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From the Candidate

For most of my adult life I have worked steadily and followed the ebb and flow of city government. I have found places where I fit and where I have participated in the discussion. I have found friends and cultivated alliances among the haves and the have-nots, and I have found a voice that is seldom heard--that of the worker bees, those of us who give our all to our professions, contribute to our communities, and serve the needs of those less often heard by standing up for them and by contributing in any way we can. I have reached "a certain age" where I have learned a lot and am ready to give back to my community. Like so many "ordinary citizens," I, too, have become frustrated with apparent mishandling of city finances, the appearance of mismanagement on many levels, the concerns of city workers, and the rising turmoil within the departments of our first responders. I am ready, willing, and able to tackle these issues and to bring confidence back to the residents of the City of Columbia. I am a new face, with a new perspective for Columbia. OUR TIME IS NOW!

Biography

Born in Columbia in 1958, Sparkle grew up in the Melrose Heights neighborhood. She attended Schneider Elementary, Hand Jr. High, and graduated Dreher High School. After a few years of various jobs while attending USC, Sparkle became employed with the United States Postal Service where she remains after 28 years. In 1989, she returned to USC and graduated with a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Business Administration. While attending USC, Sparkle served in the Student Senate; her first real look at the political process. In the 90s, she volunteered her time with Palmetto Aids Life Support Services (PALSS), and served as co-chair of South Carolina Gay and Lesbian Pride Movement (GLPM) and participated in a variety of efforts toward the attainment of Civil Rights of GLBT people. In 1998, Sparkle attended Limestone College and graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. Soon after, she worked for the Tom Turnipseed for Attorney General Campaign because of his lifetime career of working for "Justice for All". In the past decade, Sparkle was introduced to birding by her next door neighbor. She joined the Audubon Society and SC Wildlife Federation. She began photographing birds and wildlife and maintains a Certified Wildlife Habitat in her yard in the Bradley Community. On most any clear day, she can be found with her scope at Riverfront Park, the place she says is the best birding area in the city. The fragile nature of birds has taught Sparkle that it is up to governments, as well as citizens, to be good stewards of all our resources to insure the economic and environmental health of our community for generations to come. 

Election Info

Date

April 6, 2010

Polling places

Click here for a list of polling places