Meet the Candidate: Councilman Larry Hargett

Better school funding and completing the Berlin G. Myers Parkways top the list of goals during Dorchester County Councilman Larry Hargett's fourth term, should he be reelected in Novemeber. 

Hargett for the first time since his election in June 2003, where he replaced a councilman who moved out of his district in a special election. 

The two Republicans will square off in the June primary. Hargett has also never faced a Democratic opponent during the general election. 

Hargett currently represents District 4, which consists largely of Westcott Plantation, within the city limits of North Charleston. Known for his ability to work with others — whether its constituents, fellow council members or other governments — Hargett said that's what his district has come to expect from him.

"Many people have asked me to run because of the relationships that I have and been able to build with the local governments," Hargett said. "Those relationships have brought us some funding, some money for road construction projects."

As a council member and chair of the council, Hargett has spearheaded the Ashley River Historic Overlay District and the Dorchester County one-cent sales tax for roads.

While he advocated better funding for schools, he said he is not advocating a tax increase at this time. He wanted to see the partnership continue to build between the county and Dorchester County School District Two. 

Hargett has also served as chair of the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments Regional Land Use Plan Committee, something that put him under fire from 9-12 conservatives who accused the as being part of a United Nations initiative called Agenda 21. 

The candidate challenging Hargett is the chair of the Summerville 9-12 group. 

On Hargett's campaign website, he has anticipated his opponent's claim regarding the planning and posted:

"I am an advocate for comprehensive regional planning and I do not support 'Agenda 21.'"

Hargett will speak at Patch and Coastal Coffee Roaster's Coffee with the Candidates 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 29, at . 

Editor's Note: This is one story in a series focused on candidates running in 2012. To see more stories on this topic, click here.