Meet the candidates for State House of Representatives, District 57
Lucas Atkinson
City | Marion
Party | Democrat
Age | 34
Occupation | Business service consultant
Family | Son of Carroll Atkinson and Jan Atkinson; brother Troy Atkinson; sister Susanne A. Elvington
Education | B.S., marketing, Clemson University
Civic and political experience | Marion Chamber of Commerce, Marion County Impact board member, Marion County Progress board member
Military experience | None
Question | What do you think is the biggest issue in your district and how would you address it?
Answer | Jobs are the biggest issue in our district. Not just jobs but higher paying jobs. We need to look toward technology-based jobs that will continue to grow in the 21st century. These could make our economy prosper. I look forward to working with our local delegation and leaders to recruit industry. This will be a team effort and will take each of us working together. I had the opportunity to work for Sen. Kent Williams (2006-2010) as administrative coordinator. I learned about challenges facing our region; also that there are solutions to challenges if you are willing to work hard.
Lee Walter Jenkins Jr.
City | Marion
Party | Democrat
Age | 64
Occupation | Former family and juvenile counselor, retired postal worker
Family | Divorced with four children and 13 grandchildren
Education | B.S., criminal justice, University of South Carolina
Civic and political experience | Civic Involvement includes Kiwanis International (while living in Virginia), Virginia CURE, NAACP, Marion County Collaborative Action Network, Vista and Marion County Democratic Party
Military experience | Two years in the U.S. Army, rank of Sp4
Question | What do you think is the biggest issue in your district and how would you address it?
Answer | Undoubtedly, jobs would be considered the No. 1 issue in a district plagued by issues. Six years ago, I was fortunate enough to have contacts with Chinese businessmen interested in bringing jobs to America. They were offering an all-expense paid trip to China provided that I bring elected officials with me to prove that the negotiations were in good faith. I contacted two councilmen and asked if they would accompany me. They agreed but after four months of delays, the businessmen pulled their offer. To find jobs, you must know where to look and be committed to pursue them.
Ryan M. Waller
City | Mullins
Party | Democrat
Age | 32
Occupation | Attorney at The Waller Law Firm
Family | Son of John H. Waller Jr. and Debra Meares Waller; two brothers, Rand E. Waller and John H. Waller III; sister, Melissa W. Graham
Education | B.A. in government with concentration in political thought, Wofford College; J.D. The Charleston School of Law
Civic and political experience | 12th Judicial Circuit Public Defender Selection Committee; member of United Methodist Church, Great Mullins and Marion Chambers of Commerce; former member Mullins Rotary Club; Freemason, Damascus Lodge No. 161, past master, grand chancellor for the Eastern District; Shriner
Military experience | None
Question | What do you think is the biggest issue in your district and how would you address it?
Answer | The biggest issue in the district is the economy. It impacts everyone and everything. Our struggling economy leads to higher unemployment rates, higher violent crime rates, a lower quality of life for residents, crumbling infrastructure, inadequate emergency services, as well as struggling educational system. It can only be addressed by building relationships with other members of the Legislature and working together. Additionally, we need to review the laws that are already in place to find areas to improve, while working to repeal those that impose regulatory burdens that impede growth and progress. There is not simply one biggest issue, but many issues.
This story was originally published June 11, 2016 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Meet the candidates for State House of Representatives, District 57."