NORWAY -- In the small town that's made big headlines over the past year, the mayor and two of the Town Council members are being challenged in the Nov. 6 nonpartisan municipal election for new two-year terms.

The firing of controversial Chief of Police Jim Preacher by Mayor Brad Fogle in July polarized much of the town. The issue continues to dominate the election, particularly the race for mayor.

Fogle is being challenged by Thomas "Chuck" Blake, a friend and strong supporter of Preacher's. Blake lost his 1994 bid for mayor by two votes.

Elected without opposition are Gregg Covington of District 3 and incumbent Councilwoman Emma Reed of District 4. Kenny Bates, the District 3 incumbent, did not seek re-election.

With a population of 389, Norway has 212 registered voters who are eligible to vote for mayor. Of these, 160 are white and 52 are black.

In District 1, Councilwoman Bonnie Fogle is being challenged by Sara Ann Johnson. The district has 103 registered voters, of whom 58 are black and 45 are white.

Councilwoman Geraldine Bell and Cindy Bates Williams are running for the District 2 seat. The district has 44 registered voters, of whom 23 are black and 21 are white.

Brad Fogle

Fogle, who upset veteran Mayor Rose Dukes in the 2005 election, says his priorities remain the same.

"My main priorities are to try to continue the financial stability of the town and to prepare for the future," he said. "I'll continue to work to improve the water and sewer systems and we're working toward trying to get additional for recreational things."

Despite the ensuing controversy over the firing of the police chief, Fogle says "things are going good" in Norway. And, while the issue may be a focus of the campaign "to some extent," the mayor says that "with all tough decisions, there are supporters. That's why they're tough decisions. I really don't think so. It's time to decide who's best to lead the town in all areas. We appreciate what Jim did for the town. But, it was time to look toward the future.

"It's never been an issue of frie-ip. It's what's best for the town."

A native of Norway, Fogle has a bachelor's degree in ceramic engineering from Clemson University. He is employed as plant manager at Thermal Ceramics in Augusta, Ga.

Thomas "Chuck" Blake

There are a lot of issues, Blake says, including "things that happened that eventually will come out," and controversy surrounding the firing of Preacher that led him to challenge the mayor.

"The town belongs to the people of Norway. The last two mayors seem to think it belongs to them," he said. "If I go in, I'll go out of my way to make sure the people know what's going on in town."

The firing of Preacher, Blake says, "was a conflict between him and Brad."

"Me and Jim are very close friends," he said. "I think the lawyers are involved now. I sure hated to lose Jim over here. Norway was the best-kept secret in the county. You could leave your keys in the truck. He looked after people and there were no racial lines."

If he's elected, Blake says he'll try to get Preacher to return, but, "I think there's too much water under the bridge. ... This thing with Jim has caused one of the biggest stirs this little town has ever had."

A local businessman, Blake says his business "depends on this town surviving." That's why, he says, he's concerned about the money spent on renovating the old Willow School. Renovations call for it to become a town hall/community center and law enforcement office.

"They've spent over $1 million. ... That was Ms. Dukes' brainchild. That's one-cent (tax) money, but there are a lot of holes that money could go in," he said. "I've tried to find out about what's transpired. It seems it drained this town. ... And, if Norway falters, my business will falter."

While the "little town seems like it's struggling now," Blake says it has "got to be run like a business; it's the only way."

"I'd just like to see the town be kept up. Vehicles are getting run-down looking," he said. "My wife was town clerk in 1996-97. When she left, the town was in good shape. It's gone down and the only thing I attribute it to is that school."

Noting that his business is "a stone's throw from town hall," Blake says he's there six days a week and can walk over to see about town business several times a day.

A native of Norway, Blake is a high school graduate who attended diesel and hydraulic courses. He is the owner of a local service station/used car/country store business.

Bonnie Fogle

Running on her two years of council experience, Fogle says she'd like to continue efforts for senior housing in Norway.

"We talked with someone from HUD (federal Housing and Urban Development) about senior housing," she said. "I'll continue to pursue that as long as I'm on council. And, I'll help even if I'm not on council."

The firing of Preacher is not an issue Fogle wants to discuss.

"I just want to help Norway to get in a better financial situation," she said. "That's not something that can happen overnight. We've tried to deal with it over the years."

A native of Charleston who grew up in Williamsburg County, Fogle has lived in Norway for almost 24 years. She's a registered nurse who graduated from the Orangeburg Regional School of Nursing. She is employed with the Orangeburg County Health Department.

Fogle did not provide a photograph to The T&D.

Sara Ann Johnson

A first-time candidate for public office, Johnson says she's really not campaigning.

"Stuff is going on in Norway, like the Christmas Parade and the Fourth of July Festival and I'd like to see that back," she said. "And, I'd like a safer community."

There are no real issues, Johnson says. If elected, she'd like to see some direction taken toward renovation the old abandoned school.

The issue between the mayor and the former police chief, she says, is a personal one.

A native of Norway and a high school graduate, Johnson is not employed.

Geraldine Bell

After being elected to serve the unexpired term of Med Hawkins, Bell is seeking her own first full two-year term.

"I like to be of service to the people of Norway. We need some improvements in the water system. It constantly needs updating," she said. "If I'm elected, I'll work hard to help the people."

As for the firing of Preacher, Bell says she supports the mayor and council with its decision.

"I stand by it," she said.

A native of Denmark, Bell has lived in Norway for 35 years. The retired teacher has a bachelor's degree in science from Voorhees College and a master's degree in education from South Carolina State University.

Cindy Bates Williams

Being a businesswoman in town for 18 years, Williams says she's heard the complaints and praises from the people. That, she said, led her to seek her first political office.

"People should be more interested in what the town has to offer," she said. "I'd like to see more people involved in the town's business. There's not much support at the meetings until something goes wrong."

Although the firing of Preacher "is not really an issue" in the campaign, Williams says she doesn't think it "was handled properly."

A native of Norway and a high school graduate, Williams has a local fast food/convenience store.

T&D Government Writer Tucker Lyon can be reached at tlyon@timesanddemocrat.com or by calling 803-533-5545.

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