As voters head to the polls Nov. 8, Greenville County Probate Judge Debora Faulkner will face off against Chad Groover to keep her seat, and two Greenville County Council seats are up for grabs.
While there are three Greenville County offices on the ballot, six officials are unopposed for their seats, including:
- Walt Wilkins – Greenville County Solicitor Circuit 13
- Scott Case – Greenville County Auditor
- Al Hodges – Greenville County Treasurer
- Benton Blount – Greenville County Council District 19
- Rick Bradley – Greenville County Council District 26
- Daniel Tripp – Greenville County Council District 28
Greenville County Probate Judge
Incumbent: Debora A. Faulkner
Party: Democratic
Years as Probate Judge: 23 years
What are you planning to work on in your next term?
As Greenville continues to grow, we need an experienced probate judge who understands the challenges of the job, which include more than just knowing the law. I have the experience and a successful record for the busiest court in our state.
A few of my specific goals are:
- Implement electronic filing of estate administration documents. The S.C. Supreme Court has only granted Charleston County probationary electronic filing. Pilot programs are generally done to gauge the pros and cons before a decision is made to allow statewide change in procedure. Greenville was the pilot program for mediation in the state’s Probate Courts. I was appointed to chair that effort. The result was that the Supreme Court implemented rules providing for statewide mediation in all Probate Courts. As to e-filing in the Charleston pilot program, there are mixed reviews. The attorneys have the most favorable reviews. People without attorneys need more help from staff and some live in areas with no broadband service. So, traditional filing and e-filing must work side by side to serve everyone. I have laid the groundwork for the success of this in Greenville with our Probate Attorney Web System and I have overseen the imaging of all of our records dating back to the 1700s. Implementation of e-filing in Greenville hinges on Supreme Court approval, budget allocations and having the broadband infrastructure in the county to support everyone’s ability to take advantage of the program. With my position on the Supreme Court’s Probate Court Advisory Committee, I can have direct input on the design of this program.
- Increase citizen education. If citizens learn more ahead of time, the likelihood of excessive use of staff time and cost of litigation is greatly reduced. In addition to community workshops, educating citizens who cannot afford an attorney is essential. My goal here is to develop short YouTube videos for each stage of estate administration. This would be in addition to our current monthly in-person class. These would be helpful to those who cannot miss work or travel to our in-person classes. Expanding our in-person classes using our libraries across the county and using Zoom for those at home to participate are also a part of my plan.
- Meet the future demands of the public within the court. I oversaw the design of our space in the new county administration building to address future needs. For example, currently I have only one courtroom. In the new space, there will be two courtrooms which will allow for even speedier trials. No longer will we have to move jury trials to the main courthouse since one of our new courtrooms will have space for a jury. I will also be implementing docketing technology similar to that used in state courts to maximize the use of both courtrooms.
During my time in office, the priority has always been service to those who need us. I have the passion to serve, and I have the record to prove it. Going into my next term, I will continue the professionalism, responsiveness, efficiency, and courtesy that are hallmarks of my time in office.
Challenger: Chad Groover
Party: Republican
Position: Managing shareholder at Upstate Elder Law PA.
What is the one thing you plan to change if elected?
One area where the Greenville County Probate Court could improve is in the use of technology. The Probate Court should have electronic filing like that which exists in Family Court and Circuit Court. Another area would be in customer service. The Court needs to be client focused and not present unnecessary hurdles to opening and closing estates.
Greenville County Council District 17
Candidate: Sheryl Guarniero
Party: Democratic
Position: An environmental scientist and consultant with GreenHer Earth
What is the one thing you plan to change if elected?
I will work with the communities to implement guided growth through various means such as zoning, preservation, support for infrastructure, etc.
Candidate: Joey Russo
Party: Republican
Position: Greenville Industrial Rubber & Gasket owner
What is the one thing you plan to change if elected?
While it’s difficult to pinpoint one thing, when I am elected my priority is to bring a new transparency to the position. Greenville County must set the standard for effective communications on our votes and decision making. The tax-paying citizens of our county deserve no less.
Greenville County Council District 23
Candidate: Ben Carper
Party: Republican
Position: Real estate broker
What is the one thing you plan to change if elected?
I’m about Greenville first. I want the best opportunities for all Greenvillians. My desire is also to make District 23 the premiere district in Greenville County. It has a very unique district and massive cross section of people. We have very suburban/rural and inner city in it. As a Greenville native, I have seen a lot of the changes that have taken place. I want everyone to improve and advance by taking personal responsibility for themselves and to take pride in their property.
Candidate: Alan Mitchell
Party: Democratic
Position: Retired from Greenville Health System as construction procurement/purchasing agent in the facilities development department
What is the one thing you plan to change if elected?
I will focus on improving infrastructure elements and systems that support our communities and allow people to live safe, productive lives within this region by specifically upgrading and improving outdated sidewalk and street lighting systems, identifying and replacing deteriorating sewer lines, and securing new and renovated affordable housing stock to combat the scarcity of affordable and available homes in Greenville.
