Owens won't seek second term; others qualify

STAFF REPORTS

CENTRE — Commissioner Lori Owens will not seek reelection to her Dist. 1 seat, she announced on April 7. Owens, the chairwoman of the Cherokee County Republican Party, also released the names of two candidates who will seek local office this fall. 

The first is Mitchell Guice, who heads the Cherokee County Career and Technology Center. Guice will challenge Superintendent of Schools Brian Johnson in November.

In 2004, Johnson defeated Guice -- who ran as a Democrat -- in a June run-off, 2,233 votes (54.5 percent) to 1,859 (45.5 percent). Johnson was not challenged by a Republican in the general election.

Owens also announced that Kevin Ford, who ran unsuccessfully for a seat on the commission four years ago, will compete for the Dist. 3 seat on the commission. Ford will face the winner of the June 3 Democratic primary between incumbent Elbert St. Clair and challengers Lanny Starr and Tina Gordon.

In November 2004, St. Clair defeated Ford 4,593 votes (52.8 percent) to 4,099 (47.2 percent).

Former Cherokee County Board of Education member Tommy McDaniel will be on the June 3 ballot, running against incumbent Lisa McKissick. 

Revenue Commissioner John A. Roberts will face a challenge from fellow Democrats Bobby Borders and Harold Whitner on June 3.

District Judge Sheri Carver is running unopposed.