Three vie for two seats in Ridgeland election on Tuesday

Three candidates will run Tuesday for two, at-large seats on the Ridgeland Town Council -- the only race in Jasper County.

Councilman Tommie McCallister is retiring at the end of his term, leaving his seat vacant. Incumbent Tommy Rhodes, 63, is seeking re-election.

Also vying for seats on Tuesday are newcomers Josephine Boyles, 71, and Chris DuBose, 25.

Rhodes won his council seat 25 years ago. A Vietnam veteran and owner of the Tommy Rhodes State Farm Insurance Agency, Rhodes also served as Ridgeland mayor in 1975-76. He said his goals for office include keeping the town fiscally healthy and aesthetically attractive. He wants to expand sewer capacity and help properly plan and zone Ridgeland as it grows.

Boyles, a S.C. Department of Parole and Pardon Services retiree, said her top priority for the job is to make the right decisions for the town. She is active in several church and civic groups and said she wants to do her part for Ridgeland.

Dubose, a journeyman lineman for Santee-Cooper, serves on the town Appeals Committee. He said his goals include helping support Ridgeland as it grows and maintaining a strong budget through the recession.

The top two vote-getters will win office, according to town clerk Penny Daly.

Marti Covington