Republican Primary Candidates for County Council Dist. 26

Of the 12 seats that make up the Greenville County council, 5 of those are on the ballot for 2022. Council Districts 17, 19, 23, 26 and 28 will be contested in Primaries and in the General election. 

The following County Council Seats are up for election this cycle:

District 17 - Joe Dill - one Republican and one Democrat opponent

District 19 - Willis Meadows - three Republican opponents

District 23 - Xanthene Norris (retiring in December 2022)

District 28 - Dan Tripp – unopposed.

There are 44,821 residents in District 26, and it is one of the largest land mass Districts in Greenville County. There are 16 Precincts in District 26 and some of these are shared with other districts.  Due to the redistricting, some Precincts have changed - three other Precincts were removed from District 26 and of interest to the residents of Hunters Woods all of you are now in District 26. 

Since District 26 is the most contested race and includes the majority of people in our readership area, we thought it would be appropriate to highlight these two candidates. 

We asked them to respond to these questions. Where do you live, why are you running and how can you make a difference.? 

The following quotes are their responses.

Lynn Ballard

I have been a resident of Greenville County since 1987 and lived in the Ware Place since 2005.  I have a degree in Chemistry and ran chemical plants here and in other areas of the Country for 25 years.  The last 15 years of my working career I delivered mail on a rural mail route in Simpsonville, SC; retiring in 2013.  In January 2014 my predecessor passed away and I was elected to my current position as the County Council Representative for District 26.  My wife, Debbie, passed away in March 2020, due to COVID.  I have three grown children and seven grandchildren.

Some of the accomplishments that have occurred during my term in office include:  

• Increasing the pay for the Sheriff Deputies, EMS Employees, and Detention Center employees.  

• Upgrading the County Emergency Radio System 

• Approved funding for the new South Greenville and Cane Brake Fire Stations

• Establishment of the Historic and Natural Resources Trust

• Combining the seven sewer collectors into one entity 

I am running to continue to represent the people in District 26 on Council.  I really enjoy working with the people in the district.  I am responsive to their needs, return phone calls, meet with individuals and groups, and work with the County Staff to address needs.  I have been privileged to have served on every Standing Committee and several Ad Hoc Committees.  I have developed great working relationships with many people throughout the County that have interactions with Council.  Unlike my colleagues, I do not have another job, which allows me to represent Council at many different meetings and functions.■ 

Rick Bradley

My wife and I have lived and worked in the Fork Shoals community for over 41 years. I am an active volunteer and leader in our historic Fork Shoals Baptist Church. I started my own Commercial & Residential Flooring business in 1992, which services Greenville

County and surrounding areas. My wife Cindy is a lifelong resident of the Fork Shoals community and has served as a Teacher’s Aide at Fork Shoals Elementary for 25 years.

We have two married children, a son and daughter, and four grandchildren. Our son passed away five years ago, but we are blessed to have the rest of the family living on our land or nearby.

If elected, I will serve ALL the people of District 26 and not the politics of special interest groups, individuals, or companies that profit from our district without giving back in the form of improved infrastructure and taxes. I will only vote for legislation that will positively impact our lifestyle, our safety, or our land. I’m prepared to take a solemn oath to preserve, protect, and defend the rights of the citizens of District 26, and uphold the Constitution of South Carolina and the United States of America.

I promise to represent all the people of District 26 by providing an experienced voice in the decisions affecting those of us who are already here and for those who may be coming. Please vote for me on Tuesday, June 14. 

Visit my website RickWorks4U.com to verify your Precinct and Voting Location.■