Hello: Welcome to the Jamieson for Justice Website!

Hopefully you are wondering why I am running for Solicitor of York and Union Counties. Solicitor may not be a term that is familiar to a lot of people. The same position in most states is called District Attorney.

I have decided to run for Solicitor because the citizens of York and Union Counties deserve a Solicitor that is financially responsible, and attentive to the needs of all of our citizens and dedicated to the proposition that every citizen, no matter their color or financial status, is entitled to Just and Fair treatment. Downtown Rock Hill

Why should you be concerned about your Solicitor?

The Solicitor controls a budget of 3.7 million dollars of the taxpayer’s money. More importantly the Solicitor, as Chief Prosecutor for our counties, controls to a significant degree, the focus of both prosecutorial and enforcement effort in these counties.

At a time when people everywhere are tightening their belts and adjusting their budgets to cope with the economic downturn, the current Solicitor is focused on creating an ever larger, more expensive organization. Our current Solicitor has as many attorneys on payroll as counties which are significantly larger than us. At the same time, the Solicitor is handling fewer cases than these counties and doing it with less success as well. Additionally, he has eight cars assigned to him, which staff members drive everyday to and from work, and on other personal errands at the taxpayers’ expense.

Unfortunately, all this “growth” and spending has not resulted in a safer community. The Herald recently reported a 25% increase in the purchase of guns because of the fear of shootings, robberies and burglaries. While hardworking citizens are spending a larger percentage of their tax dollars on funding the efforts of the current Solicitor, crime continues to rise.

While in the midst of this spike in crime, the Solicitor, rather than being a unifying resource to law enforcement, has chosen to publicly criticize the efforts of our men and women of law enforcement. He continually disrespects them in the media and diminishes their importance in our community by accusing them of outright incompetence.

That’s the Why. Now why do I think I can do it better?

I come from a working class background and I understand the needs of our community. We need a lead prosecutor that has a hands-on approach to tackling the current problems we face. We need a Solicitor that faces difficult situations and tasks. Prior to attending law school I worked in construction in order to make ends meet. Upon my Poinsett Bridge - Union Countyadmittance to law school, I shoed horses at night and on the weekends in order to pay the bills. I managed to maintain this schedule until graduation. Although it was a difficult road, I managed to graduate debt free from law school. I grew up in York County and went to York High School as did my brothers and sisters. Most of my family continues to live in this area. It always has, and always will be our home. I currently live in Western York County with my wife, Yvette who consistently is a source of inspiration and admiration in my life. She is a pediatric nurse and currently works for an organization that provides medical care to needy children in our community.

Secondly, I served my country in the U.S. Army. I spent 15 years as a police officer, police supervisor and police trainer. I understand the concerns and needs of law enforcement. I understand the investigative process and the important work that law enforcement does to serve our community. Consequently, I am aware of the need to work with law enforcement and to create an office that is a resource to them….not a hindrance.

Additionally, I have worked in our Solicitor’s Office and understand the prosecutorial process. The need for fast, fair and efficient prosecution is paramount to running a successful office. I have also worked as a defense attorney. That has taught me a love of fairness, justice and a respect for all people even those who have broken the law. Lawbreakers can be punished without disrespect and abuse. Throughout my career as prosecutor and a defense attorney, I have tried all types of cases from murder to the to the simplest traffic offense. Through all of this I have come to realize that crime is not just statistics and reports. Crime profoundly affects the lives of everyone it touches. I have also come to realize that we do not spend nearly enough time, effort and expertise on preventing people from becoming victims of crime.

Finally, it seems reasonable to conclude that our current Solicitor sees little reason to be money-conscience. Obviously this issue needs to be addressed immediately. Cost-cutting and realistic budgeting is imperative to a small business owner like me and many other citizens of York and Union counties. Unlike my opponent, I know what it is to make a payroll and keep a business running through the efforts of myself and my employees. I understand that the dollars that come out of your check, as taxes, are your hard earned pay and should be spent in the wisest and most efficient manner possible.

In today’s world, a political campaign requires a candidate to ask for the help of the public. Monetary help is needed to get the message out. I hope you will consider a donation in any amount to help me become your Solicitor. I also ask for your vote and ask that you speak with your friends and family about me. My pledge to you is to be an approachable, just, and concerned prosecutor. Together I know that we can make York County and Union County an even better place to live. I also ask for your input; tell me what the issues are that you and your family are concerned about. I will listen.

I hope that you will consider a monetary contribution for a better, safer community. Donations can be made to the Jamieson for Justice Campaign at 242 Oakland Ave. Rock Hill, S.C. 29730

Thank you.

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