By Jan Tuten
Camden Bureau

CAMDEN

Veteran candidate Charlie Peebles took one step toward a return to Kershaw County Council Tuesday by winning a runoff to determine the Democratic nominee for the at-large council seat.

Unofficially, Peebles defeated Camden cosmetologist and political newcomer Carla Park 661 to 317.

“I feel good,” Peebles said, after the votes in all 29 precincts were tallied.

Pebbles served on council from 1975 through 1978 and 1983 through 1986.

In her first bid for office, Mrs. Parker took issue with county ordinances requiring registration fees for mobile homes and a road user fee.

While disappointed with her loss, Mrs. Parker said she felt “I did OK. I really wanted to do more for the residents.”

Incumbent Don Nelson gained the bid for the other council seat June 14 with 2,778 votes.

Peebles and Nelson will face GOP candidates Steve Kelly Jr. and Hammy Moak in the Nov. 8 election.

Kelly has served 14 years on the council as a Democrat, but filled for reelection as a Republican. Moak is an Elgin restaurant owner.

Mrs. Parker was seeking to be the first woman to hold a council seat.

Peebles said before Tuesday he felt assured of a runoff win and that “if I can make this one, I know I can make it in November.”

Nelson, who is seeking his third term, is the first black to hold a Kershaw County Council seat since Reconstruction.