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Two candidates qualify for Rincon special election in September
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During the early voting period, ballots can be cast in Rincon at City Hall, 302 South Columbia Ave., from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. through Friday. Guytons early voting is taking place at its City Hall from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. through Friday. - photo by File illustration

By Barbara Augsdorfer, Editor for the Effingham Herald

Kevin Exley and Eric Hills have qualified for the Rincon City Council special election to be held Sept. 19 to fill the unexpired term left by former councilmember Damon Rahn.

Rahn resigned on June 2.

For Kevin Exley, 53, the decision was one he’s been mulling since his narrow loss to Mayor Ken Lee in 2021.

Eric Hills, 51, says he’s lived in Rincon for more than 20 years. As the owner of Cuts by Eric, he says, “I've watched the growth and there's a lot of growth in Rincon and there’s room for improvement for the community to be better as a whole. If you think that my ideas and my input as a business owner, that I see in Rincon can be a great asset for the community.”

Hills has been on the Rincon Planning and Zoning Board for the past year and understands the need for improved infrastructure within the city.

One of his concerns is kids standing on the road waiting for the school bus.

“There’s a lot of work that needs to be done. It will take time,” Hills said.

He added that he’s a 1989 graduate of Effingham County High School and a disabled Army veteran.

Exley is concerned about the Picket Fences neighborhood which was developed with only one entry/exit point.

“We say we have a plan for Picket Fences, but this has been kicked down the road for probably about 10 or 12 years now,” Exley said. “Nobody's done anything. There are solutions to it. And we're just not interested in it unless it's election time.”

Another item Exley wants to tackle is term limits.

“The first thing that I want to do is make a motion (at) my first meeting for term limits,” Exley said. “I don't believe that you should serve more than two terms on council, which is eight years. And I believe that you either try to get elected as the mayor or you walk away.” He added that one person should be elected at most to two terms on council and two terms as mayor for a total of 16 years.

The special election for the one Rincon City Council seat is Sept. 19. Absentee ballots may be requested until Sept. 8, and must be postmarked on or before Sept. 19 to be counted.