A local business owner has announced his candidacy for the upcoming Rock Hill mayoral race. Although candidate Ishmael Lowery is not running on behalf of a specific party, he defines himself as a conservative.
Lowery is a believer in the power of community organizing and engagement on a grassroots level. He wants to revitalize the local economy by putting more resources into youth outreach and education by, for example, creating a trade-apprentice pipeline.
He wasn’t hesitant about sharing his reasons for running.
“We’re fighting for the family,” he said. “We need to give our communities more activities and opportunities. There are existing community centers that lay dormant and we have not been able to keep up what we have.”
Lowery is equally outspoken about his goals and how he sees his candidacy.
“I want to see Rock Hill become a symbol of unity. Our country is unfortunately divided and I think that is on a city level as well. I want to bring people of different backgrounds and I believe that unity starts with personal responsibility,” he said.
When asked how he defines “personal responsibility’,” Lowery emphasized his political philosophy.
“I don’t believe in government overreach. I think you can’t pull water from an empty well; and if you are not taking personal responsibility and accountability for yourself and your family, then you don’t have anything to offer,” he said.
Lowery, a professed conservative, wants to, according to his website, “[i]mplement policies that help small businesses thrive and encourage growth.”
“We need to streamline the process of getting small businesses started,” he said. “It is very difficult to establish a new presence in Rock Hill and so this will hopefully allow businesses to get established faster and last longer. Small businesses are one of the cornerstones of our society.”
Lowery favors a more protectionist stance to local businesses against big box stores and corporate chains.
“In order for our small businesses to be the big businesses of tomorrow, they’re going to need some support and especially now since this past year the COVID pandemic has been especially hard on small businesses owners,” he said.
Lowery described himself as a“God-made man.”
“I do not believe I can do anything without the Lord leading in my life,” he said.
Lowery, a devout Christian, holds his faith seriously. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without Him.”
Aside from his religious convictions, Lowery sees himself on a “crusade” for the physical safety of the city. The biggest difference between himself and his political opponents, current incumbent Mayor John Gettys and York County councilman William ‘Bump’ Roddey, “is supporting our law enforcement.”
“When we talk about public safety, our officers cannot be understaffed. So we need a mayor who is going to stand behind our law enforcement and support them,” Lowery said.
Lowery also wants to repair the bridge between the community and the police force and establish a more friendly, community-oriented method of law enforcement.
The vote for the Rock Hill Mayorship will be held on Oct. 19. Deadlines for voter registration are Sept. 17 in-person, Sept. 19 online, and Sept. 20 by mail-in application.
