Lake City — On U.S. 52 there is a line separating the Florence County town of Lake City and Williamsburg County, but to some that line is just arbitrary.
This point was made repeatedly at a campaign victory event held by Roger Kirby in Lake City on July 21. The event was the last in a trio made by Kirby with the two previous being held in Kingstree and Greeleyville. Speakers from both sides of the line noted the similarities between the two areas, the economic development benefiting both areas along U.S. 52, the history of Lake City beginning in Williamsburg County and that many have family living on both sides of the line.
With the newly drawn lines of S.C. House District 101 including Lake City and the vast majority of Williamsburg County, Kirby sees it as just another example of the line being arbitrary.
“The population of the Lake City area and Williamsburg County are very interrelated,” Kirby said. “It is not a dividing line. It’s a line we have to work across.”
Kirby (D-Lake City), who defeated fellow lawmaker Cezar McKnight (D-Kingstree) by 34 votes in the primary, is hoping his message of unity echoes beyond his supporters.
Kirby said that whether or not someone voted for him, he will be inclusive and that it is normal for people to still be hurt so soon after the election.
One person who can help unite the two areas is Sen. Ronnie Sabb (D-Greeleyville) whose senate district includes Lake City.
“I will tell you that we've got good people on both sides. And good people recognize good people,” Sabb said. “I think that's why Roger is the new elected member of House District 101.”
Sabb also understands the challenge of representing a district that crosses multiple counties. His senate district includes parts of Florence, Williamsburg, Georgetown and Horry counties. He puts his energy into his entire district, not just where he’s from and he expects Kirby to do the same.
“My anticipation is that he will do everything he can to uplift his entire district, not just where he lives, but the entire district,” Sabb said.
Sabb also does not foresee any issues working with Kirby as the two entered the General Assembly together in 2014 and have worked together since.
Kirby, who is almost assured victory in November with no Republican challenger, is thankful for those who helped him get back to Columbia.
“I'm so appreciative of people who gave me a chance in what seemed like a very difficult election cycle,” Kirby said. “They gave me a chance to be their representative.”
