Four file for three Summerton seats

Political newcomer Terrance Tindal has thrown his hat in the ring for one of three Summerton Town Council seats up for re-election.

Tindal joins incumbents Mayor Pro Tem Ken Wells, DuValle Elliott and Henry Lawson in the four-man race for the three seats.

Should the incumbents be victorious they would be seated for their third, second and fourth terms, respectively (Wells, Elliott and Lawson). All members of the Summerton Town Council are elected as at-large representatives.

Tindal, 26, is a Summerton native and a graduate of Scott’s Branch High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in entrepreneurial studies from Grand Canyon University and is currently pursuing an additional bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Benedict College.

He is founder and president of Teaching God’s Truths ministry, a community outreach ministry. He currently serves with the Clarendon School District 1 as a staff member with the Americorp program.

Tindal said his greatest concern for the town was its continuing redevelopment.

“All of our entrances need revitalization,” he said. “We need to make Summerton and its downtown appealing to visitors. We can have more economic development with grants. The money is out there.”

“We need the amenities that stabilize our community, like recreation, good schools and programs for our youth. We have to make our community a place where our best and brightest want to stay and grow their families here, instead of moving away.”

Tindal said that with flat growth and the imminent closure of Federal Mogul that Summerton is going to be very challenged.

“I believe we need to annex more area into the town so we can have room to provide more for our citizens,” he said.

Tindal is the son of Henrietta Tindal and the late John Henry Thomas, a well-known local electrician and plumber. He is a member of Taw Caw Baptist Church where he serves as a youth minister and is part of the music ministry and the Brotherhood of the church.

The Summerton municipal election is scheduled for April 6 at the Summerton Town Hall.