Cook, Bostic fight for District 6 seat

Curtis Bostic and Nancy Cook both have served eight years in elected offices, he on Charleston County Council and she on the county's school board. Both have chaired their respective boards and both have had a hand in levying taxes.

They'll face off June 10 in the GOP primary for the District 6 seat on County Council. The winner faces Democratic candidate Vic Rawl in November.

Bostic said he has fought against raising taxes and to make sure county budgets reflect county government running efficiently. County Council hasn't increased taxes while he has been in office, and Bostic said he hopes to continue holding the line in what he called a "never-ending battle."

He said he'd continue pushing for economic development, heightened public safety, more collaborative tri-county waste disposal initiatives, controlled growth and preservation of Charleston's natural beauty.

Bostic is the second-longest-serving GOP member on council, behind Chairman Tim Scott, who is not seeking re-election.

"I think, candidly, that it will be a help to the people in my district to have someone who is seasoned and maybe has influence on council," he said.

Cook said that she'd be a fresh face on council and that district residents tell her that's what's needed. "The people are looking for more reliable representation."

Cook, vice chairwoman of the county's school board, emphasized improvements made during her tenure, including a new processing system that better monitors expenses, more coherent curriculum countywide and diagnostic testing so teachers can better determine what type of help students need.

Key issues of concern for her are reducing crime, approaching waste disposal in the county more comprehensively, alleviating traffic congestion and balancing growth and development while maintaining individual property rights.

Cook said voters should pick her because she is a proven leader who is committed and honest. "I'm going to be someone who's going to get in there and try to work toward finding solutions for the problems we have in our community."

CURTIS BOSTIC

Curtis Bostic

BIRTHDATE: October 23, 1963.

FAMILY: Wife, Jenny; sons: Daniel, Joseph, Jonathan and Stephen; daughter, Elizabeth.

EDUCATION: Bachelor's in political science from College of Charleston; bachelor's in Bible theology from Appalachian Bible College; law degree from Campbell University.

OCCUPATION: Attorney, Bostic Law Firm; four years in Marine Corps; Desert Storm veteran.

PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE: Charleston County Council since 2000.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR OFFICE? "The council is in transition. I understand its history and can help guide its future."

WHAT'S THE TOUGHEST ISSUE FACING THE COUNTY? "Controlling the county budget and being as efficient as possible, which is why we've not raised taxes in the eight years I've been in office."

NANCY COOK

Nancy Cook

BIRTHDATE: July 18, 1963

FAMILY: Two daughters: Isabella and Maclain.

EDUCATION: Attended former Middleton High School; bachelor's in psychology from Limestone College; master's in clinical counseling from Webster University.

OCCUPATION: Executive Director of the Good Neighbor Center, a homeless shelter on Spruill Avenue; licensed professional part-time counselor.

PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE: Two terms on the county's school board.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR OFFICE? "To make sure the constituents have more dependable, more reliable representation on the council."

WHAT'S THE TOUGHEST ISSUE FACING THE COUNTY? "The county's infrastructure isn't keeping up with the development. The future of waste disposal county-wide, particularly with the Bees Ferry landfill, is another key issue."