 announced his intention to pursue a seat in the South Carolina General Assembly, representing Surfside Beach){kind=link}
BARNARD ANNOUNCES BID FOR SC HOUSE SEAT 106
[SURFSIDE BEACH, SC January 26, 2022]
Col. Howard Barnard (USAF RET) announced today his intention to pursue a seat in the South Carolina General Assembly, representing Horry County Residents in District 106.
Barnard, a retired USAF Colonel and fighter pilot, currently serves area residents on the Horry County Board of Education in District 5 and previously served two terms on the Horry County Council.
“I’ve spent the better part of my life in public service, and at no time have I been more concerned about the role and function of government at all levels; about the direction of this great country and about the needs of the good citizens of the booming South Strand,” Barnard noted.
I’m proud of what I have accomplished to date, but there is much work left to be done. I have the time, energy and experience to hit the ground running and make a real difference from Day One!
Noting that he has a unique understanding of and respect for the thousands of retired military personnel and families who now call South Carolina and Horry County home, Barnard intends to focus considerable attention on their needs. While serving in the Air Force, he commanded every level in a USAF fighter wing and accumulated more than 5,000 hours and 85 parachute jumps.
While serving the South Strand as County Councilman from Council District 5, Barnard was instrumental in building the new Myrtle Beach International airport terminal and the General Aviation Terminal across the runway. He was also the author of the RIDE 2 Highway program and chairman of the Southern Evacuation Lifeline (SELL).
“Among my highest priorities will be stop talking and start doing when it comes to our long overdue transportation needs and to focus attention and money on the of education of our children, while keeping parents in the driver’s seat,” Barnard concluded.
Barnard served as Director of Lay Ministries at the First Presbyterian Church of Myrtle Beach (15 years); led mission teams around the world and served as President and member of the board of Habitat for Humanity. He was a president and board member of the Surfside Area Rotary Club; co-founder of Wright Flight Aviation and a teacher, Deacon and Elder at his church.
SC House Seat 106 is currently held by Russell Fry, who is seeking to replace Tom Rice in the U. S. House of Representative (SC District 7).