Conway’s John ‘Pete’ Bember Challenges Senator Luke Rankin in Political Race

Conway’s Political Scene Sees a Fresh Face

In the charming city of Conway, things are heating up as a local figure, John ‘Pete’ Bember, throws his hat into the political ring, challenging the current Senator, Luke Rankin. Bember, who’s not just a newcomer to politics but also a familiar face around town, is making waves with his engaging and straightforward approach.

Meet John ‘Pete’ Bember

Bember, a Democrat, is running on a platform that aims to promote unity and focus on infrastructure. “My platform is very simple. I want to end all the divisiveness,” he passionately expressed. If you know Pete, you probably recognize him as a former all-state running back from Conway High School. After spending a significant part of his career working across the Southeast, he returned to his hometown three years ago to look after family. That’s a true hometown hero for you!

A Passion for Change

The decision to dive into politics didn’t come from nowhere. He mentioned that recent events at the national level struck a chord with him. “In life, timing’s everything, and I think the timing was correct now,” he shared. This sense of urgency to jump in and make a difference reflects his vision of being a transformational leader that the community can rally behind.

Infrastructure: The Hot Topic

One of the key issues Bember wants to tackle is the growing need for infrastructure improvement in Horry County. Having lived in several major cities, he identifies that Conway is at a crossroads similar to larger urban environments like Fort Lauderdale and Miami. “This kind of mimics a little bit of the Fort Lauderdale, Miami situation, and it’s probably where we’re going at some point,” he explained. With this in mind, he’s adamant that planning for future infrastructure developments is essential.

One glaring example he points out is the completion of Interstate 73. Bember’s frustration is palpable when he remarks, “Obviously, they have… because it’s not completed. We need to focus in on that.” It’s clear that for him, infrastructure isn’t just a checkbox on a campaign list; it’s about ensuring the smooth daily lives of Conway residents.

Centrist Policies with “Purple Politics”

Known for his moderate stance, Bember’s approach to politics can be summed up in the catchy term “Purple Politics.” He emphasizes compromise over conflict, stating, “I’m not a hard left guy, okay, and obviously, you know, I’m not a hard right guy. I’m somewhere right down the middle.” And let’s face it—who doesn’t love a little peace and collaboration nowadays?

Facing Flooding Challenges

Beyond just road improvements and highways, Bember acknowledges the persistent challenges of flooding that often hit Conway hard. “Just recently I was down in the Conway area during the flood,” he recounted, noting how every flood event often shuts down the entire downtown. Bember believes that measures such as building a levee or even creating a corridor upriver to divert water might be crucial solutions. His heartfelt concern for the community shines through as he advocates for infrastructure that can withstand nature’s unpredictability.

More Than Just Politics

Outside of his political pursuits, Bember is quite the community man. He works in the local mortgage industry and dedicates time to coaching football camps for kids aged nine through 12. It’s a great way to give back and inspire the next generation, plus it keeps him grounded in what really matters.

As the election approaches, the decision rests in the hands of the Conway folks on whether they want to embrace this new energy in their political landscape. Will Bember’s vision of unity and infrastructure improvement carry him to a victory? Only time will tell!