This race is between newcomers Bryan Jenkins and John McDonnald. Following are their profiles and responses to questions asked by the Daily Journal/Messenger.

Bryan Jenkins, 63

Address: 846 Poplar Springs Road, Richland

Born: Robbinsville, NC

Occupation: Retired teacher; principal of Cleveland Elementary School, principal of College Street Elementary School, principal of Westminster Middle School, principal of Seneca High School.

Education: Bachelor of science in social studies and Spanish, Western Carolina University, 1966; master’s in educational administration, Western Carolina University, 1970; educational specialists, Western Carolina University, 1974

Married, two children, five grandchildren

Civic Involvement: Westminster Lions Club

John McDonald, 70

Address: 130 Dale’s Drive, Westminster

Occupation: Retired from Military and Civil Services

1) What do you see as the primary issue in this race?

Jenkins: To represent the views and opinions of the voters in County Council 4 so that they have a voice in county government.

That expenditure of county funds be managed more efficiently by concentrating on essential services of education, safety, and maintenance of county roads. During these difficult times, emphasis should be placed upon creating a budget which does not place an additional tax burden upon the public.

That county services be equal for all districts.

2) Why are you running for this office?

Jenkins: It is important that the county council have a range of ideas and views in decision making. Elected officials should always remember they are representing the people first and foremost.

McDonald: I am a little disgruntled by the way things have been handled in the past. I would like to see Oconee County develop a system or purchase a machine that would burn and separate garbage so it can be used as electricity rather than haul it to Georgia for a fee. We also need to improve education and find a way to keep kids in school until graduation or teach them a trade so they have more skills and options coming out of high school. The Oconee County Detention Center is too crowded and prisoners are sleeping on the floors at times. I’m also upset that prayer was removed from council meetings and replaced with a moment of silence. Nowhere in the Constitution does it say that prayer should be taken out. That is not what the Framers meant by a separation of Church and State.

3) What are your best qualifications?

McDonald: I was a platoon sergeant for a year in Vietnam, an aircraft maintenance supervisor for ten years, I taught in the military for two years, I minister to prisoners, I’m a Sunday school teacher, I volunteer at local nursing homes, and I also serve on the Crisis Support Team at West-Oak High School. These positions have taught me leadership and communication skills that I can use in local government.

Jenkins: I have experience in budget preparation, living within a budget, working with the public, problem solving, and I listen to people.

4) What is your No. 1 priority if elected?

Jenkins: To represent the views of the citizens of County Council, District 4.

McDonald: Improving education to keep kids in school and offer more trade skills. I also want to better utilize garbage to be used as electricity and generate income for the county rather than pay someone to haul it away.

5) If you are an incumbent, what are your accomplishments in office? If you are a challenger, what accomplishments can voters expect?

McDonald: I promise to keep zoning out and I want to improve the Oconee County Detention Center to create more room to house inmates.

Jenkins: I will evaluate each consideration before council and vote based on how it will be most beneficial to the people.

6) Why are you the best candidate?

Jenkins: I worked in the Westminster area for 33 years and have lived here for 42 years. I am acquainted with many of the residents and feel that I understand many of their concerns. Most importantly, I feel that I am a person to whom the people can express their concerns knowing that I will listen.

McDonald: I will represent the people of District 4 to the best of my abilities and I will not be aloof about my obligations to them and their concerns. I promise to do what the people want me to do if I’m elected.