Column by S.C. Sen. Jeff Zell: We are Sumter

The recent June primary here in South Carolina, and indeed politics in general, served as a reminder of just how demanding and difficult this process can be. Running for public office requires sacrifice, resilience and a willingness to step forward in a way that few among us ever choose to do.

President Theodore Roosevelt once reminded us that it is not the critic who counts, but the one willing to step into the arena and try. Whether candidates prevail or fall short, they made that choice. They stepped forward. And that alone warrants a measure of respect.

I say that as someone who has been humbled. There have been moments in my own past where my behavior in politics fell far short of the mark, moments that, in hindsight, are inexcusable. As someone who once viewed this process more from the outside, I have come to hold a deep respect for those willing to set aside the noise, the anger, the phones and the outrage and instead devote themselves to making real and material differences in the lives of their neighbors.

That kind of service brings to mind elected officials across every level of leadership here in Sumter, city, county, school board and state, whose work is often difficult, often thankless, and too often unseen, yet shapes the everyday lives of those they serve.

The truth is, politics can be ugly. It can test our character, strain friendships and fracture bonds that should matter far more than any election. But it does not have to be that way.

Even where I find myself in disagreement, I hold respect for those willing to serve, because they stepped into the arena when so many others did not.

Here in Sumter, we are fortunate to see a better example. The spirit of Team Sumter reflects what is possible when people choose community above partisanship and progress above pride. As Mayor David Merchant has said, "when we all pull in the same direction," there is very little this community cannot accomplish.

You see that spirit not only in our elected leadership, but also across the full breadth of our community, in our Chamber of Commerce, our economic development team, Team Shaw, eVAC, Continental Tire, The Sumter Item and so many others who work each day to inform, strengthen, serve and move Sumter forward together. It is also reflected in Mr. Greg Thompson's visionary investments in both development and education, investments that will help shape this community for generations.

One need only look south to see the lasting impact of David Weeks on his community, or look in nearly any direction to recognize the influence of Speaker Murrell Smith's leadership across Sumter, the region and our state.

That same spirit is reflected in those serving today, in Fawn Pedalino's impeccable work ethic, in Jeffrey Graham's genuine heart for his neighbors, in Keishan Scott's love for his community and in the steady leadership of Mayor Pro Tem James Blassingame, Councilman Hastie, and my own councilman, the honorable Colin Davis. In Sumter County, Chairman Jim McCain, alongside Vice Chairman Jimmy Byrd, demonstrate strong and steady leadership rooted in service to this community, while carrying forward a legacy shaped in part by the civil rights movement.

And on Sumter School Board, the Rev. Ralph Canty, Trustee Phil Leventis and Bonnie Disney reflect the kind of steady, principled, heart-centered service that reminds us what public leadership is truly meant to be.

We would also do well to remember those who came before and helped lay the groundwork we stand on today, leaders like former Sen. Thomas McElveen and his father, Mayor Joe McElveen, whose service and vision helped shape modern Sumter and set a standard for what thoughtful, committed leadership can accomplish over time.

At a time when our public discourse can feel strained and divided, we would do well to remember that our children are watching. They are learning from us, not only how to disagree, but also how to treat one another.

We are, first and foremost, neighbors.

And as the distinctly proud resident senator from Sumter, a title only second to "Father," I believe we are reminded of something simple but powerful: We are better, not because we have to be, but because we choose to be.

We are Sumter.

Sen. Jeff Zell, R-Sumter, represents South Carolina's District 36.