so they can work to reduce crime in our communities.

Paul Prince (i)

Age | 73

Occupation | Self-employed businessman

Family | Wife Carolyn, five children and nine grandchildren

Education | Loris High School; Institute of Government for County Officials; firefighting and first response training

Civic and Political experience | First responder, Loris Volunteer Fire Department, Loris Athletic Boosters Club, the Loris Civitan Club, Loris Chamber of Commerce, former president of the Loris Jaycees, volunteer youth coach for baseball, basketball and football

Question | What would you do if elected to repair confidence in the Horry County Police Department as well as reduce crime?

Answer | Employees of the Horry County Police Department dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our citizens, and should not be portrayed in a negative light due to the possible actions of a few members of the department. We have made numerous strides to keep officers and the community safe including the purchase of body cameras. We obtained grants to hire victim advocates, and made numerous new hires and promotions in the last few months. New accountability measures were adopted, and ethics training is required every few months. The hiring of an internal affairs officer is underway.

This story was originally published June 11, 2016 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Meet the candidates for Horry Countil Council, District 9."