Carlton Kinard declares his intent to run for the South Carolina House of Representatives District 40 seat.

By Andrew Wigger

awigger@civitasmedia.com

Carlton Kinard is the first Democrat to declare his intention to run for the House of Representatives District 40 seat.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/web1_DSC_0115.jpgCarlton Kinard is the first Democrat to declare his intention to run for the House of Representatives District 40 seat. Andrew Wigger | The Newberry Observer

NEWBERRY COUNTY — Carlton Kinard of Newberry has announced he will run as a Democrat for the House District 40 seat in the S.C. House of Representatives.

With the announcement, the 22-year-old becomes the first Democrat to enter the race.

Kinard, who has always been interested in politics, said running for SGA president at Newberry College had a lot to do with his decision to run for the seat being occupied now by Rep. Walt McLeod. McLeod has announced he will not run for reelection in November.

“I was the second African American SGA president, and the first African American male to hold the position,” Kinard said.

Another positive impact on Kinard has been McLeod himself. Kinard said McLeod is a good servant and leader of Newberry.

“He really has been a good leader for Newberry and to see him get respect, not only from the Democrat side, but the Republican side, is a true aspect I would love to get from him,” Kinard said. “He really took me under his wing over the past years. Recently this summer when I returned from the White House, working in D.C., he took me to the State House to see different policy works. I really do look up to him as a positive mentor and leader to the county of Newberry.”

Kinard said jobs, education and recreation in Newberry County will be the topics during the election. About jobs, Kinard said workers must be put back into the workforce.

“I would not say there is a limit on jobs out there in the county, but I see, as a young man growing up in the community, there are people who are struggling,” he said. “We need to put people in different jobs that can help move this county forward.”

In terms of education, Kinard said Newberry is ranked low in South Carolina but as a product of the Newberry County school system, he believes we need to step up our game.

“As a music education major, I am willing to go into the system and continue to keep working. Case in point, the Call Me Mister program. I have been hugely involved in the public school system here, doing mentorship with young men,” Kinard said. “I am willing to go a step further and do the same with young women.”

He also believes more recreation opportunities are needed for youth in the county.

“When I was growing up in high school, I had things to do. I played baseball, I wrestled, I was in the band. Some kids are not involved in high school. They need something to do,” he said. “Something as little as going to the basketball court and being safe and not have to worry about talking about drugs, but going and having fun and having real talks about college.”

Kinard said his parents, Larry and Brenda Kinard, are the driving force of why he wants to run for the House seat. His mother own Touch of Class, a beauty salon, in downtown Newberry.

“I know the majority of our youth grew up in single parent homes, but it was my mom and dad that took initiative to make sure my family, as a whole, was taken care of,” he said. “That is what I want young women and young men to see in me, is that no matter what age you are, you can do it.

“They are two positive role models in my life. They have been a part of the community since day one. My father was one of the first to go to college in his family, as well as my mother,” Kinard said.

Reach Andrew Wigger at 803-276-0625 ext. 1867 or on Twitter @TheNBOnews.