Government

Meet the Candidates: Chad Sweatman for Moncks Corner Town Council

by Nikki Gaskins Campbell
Pictured: Chad Sweatman
Pictured: Chad Sweatman

MONCKS CORNER, S.C.–On November 3rd, Moncks Corner voters will head to the polls to elect three people to town council. Currently, there are five people vying for the job.

The three candidates with the most votes will win a seat on town council.

Over the next several days leading up to the election, The Berkeley Observer will be introducing you to each of the five candidates with a Q&A.

Today, we start with Chad Sweatman. To learn more about him, visit his official campaign page on Facebook.

1. Why are you running for town council?

My family is from here, we own a home here, our children are in school here, and my business is located here.  Simply stated, I am invested in the direction of our Town and its success.  My decision to run for re-election is premised upon my love and belief in our Town and in its future.  As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and business owner, I feel that may particular skill set and experiences would greatly complement the existing council and be a valuable resource to our administration and community.  I want nothing more than to put my determination and ambition to work for Moncks Corner and be a resource for our community and its residents.

2. Why do you think you’re the best candidate for the job?

I am a long-time resident of the community and truly have the future of Moncks Corner in mind.  I dismiss any prestige or accolades as an elected official or any view of this position being stepping stone or resume builder for higher appointments.  I am here for our Town and all of our people.  Nothing more, nothing less.  I am a leader and my mentality is that no issue is too small and that everyone is equal and therefore should have an equal voice.  I approach all facets of my life with 110% of my energy.  I will continue to apply this same work ethic, if re-elected, on our town council.

3. For anyone unfamiliar with you, can you talk a little more about your background? (EX: education, family, career, etc?)

I am from Moncks Corner.  I was educated at all of the Berkeley County schools within our Town and I am a product of our community.  Upon graduating from Berkeley High School in 1995, I completed my undergraduate degree in Accounting from the College of Charleston and shortly thereafter completed my Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from The Citadel.  Over the past 8 years, since passing the CPA exam, I have owned and operated my accounting office right here in Moncks Corner.  Also during that time, I have personally been involved in revitalization projects in Moncks Corner to bring life and commerce back to our area.  I am blessed with my wife, Erin, of 10 years and together we have two wonderful daughters, Kaylin and Gracyn.

4. What issues in Moncks Corner are important to you and why?

Moncks Corner faces a lot of issues on a daily, monthly, and yearly basis.  These issues relate to crime, traffic, finance, infrastructure and the certainty of looming opportunities for growth.  These issues are important to me because I am a member of this community.  I drive these streets on a daily basis.  I live right here in town.  I operate my business here in town.  At the end of the day, I want to see Moncks Corner improving and moving in the right direction.  I want see issues resolved and where they can’t be resolved in the near future, I would like to know that we are taking action to address them over a reasonable amount of time.

5. Are there any problems in Moncks Corner that you feel need to be addressed? If so, what?

I believe the downtown area has become a problematic area.  While riding up Main Street, I see certain areas that are absolutely beautiful.  In other areas, I want to close my eyes.  The downtown business district and Main Street are the heart of our town, yet it is does not give that vibe or appearance of an area that is prospering or moving forward.  I would like the downtown area to not only be a place of beauty, but a place where all residents can gather for commerce and community events.  I would like the downtown area to be a destination for new businesses and activities rather than just another mediocre area.

6. How would you describe your character?

    • Trustworthy – I am honest and reliable.  As a CPA and business owner, my livelihood depends on me adhering to these traits on a daily basis.
    • Respectful – I am considerate of others.  As a husband and father of two daughters, I face disagreements and differences on almost an hourly basis.  These experiences have made me well versed in being considerate and compassionate of differences.
    • Responsibility – Arguably one of my best traits.  I firmly believe in being accountable for my choices and doing what I say I’m going to do.
    • Fairness – We have to be open-minded and listen to others and more so have leaders that depict this trait.  I am always open to new ideas and the input of others.
    • Citizenship – I stand firm in my decision to obey the rules, be a good neighbor, and participate in the community.  We need leaders who are involved and are willing to go a step farther than what is expected of them.

7. Anything else worth mentioning?

I am here for our community and its people.  I will always have the greater good of our community in mind and be a leader….not a follower.  Simply stated, I am not afraid to stand alone in opposition.  I will continue to be relentless in my pursuit to makes Moncks Corner better for us all.

Please remember that three (3) seats are available, and you have the ability to vote for three (3) candidates.

 
Nikki Gaskins Campbell
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