State reps, others address gun control and school safety in Aiken
AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - State representatives Jermaine Johnson and Bill Clyburn were in Aiken on Monday night to speak with community about finding solutions for major issues.
The chairs in the room were positioned in a circle so everyone was included and heard. Some topics included gun control, school safety and keeping teens on the right path.
from the nonprofit G.A.N.G.S. in Peace and Aiken City Councilwoman Lessie Price were in attendance as well.
“I’ve heard a lot of complaints and things about issues going on in Aiken County. And I want to make sure that people down here understand that somebody like myself is hearing their issue is hearing their concerns and is willing to work with them and make sure that you know the voices have been heard,” said Johnson.
It was a conversation to flip the script.
“We came out with several different issues and solutions to these problems that I believe we’ll be able to take to the General Assembly next year in introducing legislation to change some of these problems,” said Johnson.
Discussions over creating a community counselor for kids in the area and looking to add resource centers throughout were all topics and realities Johnson hopes to accomplish.
Kids in the room wanted consistency with politicians.
“They said they felt like their parents just weren’t listening or they didn’t have the problem that they really were facing. And that just allowed me to just really double down with saying that we need to our young people. We need to make sure that they feel heard and let them know when they do matter,” said Johnson.
Johnson’s story helps him relate to those who may not know where to go and he helps fight for kids to stay on the right path.
“I’ve struggled with homelessness. I’ve struggled with, you know, food insecurities, but look where I’m at today. Look what I’ve been able to overcome and do out here. So you know, I’m able to gain their trust just by talking to them about the issues that we both shared commonalities out,” he said.
Johnson will be in Florence on Thursday for another meeting, just like the one in Aiken.
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