John Blocker: 2024 True Blue Democrat of the Year

Posted on October 31, 2024 by gwd_admin

The True Blue Democratic represents the best of us: A member of the Greenwood County Democratic Party who is fully dedicated to the cause, inspiring and helping others, and making our country better for all. Recent winners include:

Elaine Gentry (2019)
Audrey Witherspoon (2020)
Charles Lewis (2021)
Suzy Holloway (2022)
George & Cathie Swindell (2023)

Every year, we honor someone who has worked hard as a volunteer or leader with the Greenwood Democrats, going beyond just attending meetings. They volunteer to make our events happen, engage in outreach campaigns, and help our candidates be successful.

This year’s winner has a lifetime of involvement with the Greenwood Democrats. Whether it’s by picking up litter on our adopted road, bringing donuts to every breakfast meeting, cooking burgers and dogs at our annual fish fry, selling the most tickets for this year’s Carnell Drummond Mays Banquet, or just lighting up every room with an infectious smile…

It is our honor and privilege to announce the 2024 True Blue Democrat award to…

John Blocker!

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Jilisa Cade: Recipient of the 2024 Wanda Moore Community Service Award

Posted on October 31, 2024 by gwd_admin

Wanda Moore was the first Community Care Movement Director of the Greenwood County Democratic Party. She spent countless hours organizing and participating in community service activities. She was a true servant of the people, never seeking recognition for her hard work.

After her untimely passing in 2022 we launched the first Wanda Moore Community Service Award to recognize one who demonstrates service and education to the community. This is an individual who does not regularly make the newspapers for their work. However, their contributions to the neighborhoods of Greenwood County are well known and appreciated.

This year’s recipient of the 2024 Wanda Moore Community Servant Award is Jilisa Bonet Cade!

Jilisa, originally from Calhoun Falls, SC, is the Community Impact Manager with United Way of the Lakelands. A Calhoun Falls High School and Greenville Technical College graduate, she will receive her certification in Human Resource Management in the spring of 2025. Jilisa is the proud mother of a two-year-old son, Kameron.

In her various roles, Jilisa is instrumental in working with local agencies and connecting communities with programs that benefit them. She manages the Resource Hub and serves as a Hub Navigator, guiding clients to essential resources within their communities. As the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) coordinator, she oversees tax assistance services across Greenwood, Saluda, and McCormick counties, helping bring an estimated $2 million back to the community through tax returns.

Jilisa’s leadership extends beyond tax services. She fosters strong partnerships with local nonprofits, businesses, and the United Center for Community Care Resource Connection Hub to ensure clients receive comprehensive support. Her dedication was recognized with the IRS Frank Nolden Award, and she continues to build a network of services that uplift her community. Jilisa’s favorite quote is “The Sun will rise and set regardless. What we choose to do with the light while it’s here is up to us.”

Congratulations, Jilisa!

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Kleckley Campaign Sue Billy Garrett Over Residency Qualifications

Posted on October 7, 2024 by gwd_admin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 7, 2024

CONTACT: press@franciekleckley.com

LEXINGTON, SC — Francie Kleckley, a 40-year resident of Lexington and candidate for state Senate District 10, today filed an action for Declaratory Judgment and a Motion for a Temporary and Permanent Injunction against Billy Garrett and the South Carolina Election Commission. Mr. Garrett does not meet the minimum requirements to be a candidate for South Carolina Senate District 10.

South Carolina law requires state Senate candidates maintain their legal residence in the district they seek to represent on the date of candidate filing. In a sworn filing statement, Mr. Garrett said he lived in Senate District 10, but public records and a recorded media interview clearly show he lives in Senate District 25.

“It might sound crazy to Billy Garrett, but by law, a representative has to reside among the people they represent,” said Kleckley. “It’s clear Billy Garrett’s residency claim is a sham. The people of District 10 deserve a senator who won’t lie about something as fundamental as where they live.”

This lawsuit should come as no surprise to Mr. Garrett. He voted in favor of the new South Carolina Senate district boundaries, even though they would exclude his legal residence in McCormick County, where he has lived since 2018. Ten days prior to his candidate filing, however, Mr. Garrett changed his voter registration to a property in Lexington County owned by his wife.

One day prior to filing, Mr. Garrett gave an interview in which he characterized the Lexington address as his daughter and grandchildren’s home, and as a convenient place for him to stay during the three-days-a-week legislative session. At the time of this writing, Mr. Garrett accurately lists the McCormick address as his residence on his South Carolina Senate biography, his notary license, and other official documents.

Ms. Kleckley felt compelled to look into questions regarding Mr. Garrett’s residency after witnessing his noticeable absence in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. While Mr. Garrett seems to believe he can skirt our legal system in South Carolina, Ms. Kleckley disagrees. She has filed this complaint to honor the integrity of her state and the residents of District 10.

The full complaint can be found here.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y4P4f2R0ycGAQ7yC7LdUMhI0CxnXswju/view