Elections changes to come before county council
Stephen J. Wukela also
plans to announce Monday his intention to run for mayor as a
Democrat.
SCNow -
Mar 18, 2008
Wukela announces bid for mayor of Florence
POST YOUR COMMENTS
FLORENCE - Florence attorney Stephen J. Wukela will run
against Florence Mayor Frank Willis in the city's upcoming
Democratic primary. He would file for office Monday
afternoon, he said. “The people have gotten the feeling that
decisions are made behind closed doors (and) wheeled out
before us, and then we're told the deal is done, Wukela
said. Wukela first sought public office four years ago, when
he ran unsuccessfully against S.C. Sen. Wukela criticized
Willis by saying the mayor has supported Republicans,
including state Sen. Hugh Leatherman of Florence and
President George W. Bush. “I feel like the Democratic
leadership in Florence has been no more Democratic than it
has been leadership, Wukela said.
SCNow -
Mar 24, 2008
David Stanton's Inside SC Politics: Wukela runs for Florence mayor
WIS' David Stanton is posting updates on political happenings in South Carolina.
WISTV.com - Mar 24, 2008
www.scvillagevoices.com
Local attorney, Stephen J. Wukela, announced his candidacy for the Democratic ... During his announcement, Stephen Wukela told us why we need new leadership ...
Wukela set to announce candidacy for mayor of Florence
Wukela set to announce
candidacy for mayor of Florence. Democrat Stephen J. Wukela
has scheduled an announcement and campaign kickoff event at
Horne's Restaurant on S. Irby Street.
SCNow -
Mar 24, 2008
Willis announces re-election bid
Willis also responded to
statements by his challenger, Stephen J. Wukela, whom he
will face in the city's June 10 Democratic primary. Wukela
said he's pushing for more openness in Florence's
government. “I don't believe there's a city in the state
that operates any more openly than the city of Florence
does, he said. Wukela also has criticized Willis by saying
the mayor has supported Republicans including state Sen.
SCNow -
Mar 26, 2008
Willis to announce plans to seek re-election
Willis faces a challenge
from Florence attorney Stephen J. Wukela.
SCNow -
Mar 26, 2008
Candidates file to run for public office
Candidates file to run
for public office. 43 Hometown: Darlington Family: Married
to Martha Flowers for 21 years and has a son, Julian, and
daughter, Julia Party: Republican Education: Bachelor?s
degree from Coker College Experience: Elected to
SCNow -
Mar 29, 2008
Candidates file for Pee Dee races 2
Candidates file for Pee
Dee races 2. Dillon County Clerk of Court n Gwen Hyatt Age:
58 Hometown: Dillon Family: Husband, Don Hyatt; a daughter
Party: Democratic Education: Associate degree in business
from Florence-Darlington Technical College
SCNow -
Mar 30, 2008
Florence to ask county elections commission to hold
municipal primaries
Florence Mayor Frank
Willis and Florence attorney Stephen J. Wukela will face
each other in the city's Democratic mayoral primary.
SCNow -
Mar 31, 2008
County council could consider amendment on Florence city
primaries
Florence Mayor Frank
Willis and Florence attorney Stephen J. Wukela will face
each other in the city's Democratic mayoral primary.
SCNow -
Apr 1, 2008
Florence mayoral candidates consider debate possibilities
Wukela and Willis are
both Democrats; no Republicans have filed to run for the
mayor's seat. Wukela, a Florence attorney, has since said he
would agree to a debate with a moderator asking questions,
as Willis suggested. Wukela has proposed debates on May 13
and 27 at Francis Marion University with university
President Dr. Fred Carter to serve as the moderator. “It's
hard to imagine (a scenario) that's more fair, Wukela said.
Wukela said Wednesday he hadn't received the letter, of
which Willis faxed a copy to the Morning News. Wukela said
he invites anyone who wants to sponsor the debate to
participate.
SCNow -
Apr 23, 2008
Wukela supporters to gather at Bazen's Family Restaurant
Wukela supporters to
gather at Bazen's Family Restaurant. Supporters of Florence
attorney Stephen J. Wukela for Florence mayor will gather at
5 p.m. today (Thursday) at Bazen's Family Restaurant.
SCNow -
May 14, 2008
Willis, Wukela to debate at FMU on Tuesday
Willis, Wukela to debate
at FMU on Tuesday. Francis Marion University on Tuesday will
hold a debate between Florence mayoral candidates Frank
Willis, the incumbent, and Stephen J. Wukela.
SCNow -
May 31, 2008
Voters to decide Florence's next mayor during June primary
Wukela said more money
should be invested in the central downtown and north
Florence to help bridge the divide. Wukela said the city
should force absentee landlords to demolish or improve
abandoned buildings that are havens for crime. That's one
step to reducing crime, Wukela said, along with devoting
more police officers to fighting the city's gang problem.
“I'm not criticizing (the police), but they aren't getting
the support they need, he said. The city's proposed budget
would add two new police officers, but Wukela said that's
not enough to fight the gang problem. Wukela said juvenile
referral numbers are down, but they don't include violent
crimes for which juveniles are tried as adults.
SCNow -
May 31, 2008
Voters to decide Florence's next mayor during June primary
Wukela said more money
should be invested in the central downtown and north
Florence to help bridge the divide. Wukela said the city
should force absentee landlords to demolish or improve
abandoned buildings that are havens for crime. That's one
step to reducing crime, Wukela said, along with devoting
more police officers to fighting the city's gang problem.
“I'm not criticizing (the police), but they aren't getting
the support they need, he said. The city's proposed budget
would add two new police officers, but Wukela said that's
not enough to fight the gang problem. Wukela said juvenile
referral numbers are down, but they don't include violent
crimes for which juveniles are tried as adults.
SCNow -
May 31, 2008
Willis, Wukela to debate at FMU on Tuesday
Willis, Wukela to debate
at FMU on Tuesday. Francis Marion University on Tuesday will
hold a debate between Florence mayoral candidates Frank
Willis, the incumbent, and Stephen J. Wukela.
SCNow -
Jun 3, 2008
Downtown, crime among top issues at mayoral debate
Wukela called himself a
“real Democrat and said Willis has supported Leatherman and
President George W. Bush. “I believe that Mr. Wukela is
confusing governing with partisan politics, Willis said.
Wukela said the Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority
has been neglected and that he opposes a proposed Santee
Cooper coal-fired power plant in Kingsburg because “we share
the same air as people in that area. I think he made a lot
of good points. - Michael Williams, voter, leaning toward
Wukela “I'm in favor of our current mayor. I know the
Wukelas are very fine people, but as far as somebody that's
going to do the job of mayor, I would vote for no other
person than Frank Willis. - Andy Brodie, voter “(Wukela is)
running for mayor but he kept stating different counties and
what he would do in a different county, so to me he seemed
very confused
SCNow -
Jun 3, 2008
Willis hoping past record aids in primary
Willis will face local
attorney Stephen Wukela on the June 10 ballot. Mackenzie
Taylor
SCNow -
Jun 4, 2008
Leadership key reason Willis should continue as Florence
mayor
Frank Willis, who has
been serving as mayor since 1995, is facing opposition in
the Democratic primary from Stephen Wukela. Wukela brings a
youthful enthusiasm and urgency to the race.
SCNow -
Jun 5, 2008
Wukela focusing on leadership, openness, and change
The June 10 primary
elections are still a few days away, but local attorney
Stephen Wukela said he's already looking forward to them.
Wukela announced his candidacy for mayor of the City of
Florence in March and has been concentrating on three basic
themes: leadership, openness, and change.
SCNow -
Jun 5, 2008
Voters to cast their ballots in party primaries
In the city of Florence,
incumbent Mayor Frank Willis has opposition for the first
time in eight years from Stephen Wukela in the Democratic
primary.
SCNow -
Jun 7, 2008
Pee Dee candidates
Florence mayor Democrat
Frank Willis (I) Stephen J. Wukela Florence City Council -
two at-large seats Republican Bobby Holland (I) Glynn Willis
Rick Woodard (I) Democrat Thurmond Becote Steve Powers
Octavia Williams-Blake FLORENCE COUNTY (For the Florence
sample ballot, click here
SCNow -
Jun 9, 2008
One vote separates Wukela, Willis in Florence mayoral race
One vote separates
Wukela, Willis in Florence mayoral race. Wukela received
1,468 votes, while Willis had 1,467, according to results
available Tuesday night, which included absentee ballots.
“We're happy to know that we're ahead, and we look forward
to addressing the issues of the city, said Wukela, 32, a
Florence attorney. Wukela first sought public office four
years ago, when he ran unsuccessfully against S.C. Sen.
Wukela has campaigned on a platform of change, similar to
that of presumptive Democratic presidential nominee U.S.
Sen. Wukela also opposes Santee Cooper's proposed coal-fired
plant in Kingsburg.
SCNow -
Jun 10, 2008
South Carolina New Democrats
A recount in the Florence mayoral election will take place Thursday after results showed challenger Stephen J. Wukela ahead of incumbent Frank Willis by one ...
Pee Dee election results
Dillon County County
Council District 3 (7 of 7 precincts reporting) Democrat
Cullen Bryant: 423 Robert Archie Scott (I): 703 Florence
Florence mayor (36 of 36 precincts reporting) Democrat Frank
Willis (I): 1,467 Stephen J. Wukela:
SCNow -
Jun 10, 2008
Recount in mayor's race to take place Thursday morning
A recount in the
Florence mayoral race will take place Thursday morning after
unofficial results show local attorney Stephen Wukela one
vote ahead of incumbent Frank Willis.
SCNow -
Jun 11, 2008
Willis, Wukela await recount before deciding next moves
Willis, Wukela await
recount before deciding next moves. “I think that split kind
of gained the Wukelas the upper hand, at least in part among
black voters, Thigpen said. Thigpen also said he thought
Willis might have perceived Wukela as “not the heaviest
opposition that he could face. But Willis said he won't
second-guess his campaign strategies. “We feel like we ran a
good, solid campaign, he said. Wukela first sought public
office four years ago, when he ran unsuccessfully against
state Sen.
SCNow -
Jun 11, 2008
Election commission meets to decide Florence mayor's race
The county election
commission on Thursday heard testimony from both campaigns,
as well as by the voter who cast the ballot challenged by
Steve Wukela Jr. In that instance, the Wukela campaign
argued the voter received unauthorized assistance from
Florence County Councilman Al Bradley when the voter cast
her ballot at the Marion Street fire station.
SCNow -
Jun 12, 2008
Florence mayor to fight certification results : News : WPDE
Stephen Wukela is still ahead of Mayor Frank Willis by one vote. ... After the count Mayor Frank Willis and challenger Stephen Wukela each gained one more ...
Mayoral race proves every vote counts
Attorney Stephen Wukela
is one vote ahead of incumbent Frank Willis and some say
this shows that every vote really does matter.
SCNow -
Jun 13, 2008
Willis protests primary, seeks new election
A ballot for Willis had
been challenged by attorney Steve Wukela Jr., the
candidate's father, according to Willis' protest.
SCNow -
Jun 13, 2008
Black Box VotingSC 608 Florence New election sought
Wukela retained his onevote lead after challenged ballots were counted ... Wukelas campaign has said elections officials cant determine which ballot is the ...
Florence mayoral recount set for Monday
Florence County
Elections officials will once again tabulate the votes from
last week's Democratic Mayoral primary to see who will be
Florence's new leader. Almost a week ago, voters cast their
ballots for mayor in the city of Florence. Once the votes
were counted, challenger Steven Wukela was holding a one
vote lead over incumbent Mayor Frank Willis. Last Thursday,
the Florence County Board of Elections went through the
challenged, provisional, and absentee ballots with each
candidate collecting one additional vote leaving Wukela up
by one.
SCNow -
Jun 16, 2008
State Democratic party to hear Willis' protest
Willis also said he is
filing a petition for the county elections commission to
throw out the ballot that placed Wukela ahead by one vote
when challenged ballots were counted last week. “It was
certainly legal, was counted, and should be counted, Wukela
said Monday.
SCNow -
Jun 16, 2008
Some say they weren't allowed to vote in city primary
An official recount of
the mayor's race on Monday left challenger Stephen Wukela
one vote ahead of incumbent Frank Willis. Willis told News
13 on Monday he planned to file an amended protest to the
one filed on Friday. In that document, Willis claims
numerous registered voters were denied the right to vote in
the city election.
SCNow -
Jun 17, 2008
South Carolina Democratic Party News
The protest follows Monday's fourhour recount which showed Wukela with 1469 ... Wukela said Willis protest contains a motion for the state party to handle ...
State Democratic Party to hear Willis' protest
Willis, who trails
Stephen J. Wukela by one vote, said his attorneys served the
protest about midday Wednesday. The recount showed Wukela
with 1,469 votes to Willis' 1,468 - the same results that
followed the June 12 review of challenged ballots. Willis'
protest alleges the Florence County Election Commission
“admittedly counted an illegal vote for Wukela in certified
vote totals. Willis also said he is filing a petition for
the county elections commission to throw out the ballot that
placed Wukela ahead by one vote when challenged ballots were
counted last week.
SCNow -
Jun 18, 2008
Outdated maps cause voting troubles for Florence residents
Wukela said complaining
that the process was confusing “is rich because the mayor
and city council members voted to change the city's election
process. The June 10 election was the first time city
primaries have been held along with federal, state and
county primaries. “No one expects any election to be
perfect, Wukela said, adding that he thinks elections
workers handled their responsibilities well. “They did a
yeoman's job, he said. “They worked hard, and they made a
diligent effort to ensure a...
SCNow -
Jun 20, 2008
S.C. Democratic Party board denies Florence mayor's protest
of primary
Steve Wukela Jr. called
those questioned votes “post-election provisional ballots
and that any challenges should have been made at the time of
voting. Lookadoo said his department has less than a week to
let the election commission know of an annexation to the
city. “We did not drop the ball, he told Steve Wukela Jr.
Steve Wukela Jr. said his son is a real Democrat and that
Willis has donated to the campaigns of President George Bush
and state Sen. Hugh Leatherman, R-Florence, whom the younger
Wukela ran against four years ago. Steve Wukela Jr. said
Republican voters were encouraged to “go over and vote in
the city's Democratic primary. “We gave (the Willis
campaign) all the handicaps and we still beat 'em by one
vote, he said in his closing statements.
SCNow -
Jun 21, 2008
WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina | SC Dems uphold Florence ...
The South Carolina Democratic Party met Saturday to deliberate the results of last Tuesday's elections where Steven Wukela beat incumbent Frank Willis by ...
Questions still remain in Florence mayoral race
This past weekend, a
state Democratic Party board denied incumbent Frank Willis's
protest of the primary and voted to uphold the certified
election results that placed Stephen Wukela one vote ahead
of Willis. If Willis decides not to proceed with any more
challenges, Wukela would likely become the next mayor of
Florence. “We're real happy that the people of Florence came
together and every single one of those votes mattered and
they mattered on election night and they mattered during the
hearing here we had Thursday at the election commission,
they mattered at the recount hearing, and... If Wukela does
become the next mayor, he says one of the issues he'll
tackle first is the problem of abandoned buildings.
SCNow -
Jun 23, 2008
TheTandD.com | Democratic Party board denies election protest
A recount last week showed Wukela with 1469 votes from the June 10 primary, ... Wukela will likely be Florence's next mayor because no Republican candidates ...
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: One vote or two, mayor's race over
This is an unlearned
lesson by Mayor Frank Willis, who lost the primary election
by one vote to Stephen Wukela.
SCNow -
Jun 24, 2008
Florence mayor to appeal Democratic Party's decision
Florence Mayor Frank
Willis plans to appeal the S.C. Democratic Party's decision
to uphold the primary results that show Stephen J. Wukela
leading the incumbent by one vote. That deadline would fall
July 1. “We don't have any significant problems with how it
was handled, Willis said of Saturday's hearing. “We're
certainly disappointed in the results. Wukela said the
Democratic party made the right decision, which he and his
lawyers will argue to uphold. “I certainly think that the
Democratic party conducted a t... Wukela said last week that
he was going to abide by the party's ruling and wouldn't
appeal. The certified results of a recount in the mayoral
primary showed Wukela with 1,469 votes to Willis' 1,468 -
the same results that followed the June 12 review of
challenged ballots. They argued as well that elections
officials “admittedly counted an illegal vote for Wukela in
certified vote totals.
SCNow -
Jun 24, 2008
Florence mayor says he will sue after 1-vote loss
www.wciv.com
Willis appeals S.C. Democrats' decision on primary
Florence Mayor Frank
Willis has appealed an S.C. Democratic Party board's
decision to deny his protest of this month's primary
results, which show him trailing Stephen J. Wukela by one
vote. Wukela said he's concerned that “protracted litigation
is distracting from the issue of bringing change to
Florence, a major point in his campaign. “We're going to let
the court sort this out, he said Thursday. Willis' appeal
states that several votes were illegally cast and should
have been rejected by law, which would cause the primary
results to be “rendered doubtful. The certified results of a
recount in the mayoral primary showed Wukela with 1,469
votes to Willis' 1,468 - the same results that followed the
June 12 review of challenged ballots.
SCNow -
Jun 26, 2008
Judge to hear appeal in Florence mayoral race
A circuit court judge
will hear incumbent Frank Willis' appeal in the Florence
mayoral race, in which Willis has protested results showing
him trailing Stephen J. Wukela by one vote. Wukela said he
remains confident that the results have been correct since
election night and the recount and will be upheld in court.
“The election was about change and about unifying the
community, and I think Mr. Willis' lawsuits run contrary to
that purpose, he said. Willis said he doesn't think the
appeal is divisive “except in the support of one side or the
other, (and) that's what politics is all about. The
certified results of a recount in the mayoral primary showed
Wukela with 1,469 votes to Willis' 1,468 - the same results
that followed the review of challenged ballots two days
after the June 10 primary.
SCNow -
Jun 27, 2008
Mayor Willis' appeal goes before a judge
Willis lost by one vote
in the June 10 primary to challenger Stephen Wukela.
SCNow -
Jul 2, 2008
Florence mayor's appeal goes before a judge
Willis lost by one vote
in the June 10 primary to challenger Stephen Wukela.
SCNow -
Jul 2, 2008
Judge to rule on Florence mayoral primary July 14
FLORENCE - Twelfth
Circuit Judge Michael Nettles has announced he will issue a
ruling July 14 on incumbent Frank Willis' appeal in the
Florence mayoral race, the results of which show Willis
trailing Stephen J. Wukela by one vote. Wukela said he
thinks the court will uphold the outcome “redeemed on
election night and by the state Democratic party, although
he has “two different sets of feelings regarding the circuit
court hearing. “On the other hand, I am troubled by the
divisiveness of this protest, he said. The certified results
of a recount in the mayoral primary showed Wukela with 1,469
votes to Willis' 1,468 - the same results that followed the
review of challenged ballots two days after the June 10
primary. Steve Wukela Jr., representing his son, said a
candidate can't “sit on (his) hands and say, 'Ah - confusion
is an ally.' He argued against “after-discovered evidence in
the case and said state law requires Willis to have
challenged any ballots before they were cast. Steve Wukela
Jr. also said Willis didn't file a timely protest to the
state Democratic party according to state law governing
municipal elections.
SCNow -
Jul 2, 2008
Former mayor Pearce plans to enter Florence mayoral race
Pearce said he'll run
regardless of how a judge rules on an appeal of the city's
Democratic mayoral primary, the results of which show
incumbent Mayor Frank Willis trailing Stephen J. Wukela by
one vote. “We're in, he said. Wukela said he has a great
deal of respect for Pearce, who he said was “certainly a
dedicated servant as mayor. “The campaign that I have run is
about bringing about change and bringing about a new
perspective on the city of Florence. Wukela added, “I look
forward to a spirited race. Charles Tomlinson
SCNow -
Jul 3, 2008
Proposed orders submitted in Florence mayoral primary
election case
Attorneys for both
incumbent Florence Mayor Frank Willis and challenger Stephen
J. Wukela have submitted proposed orders stating how they
think the law should determine the Florence mayoral primary
election and await 12th Circuit Judge Michael Nettles'
ruling on the matter Monday. Nettles will issue a ruling
Monday on Willis' appeal in the race that, according to
results, show Wukela beating Willis by one vote. The
certified results of a recount in the mayoral primary showed
Wukela with 1,469 votes to Willis' 1,468 - the same results
that followed the review of challenged ballots two days
after the June 10 primary. Steve Wukela Jr., representing
his son, argued against “after-discovered evidence in the
case and said state law requires Willis to have challenged
any ballots before they were cast. Steve Wukela Jr. also
said Willis didn't file a timely protest to the state
Democratic party according to state law governing municipal
elections.
SCNow -
Jul 10, 2008
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Wukela's candidacy good for Florence
I want to praise Stephen
Wukela for getting involved in politics in Florence.
SCNow -
Jul 13, 2008
Ruling expected today in Florence mayoral race appeal
A decision is expected
to be made Monday that could bring some closure to the
on-going Florence mayoral voting dispute. Twelfth Circuit
Judge Micheal Nettles is expected to issue a ruling on
incumbent Mayor Frank Willis' appeal in the Florence mayoral
race between he and challenger Stephen Wukela. Once all the
votes were counted in the June 10th Democratic primary for
the Florence mayoral race, Wukela held a one vote lead on
Willis. Willis' attorneys filed an appeal with the South
Carolina Democratic Party the following week. The board
voted 4-2 in Wukela's favor.
SCNow -
Jul 14, 2008
Florence mayor's primary election appeal dismissed
The certified results of
a recount in June 10's mayoral primary showed Wukela with
1,469 votes to Willis' 1,468 - the same results that
followed the review of challenged ballots two days after the
June 10 primary. Attorneys for both Willis and Wukela
submitted proposed orders July 10, stating how they think
the law should have determined the Florence mayoral primary
election before Nettles made his ruling Monday. - Morning
News Staff Writer Charles Tomlinson and WBTW News13's
Mackenzie Taylor contributed to this report.
SCNow -
Jul 14, 2008
Judge rules Wukela the winner of Mayor's race : News : WPDE
A Pee Dee Circuit Court judge upheld a ruling that Stephen Wukela was the winner in the Democratic Primary for Florence Mayorover Florence Mayor Frank ...
Florence City Council wants Sunday alcohol sales ordinance
Just hours after a
circuit court judge dismissed Mayor Frank Willis' appeal of
the democratic mayoral primary election, in which Willis
lost to challenger Stephen J. Wukela by one vote, Brand
spoke in support of non-partisan elections in the future.
SCNow -
Jul 14, 2008
Pearce to appear on November ballot for Florence mayor
Pearce said he'd run
regardless of Monday's ruling on incumbent Florence Mayor
Frank Willis' appeal in the Florence mayoral primary
election, the results of which showed Willis trailing
Stephen J. Wukela by one vote. Wukela said in a previous
interview he has a great deal of respect for Pearce, who he
said was “certainly a dedicated servant as mayor, adding, “I
look forward to a spirited race. There are several issues
with the city that Pearce said he would like to address as
mayor.
SCNow -
Jul 15, 2008
Willis to appeal circuit court decision
Willis said he thinks
the appeal of Nettles' ruling transcends his candidacy. “At
this point, I'm not sure that this campaign is about Frank
Willis or Stephen Wukela anymore. The certified results of a
recount in June 10's mayoral primary showed Wukela with
1,469 votes to Willis' 1,468 - the same results that
followed the review of challenged ballots two days after the
June 10 primary. In a 46-page ruling released by the Clerk
of Court's office Monday morning, Nettles ruled that Willis'
appeal would be dismissed and affirmed the decision of the
city of Florence Municipal Election Commission certifying
the June 10 primary election of Wukela as Florence
Democratic Party nominee. “The factors of this controversy
and the applicable law will not allow this co...
SCNow -
Jul 16, 2008
Judge won't reconsider ruling on Willis' apeal
On July 10, attorneys
for both Willis and Wukela submitted proposed orders,
stating how they think the law should have determined the
Florence mayoral primary election before Nettles made his
ruling Monday.
SCNow -
Jul 18, 2008
SCNowCommunitycom
Some other musings from the week How about WillisWukela The battle for Florence mayor looks a lot like the battle for Florida in the 2000 presidential race ...
Florence Democratic Party prepares for November elections
Florence Democratic
Party prepares for November elections. The Democratic Party
is prepared to move forward with getting candidates elected
in the November election. First of all, I would like to
thank the staff of the Florence County Election
SCNow -
Jul 20, 2008
2002 Johnsonville election mirrors Florence mayoral debate
While many have watched
the Florence mayoral saga unfold these past couple of weeks
between Frank Willis and Stephen Wukela, this is not the
first time Florence County has seen something like this.
SCNow -
Jul 21, 2008
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Time for new blood in mayor's office
As Steve Wukela
mentions, nothing has changed for years and more years.
SCNow -
Jul 23, 2008
Willis files appeal with state Supreme Court
Florence Mayor Frank
Willis has officially filed an appeal with the state Supreme
Court in regards to the mayoral primary that was held June
10. Counts show Willis trailing challenger Stephen Wukela
by one vote. According to the Supreme Court's Clerks
Office, there is a motion to expedite the case. Officials
say they may know when the case will be heard as early as
next week.
SCNow -
Jul 23, 2008
Willis' appeal reaches S.C. Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is the
only alternative, Willis said Wednesday. “We thought that
once we got into a court of law that the law would take over
and we would be successful, he said. “That didn't happen.
Willis, who is seeking a fourth term, trails Stephen J.
Wukela by one vote in a certified tally. Wukela said his
attorneys' next formal step is to file a return to the
motion to expedite. Wukela said he's “troubled by Mr.
Willis' recent statements that the city has a flawed
elections process. Willis should work on improving the
system, if that's what he's concerned about, rather than
continuing this litigation that won't do anything to change
the system, Wukela said. The certified results of a recount
following the June 10 mayoral primary show Wukela with 1,469
votes, leading Willis by one.
SCNow -
Jul 23, 2008
State high court grants motion to expedite Florence mayor's
appeal
The high court made its
decision Monday, the same day Stephen J. Wukela met the
deadline to file a response to Willis' motion. Wukela also
submitted a motion asking the state Supreme Court to dismiss
Willis' appeal. Wukela's attorneys have until noon Monday to
file their final brief, said Steve Wukela Jr. of Florence,
who is representing his son. In the response to Willis'
motions, Steve Wukela Jr. wrote that state law doesn't allow
Willis to directly appeal to the state's high court, but
that the appellant could have filed a petition for writ of
certiorari, through which the Supreme Court would call up
the records of the lower court. The certified results of a
recount following the June 10 mayoral primary show Wukela
with 1,469 votes, leading Willis by one.
SCNow -
Jul 28, 2008
Florence candidate certification date change gets initial
approval
Willis said city
attorney Jim Peterson, city staff and his attorneys have
been examining the city's elections ordinance, passed in
February, and “it just occurred to city staff, 'Hey, we've
got a conflict here.' “This is an obvious attempt by the
mayor to change the rules that this election was held under,
that he signed himself, after the electio... The certified
results of a recount following the June 10 mayoral primary
show Stephen J. Wukela with 1,469 votes, leading the
three-term incumbent by one vote.
SCNow -
Jul 31, 2008
Florence candidate certification date change gets initial
approval
Willis said city
attorney Jim Peterson, city staff and his attorneys have
been examining the city's elections ordinance, passed in
February, and “it just occurred to city staff, 'Hey, we've
got a conflict here.' “This is an obvious attempt by the
mayor to change the rules that this election was held under,
that he signed himself, after the electio... The certified
results of a recount following the June 10 mayoral primary
show Stephen J. Wukela with 1,469 votes, leading the
three-term incumbent by one vote.
SCNow -
Jul 31, 2008
Submitting signatures marks only tip of iceberg for petition
candidates
Pearce said he's seen a
“groundswell of support after the city's Democratic mayoral
primary, in which Stephen J. Wukela leads incumbent Frank
Willis by one vote in a certified tally. “I think it really
woke people up and galvanized them, Pearce said.
SCNow -
Aug 2, 2008
Wukela files rebuttal with SC Supreme Court : News : WPDE
Aug 4, 2008 ... Monday, August 4th, was the deadline for Stephen Wukela to submit his rebuttal. ... Related Links. Click here to view Wukela's rebuttal ...
Willis, Wukela wait to see whether S.C. high court will hear
appeal
Willis, Wukela wait to
see whether S.C. high court will hear appeal. Stephen J.
Wukela and incumbent Florence mayor Frank Willis have sent
the S.C. Supreme Court their final briefs on Willis' appeal
regarding Florence's Democratic mayoral primary and are
waiting to see whether the high court will hear the case.
Wukela submitted his brief by his deadline of noon today,
while Willis filed his brief by his noon Wednesday deadline.
Willis, seeking a fourth term and trailing Wukela by one
vote in the certified tally, is seeking a new election. The
certified results of a recount following the June 10 mayoral
primary show Stephen J. Wukela with 1,469 votes and Willis
with 1,468.
SCNow -
Aug 4, 2008
Elonkey: Changing the rules?
Aug 4, 2008 ... You’ll recall that back in June challenger Stephen J. Wukela ... In response to Willis’ appeal, Wukela's attorneys argue that the case has ...
S.C. Supreme Court denies Willis' appeal
FLORENCE - The S.C.
Supreme Court has denied Florence Mayor Frank Willis' appeal
in which he sought a new Democratic mayoral primary against
Stephen J. Wukela. “Once the court rules, that's it - it's
over, Willis said after the ruling was announced Thursday.
SCNow -
Aug 7, 2008
Florentines look to November with mayoral race legal battle
over
Wukela, with 1,469
votes, defeated Willis by one vote in the certified tally
from the primary. She said she would vote for former
Democratic Mayor Rocky Pearce, who face Wukela as an
independent mayoral candidate on November's ballot. “It'll
be the old against the new, said Dr. Neal Thigpen, a
political science professor at Francis Marion University.
Pearce also had good relations with black residents during
his time as mayor, Thigpen added. “I'll say this for the
Wukelas: they're clean as a whistle, Thigpen said. He
described Wukela as progressive and hard-working to deliver
on the promises he makes.
SCNow -
Aug 8, 2008
Pearce, Wukela to vie for Florence mayoral office
Pearce, Wukela to vie
for Florence mayoral office. Voters will have to choose
between two candidates-local attorney Stephen Wukela and
former mayor Rocky Pearce. Although Pearce and Wukela are
both hoping for a win in November, they have different
opinions on how to deal with some of the big issues facing
Florence. Wukela wants to focus more efforts in central
downtown-including Evans and Dargan Streets. “We have spent
a very significant amount of money on downtown redevelopment
already, but all that money has gone south of Palmetto
Street. And we've spent, by any estimate, over $60 million
dollars on new library, new performing arts center, little
theatre. But that money hasn't gone where it's most
needed-in that crumbling downtown, said Wukela.
SCNow -
Aug 11, 2008
Florentines speak on proposed Sunday alcohol sales
Councilman Ed Robinson
congratulated Willis, who was defeated by Stephen J. Wukela
in the city's Democratic mayoral primary. “You have been the
most progressive black mayor, Robinson, who is black, told
Willis, who is white.
SCNow -
Aug 11, 2008
Wukela, Pearce prepare to face off in November
Wukela, Pearce prepare
to face off in November. Wukela and Pearce on Monday both
thanked Willis for 13 years of service as mayor. “I wish him
very well, Pearce said.
SCNow -
Aug 11, 2008
Pearce, Wukela to vie for Florence mayoral office
Pearce, Wukela to vie
for Florence mayoral office. Voters will have to choose
between two candidates-local attorney Stephen Wukela and
former mayor Rocky Pearce. Although Pearce and Wukela are
both hoping for a win in November, they have different
opinions on how to deal with some of the big issues facing
Florence. Wukela wants to focus more efforts in central
downtown-including Evans and Dargan Streets. “We have spent
a very significant amount of money on downtown redevelopment
already, but all that money has gone south of Palmetto
Street. And we've spent, by any estimate, over $60 million
dollars on new library, new performing arts center, little
theatre. But that money hasn't gone where it's most
needed-in that crumbling downtown, said Wukela.
SCNow -
Aug 11, 2008
Obama's Voter-registration Drive
The Nation., NY -
Aug 14, 2008
After the Democratic primary in South
Carolina, one of the most active Obama volunteers in the
city of Florence, a 37-year-old attorney named Steve
Wukela, ...
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Fair, just election backbone of
America
The Democratic Party
admitted that it counted votes that it should not have, and
Mr. Wukela won by a mere one vote.
SCNow -
Aug 15, 2008
It's His Party | The American Prospect
Aug 18, 2008 ... Wukela, an attorney in his early 30s, was an Obama neighborhood team leader ... Energized by his work with the campaign, Wukela decided to ...
The Nation Mobile
Wukela ran at Willis from his left. With a motto of "Real Democrat for Real ... Wukela activated the volunteers he'd met going door-to-door for Obama, ...
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Time for change in Florence government
It should not shock anyone that Robinson would rather have Pearce than Wukela as mayor, as Wukela has been very frank concerning his intentions to change the way our city government operates. Mr. Wukela handled himself with nothing but class and dignity during this entire affair.
SCNow - Aug 21, 2008
rochesterturning.com: turning the tide upstate
Wukela ran at Willis from his left. With a motto of “Real Democrat for Real ... Wukela activated the volunteers he’d met going door-to-door for Obama, ...
Wukela calls for investigation of city funding
Wukela made his comments during a press conference where students from South Florence High School, his alma mater, asked him about his memories of the school. He recalled his American government teacher, Eva Grant. “Eva Grant would never have stood for this kind of operation of government where there wasn't a disclosure of what's going on, Wukela said.
SCNow - Sep 4, 2008
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