Williams runs as lone GOP solicitor candidate

Sumter attorney Theophilus Darius “Tod” Williams IV has announced his candidacy on the Republican ticket for Solicitor of the Third Judicial Circuit.
The office became open when current Solicitor Kelly Jackson announced his retirement at the end of this year.

With an ever-increasing criminal docket, Williams said part of his decision to run comes from a desire to provide a cost-effective service for the people of the Third Circuit.

“I do not think the importance of efficiency in prosecuting cases can be overstated,” Williams said.

Instead of trying to grow the office by hiring additional staff and spending more tax dollars, Williams said he understands the value of enhancing the efficiency of the system already in place.

“In the current economic climate, it’s clear that offices, both public and private, face budget cuts on a daily basis. I don’t think it’s practical to expect to hire more prosecutors,” Williams said, adding this has become even more important as the state court system expects a reduction in funding.

“Chief Justice Jean Toal has said there may be a reduction in terms of Court over the next year. That’s what makes the efficient use of our limited resources so crucial,” Williams said. “I’m ready to lead that fight.”

To help increase efficiency, Williams said he would bring a greater level of transparency to the solicitor’s office.

“I believe it is vital that citizens know how their resources are being spent, as well as the sources of those monies. Good stewardship and public trust are essential for any public servant,” Williams said.

Williams, who is unmarried, is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Ted Williams. He graduated from Wilson Hall, attended Washington and Lee University in Virginia and received a Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, from Wofford College with a double major in English and government. He earned his law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law and clerked in the Third Circuit under Judge Tommy Cooper.

“When I finished law school, I knew I wanted to return to the Third Circuit, and I was fortunate to be hired as a law clerk by the Honorable Thomas W. Cooper, Jr., a circuit court judge in Manning,” Williams explained. “I was Judge Cooper’s final law clerk, and I was able to stay with him for more than a year. Anyone familiar with Judge Cooper will agree that I learned more while sitting with him than possible in years of practice.”

Williams is currently with the firm of Schwartz, McLeod, DuRant & Jordan in Sumter and has served as a contract public defender since 2006.

Williams said his number one campaign issue is “community.”

“I’d like to give back to the community that already has given me so much. There are a number of ways to engage in public service, but I’ve spent my life training to be and working as an attorney, so I have the specific skill set necessary to succeed as the next Solicitor,” he said. “I was raised in the Third Circuit and I returned here after law school. I’ve never called anywhere else home, and I’m proud of that. I grew up swimming and skiing at Wyboo andplaying youth sports throughout the area. I don’t think you can prosecute criminals in the Third Circuit unless you are a member of this community.”

Because he faces no Republican challenger, Williams’ name will not appear on the June 8 primary ballot.

In November, he will face the winner of the Democratic primary, either Chip Finney or Trey McLeod and independent candidate Catherine Fant.