Swansea, SC 09/10/2021 (Paul Kirby) – Son and mother team Hunter and Suzanne Hackett have both filed to run for seats on the Town of Swansea’s council. Hunter has thrown his hat in the ring in the mayor’s race and Suzanne has filed for the council seat currently held by Woodrow Davis in District Two. Davis is reportedly not running for reelection after serving more than 30 years on the town’s council. According to a Google search, if elected, Hunter would be the youngest mayor to every hold that position in South Carolina. He is currently 21 years old.
The Hacketts moved into the Town of Swansea in 1992. Since then, they have both been active in many community functions and groups.
A number of years ago, Suzanne organized and has since run a ministry called The Remnant. This ministry gives away functional used and some new clothing as well as furniture to those in the area that are in need. With money that’s raised through gifts made to The Remnant and through some fundraising, the ministry works with women to help them get back on their feet after tough times and by mentoring women who need a friend and some Christian guidance.
Suzanna has also been a key organizer for a number of community events and festival over the years. She has also worked as a member of the Swansea Lion’s Club raising money to benefit people who have vision and hearing problems.
In years past, Suzanne has worked with the elected members of Swansea’s council to help with several community events. “There was a time when I would have done anything to help the town’s elected officials,” Suzanne said during a recent interview. “At some point however, I realized that some of the town’s elected leaders didn’t seem to be working to make Swansea a better place. I believe that elected officials are servants of the citizens and should not be doing anything for their own power, glory, or enrichment. Somewhere along the way, and this has been a long time coming, some of our leaders completely strayed from their duty to serve the people and began working to enrich themselves and their own egos.”
Suzanne went on to say that she would rather not dwell on the negatives of Swansea’s past. “The mess the town finds itself in now just didn’t happen overnight. I feel this has been coming for years. There’s been so many bad things said and written about Swansea, but that’s not a true reflection of who we are as a town and people,” she said. “The nice thing about where we are now is that with the right leaders elected in November, this could change quickly. By being more organized, open, and transparent, we can quickly win back the trust of the citizens and begin moving forward in a positive way.”
At this point in the interview, Hunter spoke up about the issue of how the government has operated in the past and how it would operate if he were elected mayor. “To me, integrity and transparency are the key to good government. Any citizen should be able to walk into the town hall and request to look at the town’s financial records. If they are being kept as they should be, we should be proud for anyone to see how we are managing the people’s money. Evil does its work in the darkness and shadows. Once the light of transparency shines on Swansea’s daily operations, thing will change for the better quickly.”
Both Hacketts agreed that municipal services are important but should be managed well. “Everyone should be assured that they are getting the maximum benefit for their tax dollar,” Hunter said. “I don’t mind paying a fair price for a good value. It’s extremely important that the citizens get good value from the town for the money they pay in through taxes.”
Hunter knows that at age 21, people question whether he has the life experience or the leadership skills necessary to lead the town back from its current nonfunctioning state. In his short life, he’s already held many leadership roles that have prepared him for the job he now seeks.
Hunter is an Eagle Scout and the former lodge chief of Muscogee Lodge. Muscogee Lodge is a part of the Boy Scouts of America’s honor and service society which is called the Order of the Arrow (OA). He was also elected as the OA section chief and oversaw the leadership of a number of different OA lodges across the State of South Carolina. He was also key in planning events that brought together thousands of Boy Scouts from across the section. “As section chief, I led a team of other scouts that kept the books, procured resources, provided safety and security service, and developed leadership programs for other younger scouts. It was a big job and my leadership team had to be well organized and willing to work together toward a common goal,” he concluded.
Even though Hunter was home schooled, he was a member of the JROTC unit at Swansea High School. He was selected as that group’s battalion commander and helped set many of the standards and policies still being used by the unit today. “I realize that my age may appear to be an issue to some people,” Hunter said during the interview. “I simply ask that people contact me, stop me on the street, let me introduce myself and tell them a little about who I am. I truly believe that will calm any fears they have about my maturity.”
Both Hacketts say they feel it’s important to make themselves available to the citizens of the town now and after they are elected to office. “We see people all the time while we are eating in Swansea, going to the high school football games, shopping, or just enjoying the town,” Hunter said. “People should see us and be comfortable stopping to talk with us about whatever is on their minds.”
At this point, Suzanne spoke of the impending growth of Swansea. “Like other parts of Lexington County, growth is coming to Swansea. We shouldn’t be scared of growth as long as we plan for it and ensure it is good growth. Whatever locates here should be for the people, it should fill a need for the residence of the town. That may mean good jobs, better shopping selections, or more things to do that the people will enjoy. The people of Swansea deserve a high quality of life just like everyone else. That’s why it is imperative that we plan for that growth now, working as a functioning team, governing with common sense while listening to what the people have to say.”
The Hacketts welcome any question you may have for them. They’d also both enjoy meeting you and talking about the future of Swansea. You can reach Hunter Hackett at 803 629-4259 or Suzanne Hackett at 803 622-6919.
