Elect the Honorable Wendell Gilliard

Experience you can trust.

Meet Wendell Gilliard

Being raised on the East side at sixty nine Harris Street is something that Councilman Wendell Gilliard will always treasure. It was there that he was taught how to love, care, and respect others and to never forget from whence he came. These values were taught by his father, the late Mr. William Leroy Gilliard and his mother, the late Mrs. Mary Sinclair Gilliard. After his mother’s passing, when Councilman Gilliard was nine years old, his father, who was a well respected Master Barber and a strong figure, was left to raise the family the best he knew how. He taught Councilman Gilliard to always reach for higher goals in life, not just for him, but to serve and help others as he passed along the way. (On the East side, they didn't tell each other “I have mine, now you go get yours!” It was expressed that “Here is some of mine, now let me show you how to share!”) 

After graduating from Rivers High School and attending Devry School of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia, Councilman Gilliard moved on to become a union and community organizer for the United Steel Workers of America at the chemical plant where he was employed. He also held an elected position as President of the local union (863) for fifteen years. These positions allowed Councilman Gilliard to travel around the country organizing private businesses that wanted union representation. After talking to various community leaders who knew Councilman Gilliard, he was asked to run for public office. This led to his work now in public service. His ten years of service on the Charleston City Council has given him a tremendous opportunity to take action on the important issues facing the wonderful people that live in District 111.  He deeply understands the issues of jobs, education and health care that face so many people on a daily basis and he believes that new leadership is needed for these issues to be addressed. 
 
Councilman Gilliard contributes his desire to run for office because of several very influential people: The memory of his father and mother, his brothers, sisters, the late great Mr. Isaiah Bennett, the late Ms. Miriam Bacot, the late Mrs. Maranda Holmes (Councilman Gilliard was instrumental in renaming Court Street to Maranda Holmes Street.), the late Rev. Fred Dawson, the late Ms. Septima Clark, and all Matriarchs and Patriarchs who have gone on to higher life. It is because of these great role models, the way has been paved for Councilman Gilliard and others who dare to serve.

Councilman Gilliard feels we need to work together to bring positive changes, socially and economically, in our communities. When the old ways don’t work, he feels we need to start thinking outside of the box. Challenges facing communities require leaders who can make intentional and informed decisions with a variety of approaches to bring forward successful change. Such leaders have the capacity and will to work together with other leaders who represent different organizations and perspectives within the community. Successful leaders are prepared to mobilize the resources for the will of the people to bring a positive and sustainable change. 

We face many challenges in our state such as Education, Jobs, Affordable housing, Economic development, Crime and Growth. It is going to take working collaboratively to make positive changes in all areas. New ideas are the catalyst for change! 

Councilman Gilliard will always make himself assessable and visible to his constituency; listening to the concerns and ideas of the people he represents locally. He values your support and looks forward to working with you on this campaign and hopefully as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives. Together, we can create a better future for Charleston and for South Carolina. 

“Change is On the Way” 

Education / Experience:
Attended Devry School of Technology

Graduate of Labor Organizing College, Held at the University of !!!!!!! !!!! !!!Tennessee's Campus

Received political training courses at the National Leagues of Cities

Attended Burke High School/and Graduated Rivers High School , SC

Community Activities
  and Involvement:
Since his Election to Charleston City Council in 1997, Serving District 6, which encompasses the Western Edge of the Peninsula and the Eastern Portion of the West Ashley Area, Councilman Gilliard has achieved many accomplishments while serving on various boards.  Most noteworthy committees include:

  Former Mayor Pro Temp
  Chairman of the Audit Committee
  Vice chair of Community Development.
  Member of the Human Resources Committee
  Traffic and Transportation, Special Facilities Committees
  Vice Chair of Community Development
  Special Facilities Committee
  Chair Audit Committee
  Human Resources Committee

Issues:
Education as a 1st Priority

Strengthen our Public Schools instead of weakening them with voucher !!!!programs.

Create Technical programs that prepare our youth to join the workforce.

Reward teachers with pay incentives when they do a good job working with !!!!out youth.

Make sure that schools in the poorest sections of our county are getting the !!!!same as the schools in the richest sections.

Will work with delegates to bring Industrial Trade Programs back to Burke the the High School 

Jobs & Business Opportunities

The Port of Charleston has a Billion Dollar impact on our State, and yet !! !! only a few jobs benefit the community. I will work with the delegation to !! !! develop a program where local residents are trained, and given the the th !! opportunity to work in this industry.

Create resources for the development of new and existing businesses.

Safe Neighborhoods

Stiffer penalties for repeated criminals.

Will work with delegation to ensure cities within District 111 are getting theresources they need to lower crime.

Will work with appropriate State Agencies to ensure that former inmates make aa a smooth transition back by getting access to employment and residence. The th revolving door to prison must stop!