By Paul Gable
Autry Benton kicked off his campaign for Conway City Council with an event at 104 Laurel St. in downtown Conway last night.
Benton is running in the special election to finish out the term of Alex Hyman who resigned his council seat March 20, 2023 in order to accept a position as a circuit judge. A special election will be held June 13, 2023 to fill the vacant seat.
Benton had a good turnout of voters to his inaugural event and support from some elected officials including Horry County Treasurer Angie Jones, Horry County Council Chairman Johnny Gardner and Horry County Council member and former Conway City Council member Tom Anderson. Also on hand were former Horry County School Board Chairman Ken Richardson, former Conway City Council member Leslie McIver and former Horry County Council member Orton Bellamy.
Benton spoke of how this will be his second attempt running for a Conway City Council seat. He just missed out in the general election of 2021, but the experience of running two years ago increased his desire to serve the citizens of Conway.
“There is so much good in Conway,” Benton said. “I learned a lot running for office the first time and met a lot of good people. I want to be part of making Conway even better.”
Benton said he supports smart growth, which protects natural resources, while allowing new people to experience what is good in Conway. He mentioned flooding as an issue that must remain at the forefront of council considerations and advocated a close working relationship with Horry County and state governments to accomplish what can be done to mitigate flooding.
Benton said, if elected, he will vote as his conscience dictates for what is in the best interests of the city and its citizens. Benton said he is willing to listen to the concerns of Conway citizens and is not afraid to be his own person if, when he goes to bed at night, he believes he voted for Conway First.
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