Residents got to ask the tough questions during the most recent Florence mayoral debate, where crime and economic development came to the forefront.
Thursday’s Voice of the Voter debate, broadcast live Thursday on WBTW News13, featured Democratic nominee Stephen J. Wukela and independent petition candidate Rocky Pearce.
Wukela, citing the recent slaying victims found off Gaillard Street, said the city must fight crime through the addition of 18 police officers and the cleanup of abandoned buildings and lots that “fester crime.” Police Chief Anson Shells requested the 18 police officers more than a year ago, and since then the city has had five more murder cases, Wukela said.
WATCH THE DEBATE
Florence mayoral debate, part 1
Florence mayoral debate, part 2
Florence mayoral debate, part 3
Pearce said he agrees with Wukela, but added that he advocates community policing, in which officers patrol neighborhoods on foot so that residents are comfortable talking to the police. He said that when law enforcement receives a tip, as they did in the Gaillard Street case, they can react swiftly.
Wukela, an attorney, said the city must improve its crime rate and infrastructure to attract and support small business.
“The history has been enticing (companies) with big-business tax breaks and sweetheart insider deals,” Wukela said.
“We need to make a Florence that can sell itself,” he added.
Pearce, who runs an insurance company, responded that he has been a small businessman for 38 years. He said the city began a downtown business and technology incubator center during his tenure as mayor, serving as a Democrat from 1983 to 1991.
“It’s the people of Florence that make the difference — the work ethic we have here, the morals we have in our community,” Pearce said when talking about his meetings with Fortune 50 and 100 companies.
In response to a question about downtown revitalization, Pearce said public-private partnerships must continue to help downtown Florence reach its full potential.
“The development is beginning, and it’s critical to our future,” he said.
Wukela said he wants to see the “central heart of our city restored” and thereby heal any divisions between the city’s residents and leadership.
Pearce said he would aim to unite the city through prayer.
“The most segregated time seems to be on Sunday during church,” he said.
One question to Pearce asked whether the candidate would have run if Mayor Frank Willis hadn’t lost to Wukela in the Democratic primary.
Pearce didn’t say whether Willis’ loss was a factor in his decision, but answered that he entered the race after several people called him after the primary and said they wanted a choice in November.
Wukela said it’s more important for voters to know what he and Pearce would do for Florence as mayor.
“I believe they’ll decide for change come November,” Wukela said.
Overall, Pearce said the debate covered jobs and crime, the top issues on Florence residents’ minds. Wukela said he heard the same citizen concerns he’s heard since March and that those concerns need to be addressed soon.
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