Vote June 11th JUSTIN DURHAM, Pickens County Council
Conservative Values, Hometown Vision, Common Sense Solutions
About Justin
Family First
My Pickens County roots run deep. I was born and raised in Pickens County. Both my parents, and three of my grandparents were raised in Pickens County. After I was Honorably Discharged from the United States Army in 2014, I could think of no better place to raise my family than Pickens County...overlooking Table Rock from my front porch.
I married my wonderful wife Hollie in 2012 and we are the proud parents of three smart, beautiful children. I enjoy golfing, exploring our State Parks and scenic views with my family, and serving in various areas of our church.
United States Army Veteran
I entered the United States Army out of high school in 2010 and completed training at Fort Jackson, SC and Fort Leonard Wood, MO.
In early 2011, I was assigned to the 194th Combat Support Sustainment Brigade/Korean Defense Forces near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in the Republic of Korea. While stationed in Korea, I served in logistics for the 2nd Infantry Division transporting weapons and equipment across the South Korean peninsula.
In 2012, I was re-assigned to the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Polk, LA where I served as Fox Company's Personnel Specialist in the 4th Brigade Combat Team. After my Honorable Discharge in 2014, I could not think of a better place to raise my family than Pickens County.
Conservative Values
I am guided by strong Fiscal & Social Conservative, Christian values. My faith and personal relationship with Christ guides my political & professional views.
I believe in limited government, low taxes, and the right of the individual Pickens County citizen to live the American Dream as the United States Constitution laid out at the founding of this great nation.
If I am chosen to serve the people of District 3, I will bring these guiding values to my decision-making in County Government.
Hometown Vision
Pickens County is full of hard working men and women with dreams for a bright future for our county. Many of our citizens are small business owners, worked in the cotton mills, or in any number of the manufacturing plants across the county.
I will work to bring quality, high-paying jobs to Pickens County so that our children can thrive and raise families right here at home for years to come.
While I believe that housing should be affordable and accessible to everyone, I will work to maintain our rural character and keep low-quality, high-density housing developments out of Pickens County.
Common Sense Solutions
I learned a long time ago that you can be part of the problem or part of the solution. It's not enough to vote against flawed policy, we need to offer a vision for Pickens County that retains the rural character that we all know and love.
If I am elected, I won't just vote "NO" on bad policy such as higher taxes, overregulation, & crowded, low-quality housing developments. I will bring conservative solutions to the table.
I will listen to constituent's concerns and work towards tangible results to Pickens County problems.
The Issues
Repair & Maintain County Infrastructure
Repair & Maintain County Infrastructure
Repair & Maintain County Infrastructure
With the growth that we have seen in recent years, and what is to come in the future Pickens County infrastructure is at a critical breaking point.
County roads and highways must be repaired, improved, and maintained to improve traffic flow across the county. I will fight for Phase 2 of the HWY 183 project to bring the expansion from the intersection at HWY 135 into Pickens at the intersection of HWY 8 (Market at the Mill).
Support our First Responders
Repair & Maintain County Infrastructure
Repair & Maintain County Infrastructure
As your Pickens County Councilman, I will focus on efforts to hire and retain staff at the Sheriff’s Office & Emergency Services of Pickens County.
I will work to empower the Pickens County Sheriff, EMS, Fire, & Rescue with the equipment, training, and manpower that they need to make their departments run efficiently, ensure timely emergency response, and keep the citizens of Pickens County and their property safe.
Focus on Responsible Development
Repair & Maintain County Infrastructure
Focus on Responsible Development
We need to stop the influx of box chain developers into Pickens County.
When it comes to making updates to the United Development Standards Ordinance (UDSO), I oppose low-quality, high-density development.
I will push the County Council to evaluate the UDSO every 2 years so that we can ensure current standards are accomplishing their intended goals.
Protect Pickens County Landmarks
Working Together... ...Getting Results
Focus on Responsible Development
For years, Pickens County's breathtaking views have attracted tourists and new residents who support local businesses across the county. Protecting our County's natural landmarks such as the Table Rock viewshed and Sassafras Mountain is an important priority.
I believe that our scenic views can be protected without stepping on Pickens County citizens' rights to life, liberty, and happiness on the property they have worked hard for.
Protect Personal Property Rights
Working Together... ...Getting Results
Working Together... ...Getting Results
In recent years, Personal Property Rights have been attacked under the disguise of protecting our natural resources, scenic views, and county landmarks.
I believe that few limits should be placed on what a private citizen chooses to do with their own property. Therefore, I will do everything in my power to protect Pickens County resident's individual rights to work, live, & play responsibly on their own land.
Working Together... ...Getting Results
Working Together... ...Getting Results
Working Together... ...Getting Results
I believe that it is important for all government agencies to work collaboratively for the benefit of the Citizens of Pickens County. I want to work with our local municipality officials to limit annexation through the creation of a joint planning commission.
If you elect me to serve on the Pickens County Council, it will be my mission to work with all state and municipal officials to find common ground wherever possible.