Pearce, Wukela to vie for Florence mayoral office

In less than three months, voters will head to the polls to decide who will be the next mayor of the City of Florence.

Voters will have to choose between two candidates—local attorney Stephen Wukela and former mayor Rocky Pearce.

Mayor Frank Willis tells News 13 he is officially out of the race after the state Supreme Court denied his request for a new primary.

Although Pearce and Wukela are both hoping for a win in November, they have different opinions on how to deal with some of the big issues facing Florence.

This includes the issue of downtown redevelopment.

Wukela wants to focus more efforts in central downtown—including Evans and Dargan Streets. 

“We have spent a very significant amount of money on downtown redevelopment already, but all that money has gone south of Palmetto Street. And we’ve spent, by any estimate, over $60 million dollars on new library, new performing arts center, little theatre.  But that money hasn’t gone where it’s most needed—in that crumbling downtown,” said Wukela.

He also wants to improve security in the downtown area and lure entrepreneurs by offering low-interest or no-interest loans.

Pearce, on the other hand, says he would rely on a cultural and entertainment corridor that would extend through the downtown area to create more businesses and jobs. 

“When an industry is looking at a community.  You know, always they talk about the tax base.  Well, the tax base is important, but they want to know what is the cultural environment of your community.  What are you providing?” said Pearce.

Regardless of the differences, though, both candidates plan to run aggressive campaigns during the next few months.

The general election will be held November 4.