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MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – In less than a month, Berkeley County voters will head to the polls in several municipal elections.

In Moncks Corner, residents will vote for commissioner of public works, town council and mayor.

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Since 2015, Michael Lockliear has served as the town’s mayor. However, this election year, he faces competition from political newcomer, Thomas Hamilton, 58. Although the Navy veteran has never served in an elected role before, Hamilton believes he is the best person on the ballot to lead Moncks Corner into the future.

As mayor, Hamilton says some of his priorities will include preserving the Biggins Biking/Hiking trail, revitalizing Lacey Park, addressing first responders’ pay concerns and advocating for smarter growth.

To allow voters to get to know him better, Hamilton recently took part in a Q&A by The Berkeley Observer.

1. How long have you lived in Moncks Corner?

I have lived in the town for two years; however, I have lived just outside of the town limits for 30 years.

2. What is your educational and professional background?

I am a graduate of Apollo High School in Owensboro, Kentucky, and I immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy where I underwent extensive training in mechanics, firefighting and damage control. Over the past 34 years, I have worked in various skilled labor positions, and I am currently working as a metrology specialist. I perform calibrations across our plant. Additionally, I’ve accumulated numerous hours of team-building courses which would be invaluable in a role such as mayor.

3. Are you active in your community? If so, please elaborate.

Yes, I am actively engaged in my community. I regularly clean up trash along West Main Street, serve as a member and past Commander of the American Legion Post 126, attend various town events and make an effort to support our local small businesses. Additionally, I enjoy playing tennis on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with a local group of enthusiasts.

4. Have you ever run for political office before?

No, I haven’t run for political office before and it was never something I had considered until now.

5. Can you describe how you think Moncks Corner has changed over the years – for better or worse?

Moncks Corner has experienced both positive and negative changes over the years. On the positive side, developments like the Miracle Field and the Rec Complex have brought value to the town. However, there is concern that the towns rapid growth, including annexations and large-scale developments may be outpacing the infrastructure like roads and schools. Some citizens oppose this pace of growth and there is a worry that Moncks Corner is aiming to become the next Summerville with all of their congestion.

6. What has prompted you to run for office?

I’ve decided to run for office because I’m concerned about transparency and fiscal responsibility in our local government. I’ve noticed the mayor’s salary has seen a significant increase over the last four years, over 208%. In 2022, the mayor received a 61% the same year that the town raised taxes on the citizens and small businesses by 15%. As a part-time mayor, he makes as much as some of our full-time employees which does not seem equitable. Additionally, the fact that he has a job with the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office while receiving a town-supplied SUV while some of our workers need to work a second job is an issue that needs attention and resolution. We have to do better for our town employees.

7. Why should residents vote for you?

8. Can you describe your family?

My wife is Carolyn Huggins Hamilton, who was born and raised in Santee Circle. She’s been a dedicated small business owner in Moncks Corner for over 25 years, where she owns Hands on Therapy and passionately serves her clients. Carolyn has achieved the honor of being voted Berkeley County Massage Therapist of the Year multiple times.

Our family includes her son, Richie, who has a daughter named Cecilia (CeCi), age 10. I have two sons; Alex my oldest has a son William (Billy) who is 8 years old. My youngest son, Dallas who is engaged ( Leanne ) so we are excited about the prospect of new grandchildren in the future. We really do try to enjoy as much family time as possible.

9. Do you have a website/Facebook page you’d like to include?

I have a website https://hamiltonformayor.weebly.com/

Facebook: Thomas Hamilton for Mayor of Moncks Corner

10. Anything else worth mentioning?

When I grew up we did not have it easy and I have worked since I was young. I used to push around an old Montgomery Wards lawnmower and mow yards for $5.00.

I had a newspaper route that I would have to ride my bicycle in all kinds of weather to deliver.

I had an aunt who had a farm and she would pay me to work in the fields.

I was one who hunted soda bottles to cash them in for candy money.

When I was in high school I got up at 3 a.m. to deliver bulk newspapers and deliver them to the paper boys with my Grandfather.

I have always worked hard for everything that I have ever gotten in life and I will work just as hard to help the people of Moncks Corner if they vote for me as mayor.

My decision to run for mayor is rooted in my belief that our voices are not being heard, when citizens show up against developments that harm their neighborhoods they need to be heard.

I am in this to win so I would really appreciate your vote on November 7.

Editor’s Note: The Berkeley Observer does not endorse political candidates. However, we believe that readers have the right to know who the candidates are prior to an election. Any political candidates who would like to be highlighted in future news articles, please feel free to email The Berkeley Observer at news@berkeleyobserver.com.

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – (Tuesday, May 23, 2023) – On Monday, May 22, 2023, Berkeley County cut the ribbon on its new Welcome Center site in Moncks Corner. The Welcome Center is located inside the historic 18^th century Nesbitt House at 1004 Highway 52. The facility houses the County’s Parks and Recreation Department, Tourism Department, and Farm and Land Services, as well as an Explore Charleston office. The facility previously housed Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce but has been unoccupied for at least the last two years.

Herrington LLC conducted architectural and engineering services for the project. KD-COM performed renovations, which included removing the existing framing on the back and sides of the house, due to severe water damage and rot. Other work included bringing the building’s structural integrity and electrical system back up to code; placing new framing supports on the second story; making the first floor ADA-compliant, including adding an ADA-compliant restroom for staff and guests; reconstructing the rear addition to ensure it’s more structurally sound and energy-efficient; applying new stucco to the exterior and sides of the house; repainting the entire structure. Locally-owned small business, Dream Home Investors, LLC, constructed the front sign, which includes plaques created by Berkeley Monument, another locally-owned small business.

Other in-house work, completed by Berkeley County Facilities and Grounds, included removing and rebuilding the structure’s columns. The County’s Roads and Bridges team paved the parking lot, established a concrete walkway, and placed sod on the property’s front lawn. Renovations to the structure first began in July 2022. Soon after, work was briefly halted due to structural issues discovered during construction. The County then worked with a structural engineer; and work began again in January 2023.

Total cost of the project is $368,550. Funding stemmed from the Berkeley County Accommodations Fee, the Charleston Visitors Center, and the S.C. Department of Revenue.

The Nesbitt House was built in 1725 by Alexander Nesbitt as part of Dean Hall Planation, the current site of Berkeley County’s Cypress Gardens park in Moncks Corner. In 1967, the house was discovered in the woods and relocated to its current spot at the former Old House Tract Plantation on Highway 52. The home’s restoration was completed in 1968.

“This renovation project has been a labor of love for our County. We were proud to revamp this beautiful, historic home and now showcase it to all, as it welcomes people to our great County. It will also serve locals and tourists alike as an informational hub for all things pertaining to Berkeley County’s history; recreational hotspots and happenings; and other tourism-related items. On behalf of County Council, we hope everyone will stop by this Welcome Center to learn more about Berkeley County.” -Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb

“Berkeley County has a rich history that we hope will be celebrated and remembered for generations to come. The establishment of this Welcome Center, which will also house our Parks and Recreation Department, Tourism Department, and Farm and Land Services, is just another positive step in preserving our past while looking forward to our future.” -Heather McDowell, Berkeley County Parks and Recreation Director

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-Prepared by the Berkeley County Public Information Office-

Idalia is likely to be a wind and rain event for Berkeley County, starting late Wednesday afternoon and into Thursday morning. Expected rainfall is 4 to 8 inches. Other potential impacts from Idalia, including risk for tornadoes and storm surge, remains low at this time for Berkeley County.

County officials have been meeting and discussing preparations for any potential impacts to our area. Crews with Berkeley County Roads and Bridges have been out ahead of the storm, checking on flood prone areas, storm drains and culverts throughout the County. SC Governor Henry McMaster has declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm.

Citizens are encouraged to prepare for Idalia by making a plan and building an emergency kit. View our 2023 County Hurricane Guide in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

CLOSURES: All Berkeley County Government offices, the Courthouse, Cypress Gardens, Berkeley Animal Center, and all County Library branches will close at 2 p.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, August 30. All facilities will remain CLOSED on Thursday, August 31, and reopen on Friday, September 1.

OPERATING CONDITIONS: The County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) currently remains at OPCON 3 (normal operating conditions), with no activation at this time. On Wednesday at 8 a.m., Berkeley County will transition to OPCON 2 with a partial EOC activation. OPCON 2 means a disaster or emergency is likely to affect the County, and emergency operations plans are implemented.

SANDBAGS: Sandbags are available at the following sites on a first-come, first-served basis. The sites are self-serve. More locations will be added, as needed.

CITIZEN CALL LINE: The Citizen Call Line (843-719-4800) is currently operational 24/7 for non-emergency calls ONLY. Callers will hear an automated response with Berkeley County storm prep information. **For all emergency calls, please call 911.**

POWER OUTAGES: Please do not call 911 for power outages. Please report outages to the appropriate provider below:

REPORTING STORM DAMAGE: If your residence or business sustains storm damage, please report it HERE. Those without Internet access can report storm damage by calling the Citizen Call Line at 843-719-4800 and leaving a detailed voicemail.

Reporting storm damage will help Berkeley County staff gauge the extent of damage in the County and report the findings to state and federal officials. These reports will determine appropriate federal and state funding for damage caused by the storm.

For the latest news and updates on Idalia, follow Berkeley County Government on Facebook and at www.berkeleycountysc.gov. Also, sign up for all County news and alerts through the County’s Notification System HERE.

The festival has donated nearly $1.2 million to local charities.

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – Celebrate The Season is back for a 13^th year of warming hearts, creating special memories, and supporting local charities. Celebrate The Season’s Holiday Lights Driving Tour takes place daily from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. from Nov. 24 through Dec. 30 (closed Dec. 24 and Dec. 25). In addition, Holiday In The Park festivities will take place on Fridays and Saturdays from Dec. 8 through Dec. 23.

Admission is only $10 per vehicle, with all ticket proceeds being donated to local charities. Visitors will enjoy Celebrate The Season’s mile-long Holiday Lights Driving Tour, where festive displays with thousands of colorful LEDs complement the natural scenery of Old Santee Canal Park. Visitors can enjoy the driving tour as many times as they like on the day they purchase their ticket.

Due to the success of last year’s event, Old Santee Canal Park has extended Holiday In The Park festivities, which take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. over three weekends – Dec. 8-9, Dec. 15-16 and Dec. 22-23. Bring your family and friends to get into the holiday spirit with food, local entertainment, holiday gift vendors, free visits with Santa, and many other activities. Entry is included with admission to the Holiday Lights Driving Tour. More information is available at www.celebratetheseason.org.

All the brilliantly colored LED lighting displays are powered by 100% Santee Cooper Green Power, which is Green-e Energy certified and meets the environmental and consumer-protection standards set forth by the nonprofit Center for Resource Solutions. Learn more at www.green-e.org.

Since 2011, Celebrate The Season, presented by Berkeley Electric Cooperative and organized by Santee Cooper and Old Santee Canal Park, has donated nearly $1.2 million to local charities, including the Coastal Community Foundation’s Giving Back to Berkeley Fund.

Santee Cooper

Santee Cooper is South Carolina’s largest power provider, the ultimate source of electricity for 2 million people across the state, and one of America’s Best Midsize Employers as named by Forbes. Through its low-cost, reliable and environmentally responsible electricity and water services, and through innovative partnerships and initiatives that attract and retain industry and jobs, Santee Cooper helps power South Carolina. To learn more, visit www.santeecooper.com and follow #PoweringSC on social media.

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (WCIV) — For Thomas Hamilton, Moncks Corner is home.

For nearly 30 years, Hamilton has resided within the community he's seen change with time. But when he heard that a plan was in place to build 88 homes, that was more change than he signed up for. So, when the local government voted no to the developer's plan to rezone Perry Hill, it was the outcome of Hamilton's hopes.

"It doesn't fit the fabric of Moncks Corner," Hamilton said with a subtle smile. "I'm so happy our council turned it down."

Moncks Corner: Local government curbs construction to keep local charm intact, and Thomas Hamilton, a long-time resident, shared his thoughts on the no-vote (WCIV).

Read more: Mother shares experience losing son to drowning, says drownings 100% preventable.

Underpinning Hamilton's reaction to the vote is a desire for Moncks Corner to stay small -- stay local. A place where big-box stores meet mom-and-pop shops, local eateries, and the culture cultivated through knowing the neighbors and saying hello to those seen in passing.

"I feel we can update and bring certain businesses to the area, but we really need to focus and support our smaller businesses in town," Hamilton said. "We don't want to become another Summerville with the congestion that they have. When I get to Moncks Corner, I want to enjoy moncks corner. I want to bring amenities to us to where we don't have to travel out."

And for those in local government, behind the vote to slow down building developments is a desire to understand the effects of construction on an intimate community.

"Council wants to pump the breaks a little on new construction to see how that impacts the town," said Michael Lockliear, Mayor of Moncks Corner. "We always try to put out the best product we can for the town. That is why we went through -- a couple years ago -- our ordinances to revamp and get the best product."

Read more: A finish worth the wait.

Hamilton plans to run for Mayor of Moncks Corner, and what is driving him is the insatiable desire to have his home feel like a place everyone who resides in it can recognize.

"I just want to have an all-inclusive Moncks Corner for everybody," he said.

And sometimes, that means saying no for now in the hopes of saying yes to something that better fits the community later.