Red Bank, SC (Paul Kirby) - Lexington County businessman Joel Tyson is running for County Council District Five’s seat. This seat primarily covers the areas of the county that include Red Bank, South Congaree, a large portion of Pine Grove, Three Fountains, a large portion of Edmund, and much of the Boiling Springs community. This seat was held by Bobby “Gravedigger” Keisler for many years. He is set to retire at the end of his current term.
According to Tyson, he has lived and worked in this district since he was 9 years old. During this time, he has been involved in many church and community activities. He says he has also been closely involved with the operation of two successful companies employing many Lexington County residents.
One of the companies Tyson is heavily involved in is L.A. Barrier & Sons, his family’s business. He is currently the operations manager of the company. His grandfather started the successful business in 1935. Its office is located on Platt Springs Road between Red Bank and South Congaree.
L.A. Barrier owns a large fleet of dump trucks that are primarily used in the construction industry. Their trucks are a distinctive red with white letters on the door. It would be hard to say that you’ve lived in any portion of Lexington County or the Midland’s in general and have not seen one of L.A. Barrier’s trucks at some point. You may not have noted them if you aren't in the construction field, but they are all around our communities. For decades, almost every land development in Lexington County and the surrounding areas has at some point used an L.A. Barrier truck to haul clay, stone, asphalt or sand in or out of the various development projects.
Tyson is married to Lisa Shealy Tyson, a lifelong Red Bank resident. The couple have one daughter Leigh, and a son in law Grant. They both work in the family business with Tyson. The couple also have a precious granddaughter whose name is Charlotte! In a letter about his intent to run Tyson said, “The passion that I have for Lexington County is the reason I want to put myself in position to make decisions to better the living environment for its citizens.”
Tyson says he believes in hard work and getting things done. He also said he would like to see a stronger presence of law enforcement in District Five. According to Tyson, our communities have fallen behind, and drugs and homelessness have become a serious issue.
He also said that he has concerns that involve the improvement and maintenance of our infrastructure. He went on to say, “We need to assure that we are being equally represented in the county and I will make sure your voice is heard if I am elected.”
Tyson welcomes you to contact him in order to ask more questions about his candidacy. He has a Facebook page at Joel Tyson for Lexington County Council which can be found by clicking on this LINK. He also welcomes you calls at 803-600-6036 or by e-mail at joeltyson@labarrier.com.
