BERKELEY SCHOOL BOARD The Berkeley County School Board is in desperate need of change. The current majority has performed its duties in an undignified manner and has lost the confidence of

much of the community. From its inception, this majority has courted controversy in dismissing the district’s superintendent, Deon Jackson, and, most recently, the shuttering of J.K. Gourdin

Elementary School. The majority has avoided transparency and failed to adhere to established policy. Cindy Coats and Angelina Davenport, two candidates in the non-partisan election, were

endorsed by the Berkeley County Republican Party, which also gave $500 to each of their campaigns. The endorsements nearly dwarf the candidates’ names on placards and seem to be the singular

believes a single parent should have a say over what every child reads in Berkeley County schools. She attempted as much last school year. Berkeley County deserves better. I believe many

have concerns about the way the board is conducting its business, its approach to education in general, and the decisions that affect our students and teachers. Reform candidates Dan

Froemel, Lee Westberry, Randy Smalls, Yvonne M. Bradley, and David W. Barrow have decades of experience in education among them. I believe they can overcome the chaos of the current

majority. JUSTIN HEMBREE _Summerville_ HUSSEY FOR SC SENATE The Post and Courier’s Oct. 22 endorsement of Chip Campsen for state Senate District 43, despite its own opinion that opponent

Julie Hussey would be “a pretty good state senator,” is of little consolation for the 51.6% of female voters in this district whom the newspaper seems content to ignore. Ms. Hussey, to quote

the endorsement of Mr. Campsen, has “been intensely involved in the Charleston community and the state of South Carolina as a leader with the state League of Women Voters and the

state's early childhood education program” and “thinks deeply about important challenges facing both, from sustainable development and attainable housing to ethics reforms and smart

investments in businesses and families.” The editorial continues that she is “one of the most impressive non-incumbents we’ve seen running for the Senate in a very long time.” Yet, the

newspaper endorses Mr. Campsen, who supported the near-total abortion ban, ignoring the rights of women to make decisions about their own bodies and putting those women whose pregnancies

result in miscarriage in serious medical danger should they require emergency medical care. The Mayo Clinic estimates that up to 20% of pregnancies result in a miscarriage, so this is not an

insignificant threat. I urge those of us who consider the rights and needs of more than half of the residents of the 43rd South Carolina Senate District to think twice before ignoring the

chance to vote for this highly qualified and impressive non-incumbent. GAIL STRICKLER _Kiawah Island_ REELECT CAMPSEN TO SENATE I’d like to add my voice to The Post and Courier endorsement

of state Sen. George “Chip” Campsen. Sen. Campsen was the author and primary advocate of what became the South Carolina Conservation Bank, which has protected more than 400,000 pristine

acres in the Lowcountry and beyond. As a lifelong resident, he has seen the area change for good and bad, and is a true bulwark against overdevelopment of our coast and the banning of

offshore drilling. People like the senator are the reason we have beautiful beaches, coastal parks and resorts rather than oil-drilling compounds that would take their place. Whether you’ve

lived here all your life, 22 years like me or you just got here, Sen. Campsen will protect the very reason we love where we live. RICK HALL _Mount Pleasant_ CHARACTER IS IMPORTANT Many

readers may remember that as we grew up, our family and teachers worked to encourage good character in our lives. They demonstrated these important values and traits. We were taught to tell

the truth, be honest and care about others. As you vote, consider the character of these folks running for public office. Yes, character. Are they honest? Do they speak respectfully to and

about others? Are they demonstrating actions that you admire? Are they offering ways to improve our lives, or ways to improve their own life? Do they care about people or do they care about

power? Are they lifting people up, or putting people down? Please consider character instead of party. It does matter. Our children are watching. LINDA WARREN _Hanahan_ WRONG MESSAGE ON

MOORE I am disturbed by the news article in Sunday’s Post and Courier, “What Nancy Mace’s quiet campaign says about SC’s once competitive US House District.” The premise of the article was

that Michael B. Moore doesn’t stand a chance at winning. There was little reporting on the issues and the candidates’ position on them. Instead, the article focused on Ms. Mace. When noting

some inconsistencies in her record, the theme of article was that Ms. Mace’s victory is a foregone conclusion. That likely creates a chilling effect on voters who are undecided but may have

been leaning toward voting for Mr. Moore. While not an official endorsement of Mace, it may as well have been one. The message to voters seemed to be — intentional or not — don’t bother

voting for Moore; he doesn’t have a chance. NINA HOFFMAN _Charleston_ _SEND US YOUR LETTERS_ What’s on your mind? Join our community conversations and let your voice be heard by writing a

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