REPUBLICAN SC SENATE DISTRICT 17 – Fairfield County, York County & Chester County

VIEW PDF

VIEW ON ONLINE CHESTER

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 10:26 pm (Updated: February 1, 10:01 am)

William N. Gray officially announced this week he is a Republican candidate for S.C. House of Representatives House District 41. Gray, a native of Blythewood, will seek the seat currently held by S.C. Rep. Boyd Brown (D-Fairfield) which represents parts of Chester and Richland counties and all of Fairfield County. A public forum was held at Christ Central Community Center in Winnsboro on Monday for Gray’s announcement. SCGOP Chair Chad Connelly of Prosperity in Newberry County offered advice to family, friends and supporters for the upcoming challenges Gray will face.

“He’s going to need your help, he’s going to need your prayers and he’s going to need your encouragement,”  Connelly said.
James Vanderhall, a life-long friend to Gray, provided a biographical account of the candidate’s life and accomplishments.
“To know what a man is going to do – look at what he’s done,” Vanderhall said.

Gray, 62, graduated from Bethel High School in Blythewood. In 1969, he completed undergraduate studies at Benedict College in Columbia. In 1972, he earned a Master of Arts in political science and a master’s degree in public administration in 1973. He has a total of 31 years career service with the State of South Carolina. From 1981 to 1985, Gray taught a criminal justice course at the University of S.C. He retired from the U.S. Army Reserve with 23 years of service. He has served as a political aide and staffer to several notable state and national leaders. He also has been a staunch community leader and supporter of championed causes including “leading the charge” to elect members to the school board in Fairfield County rather than having members appointed, Vanderhall said. Gray began his speech with a prayer asking God for unity and to “grant us our needs.” He explained that he began with prayer because our nation was founded on religious values. He shared that he has “a rich heritage” of family living in Richland and Fairfield counties and then explained what connects him with others of this great state and nation.

“The common thread that holds all of us together is our faith and belief in God,” Gray said. “What keeps us cemented is that we are South Carolinians and Americans, these things hold us together.”

Gray shared his “conservative values” which include anti-abortion rights of the unborn, rights to own personal firearms, support of racial and gender equality and equality for education of all children. He also supports lower taxes at all levels and the creation of new jobs.

“These are the values I espouse to,” he said.

Gray then officially announced his candidacy for S.C. House District 41.

“I believe each one of us must restore those values that have made this country great,” he said. “I have tried to live my life as an honorable human being. It is now time for action … We must be able to plot a new course.”

Gray concluded his speech with a quote from Frederick Douglass, a fellow staunch Republican.

“This struggle may be a moral one, this struggle may be a physical one or it may be both but it is a struggle we are locked in,” Gray quoted. “It is a struggle for the heart and soul of this nation.”

 

 

View The Chester Reporter Website
http://www.onlinechester.com/content/gray-announces-candidacy-sc-district-41