BY JORDAN BOWERS, THE ROARING EAGLE STAFF, AND CRISTY BOHLEN, GUEST CONTRIBUTOR York, SC - This June 11th, York County voters will head to the polls in a highly impactful South Carolina primary that could set the stage for November's general election. South Carolina's open primary system allows every registered voter to participate in either the Democratic or Republican primaries, but not both. Additionally, those voting in one party's primary cannot switch parties for subsequent runoffs. The stakes are high as the primary results could determine a significant number of local positions. With no Democratic contenders in several races, the primary could decide the York County Council District 2 seat, the 16th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, and the York County Sheriff, among others. The winners of these primaries are likely to be the same individuals taking office after the general election. Statewide, voters will decide on all seven U.S. House districts and all 170 seats in the Legislature. However, with over 250 candidates vying for 124 state House seats and more than 100 for the 46 Senate districts, it's important to note that only a handful of these races are truly competitive. The 1st Congressional District, for instance, remains a focal point, now leaning more Republican following recent redistricting. As the primary approaches, residents are urged to verify their polling places and review sample ballots by visiting the South Carolina voter page. With no statewide offices on this year's ballot, the local and legislative races will be at the forefront of voters' decisions, shaping the political landscape of South Carolina for the years to come. To help our readers be more informed, The Roaring Eagle reporters reached out to those candidates running for the District 2 seat, the Solicitor’s Office, and the Sheriff. The candidates were asked the same four questions, requesting that the total response not exceed 250 words and that they provide a headshot. We have published the responses we received as written. The questions we asked were as follows.
![]() Jason Amentler I decided to run for the county seat because I was unhappy with the government overreach being implemented. I also wanted to give back to a community that has provided me a multitude of opportunity. The four big issues I’m focusing on are: Economic development, infrastructure improvements, funding our first responder services, and reducing government overreach. I think it’s important for people to know that I’m a 21 year district 2 resident, a veteran, and a Clover high school graduate. I have also self funded my entire campaign, and just want to serve this community as best I can. You can submit questions to my Facebook page, Jason Amentler for York County District 2. Allison Love The Roaring Eagle had not received a response by the time of publication. ![]() Andy Litten I'm seeking a seat on the York County Council because our community deserves a leader who prioritizes planning for the future and advocates for the interests of all, not just a privileged few. I'm committed to upholding the foundational principles of governance: honesty, integrity, experience, and accountability. It's time for leadership that places our critical needs above trivial projects. By prioritizing infrastructure planning, promoting sustainable development through smart growth initiatives, advocating for economic development, and ensuring complete emergency services, I aim to enhance the quality of life for both current residents and future generations. Leveraging my background in engineering, planning, and collaboration, I'm poised to tackle these challenges head-on. Together, we can build a community that thrives, meeting the needs of today while laying a strong foundation for tomorrow. My campaign isn't just about winning elections; it's about upholding the values essential for effective, equitable governance. It's about encouraging a culture of integrity, accountability, and collaboration—a culture where the needs of the many outweigh the interests of the few. I believe in the power of principled leadership to effect meaningful change. I refuse to accept the status quo when our community deserves better. Because, ultimately, I am driven by a profound sense of duty to serve and uplift those we're privileged to represent. And together, with your support, we'll chart a course toward a brighter tomorrow for us all. Voters are encouraged to submit their questions and concerns via my Facebook page, LittenforCountyCouncil, or through the website www.littenforcountycouncil.com 16th Circuit Solicitor's Office Kevin Brackett I am running to continue as the elected Solicitor (aka District Attorney). I have over 30 years’ experience in prosecution and have successfully prosecuted countless violent offenders. I want to continue to use my experience to keep our community safe. Fentanyl abuse is the number one issue we face. 5 people die from overdoses every day in SC. This is unacceptable. By holding dealers accountable and compelling addicts to embrace recovery we can do better. We need better laws to help do this and I am working with our local legislators to create them. The voters need to understand that my opponent has virtually no experience. He has only tried two cases as a prosecutor and lost them both. He has never tried a murder case or supervised attorneys. He is not equipped to lead this important office. I have served as Solicitor for the last 17 years and in that time, we have led the state in efficiency, moving more cases within one year of arrest than any other circuit in the state until Covid shut the courts down. We have an outstanding staff of experienced, committed prosecutors most of whom have more experience than my opponent. If we were both surgeons and you had to choose one of us to operate on you, I do not believe you would hesitate to choose my experience over his. If you are a victim of a terrible crime, you would want that experience on your side as well. Submit questions at [email protected]. Tyler Bratton The Roaring Eagle had not received a response by the time of publication. York County Sheriff Michael Belk The Roaring Eagle had not received a response by the time of publication. ![]() Chris Blevins Chris has always aspired to be Sheriff, but out of respect for the sitting Sheriff, he did not initially run. Chris began his law enforcement career as a reserve deputy in 1994 and transitioned to a full-time employee of the York County Sheriff's Office in 1995. He steadily climbed the career ladder, eventually becoming a District Commander before his retirement. With over 25 years in law enforcement, his experience spans various areas, including Investigations, Narcotics, Fugitive Apprehension, SWAT, SC Law Enforcement Network 16th Circuit Coordinator, and District Command. Throughout his tenure at the York County Sheriff's Office, Chris has been recognized numerous times for his outstanding contributions. His extensive network of contacts from local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies is a testament to his effectiveness in building working partnerships essential to the leadership role of Sheriff. Chris' top three priorities: - Combat Opioid Crisis - Building trust through relationships with all segments of the community - Strengthen the current workforce through fair and transparent leadership. Chris understands York County's diverse makeup and the unique problems that affect each district's quality of life. Chris will be transparent and open to the public while earning each citizen's trust. Chris will be fair to all employees and treat them how he would like to be treated. Chris will strengthen current bonds in the community while building new ones. Chris can be reached in many different ways: Facebook- ChrisBlevinsforsheriff Instagram- Blevinsforsheriff Gmail- [email protected] Website- Chrisblevinsforsheriff.com Mobile- 803-372-7685 Tony Breeden The Roaring Eagle had not received a response by the time of publication. ![]() Heath Clevenger It is a calling, and I have been called to serve in this capacity. I believe that due to my experiences, ability to communicate effectively, and my proven leadership, I am the best choice to serve the people of York County as their sheriff. My priorities are intelligence-led policing with proactive enforcement to establish safer communities, leading with integrity, talking with the community leaders, and taking care of the deputies, detention officers, and staff of the York County Sheriff’s Office. I want to ensure that the schools are as safe as possible, working with the districts and school staff. I will be fiscally responsible for the taxpayer's funds for the budget. As your sheriff, I will serve the office and the people of York County with honor and integrity. I have a service record that proves that I do not shy away from difficult situations. I will continue to stand between the criminals and the community to hold the criminals accountable. I want York County to have a reputation for being hard on crime so that criminals choose somewhere else to commit crimes. Heathclevengerforsheriff.com [email protected] Beth Tolson
53 years old Born and raised in York 32 years of law enforcement with York County I’m running because of my love for the York County Sheriffs Office and the people of York County who I have served my entire life. 3 of my top issues to address: Mental Health Wellness Domestic Violence Fentanyl Crisis I know first had what it takes to run the York County Sheriff’s Office and I will be ready on day one to take over. I’ve dedicated my life to serve the citizens of York County. I was raised in the York County Sheriffs Office and I have raised my children in the York County Sheriffs Office. [email protected]
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