Gretchen Barron, Candidate for Richland County Council District 7

Why did you choose Emerge?

Emerge is designed to prepare Democratic women for public service. When I decided that I would run for office, I knew it was important for me to surround myself with women who had similar aspirations while getting tools needed to that prepares me to run for office.

What office are you running for and why?

I am currently running for Richland County Council District 7. For years District 7 has not had an active voice who leads with integrity and transparency and who cares about the kitchen-table issues in our district. I am here to serve District 7 by ensuring that our children have education excellence despite their zip code or school district; we have a strong economic development plan with the necessary infrastructure in place.

What is your vision for your community?

I am committed to fighting for those who do not have a voice. It’s time for accountability, transparency, accessibility. I have a vision that County and City government will work together to positively impact change in our community. I believe this would lead to accomplishing so much more creating safe and healthy places to live, work, play, and pray.

What/who inspired you to run for office?

My husband, JB, inspired me to run for office. He encouraged me to represent the views of District 7, and be their voice on Council. I want to be one of eleven decision makers, who develop the future for our community, ensure its alignment with viewpoints of the District, and support the vision that they have for the future of their family, their business and themselves.

Which Democratic woman inspires you and why?

I am inspired by Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman in Congress and first woman and African American to seek the nomination for president of the United States. Chisholm was known to go in “unchartered waters” never allowing her gender, race , or the fact that it has never been done to stop her. I share her desire “to be remembered as a woman … who dared to be a catalyst of change.”

What’s the one thing you gained from Emerge and would like to share with others?

Emerge has reminded me that it is ok to be unapologetically authentically YOU!

 

 

To learn more about Gretchen visit: http://www.gretchenbarron.com/index.html