NEWS ARCHIVE
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 04/24/07
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Former Moncks Corner mayor seeks Dist. 44 Senate seat
Charleston Post & Courier
MONCKS CORNER - Former Mayor John West announced Monday that he is running for the District 44 state Senate seat previously held by the late Sen. Bill Mescher.
The 51-year-old attorney served as mayor of Moncks Corner for three years and was general counsel for Santee Cooper for four years before returning to private practice in 2005. He intends to file as a Democrat.
"I want to bring an attitude of fair dealing and consensus-buildingto the South Carolina Senate," West said. "Like many people, I'm disappointed with how partisan our process has become. I'd like to be a bridge builder, and I think my track record indicates that's what I've been and that's what I will be."
West has served as chairman of the Berkeley County Foundation for Education since it was founded in 2000. The nonprofit organization works with the private sector to raise money for programs not funded by the state and school district. West said education would be his key focus if elected.
"Underemphasized are private-public partnerships with industry and business," he said. "It allows us to advance education without the expenditure of tax dollars."
West also said he wants to continue the high level of constituent service Mescher was known for. West plans to tour the district right away and listen to residents' concerns.
"My priorities will be their priorities," he said.
West is the third candidate to announce his intention to run. Rep. Shirley Hinson and Berkeley County Council Chairman Bill Crosby both intend to run as Republicans.
Filing begins at noon Friday and runs through noon May 7. The primary election will be June 19. The general election will be Aug. 7.
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