(Columbia, SC) — Columbia attorney Tish Dozier Alleyne announced today that she will file as a candidate for the Richland County Council District 8 seat in the August 13 special Democratic primary.
The special primary is being held to determine a Democratic candidate for the seat after former council Chairman Overture Walker won the Democratic nomination for state Senate District 22 in late June.
Alleyne said she is making her first run for public office to create a better tomorrow for everyone, ensuring Council District 8 residents have someone putting them first in every decision and addressing their concerns. “I’m eager to bring a fresh perspective and an unwavering commitment to ensure every voice is heard, every dream is possible, and every community can thrive,” Alleyne said.
“I believe in the power of local government to make a difference in people’s lives,” she said. “I have witnessed both the challenges we face and the opportunities we have before us in Richland County. My goal is to align government, community, and business to achieve social, economic, and environmental outcomes that benefit everyone.”
Alleyne’s top issues include:
· Improving transportation, including relieving traffic congestion
· Promoting “smart” growth that prevents haphazard development
· Making sure the people’s tax dollars are managed and spent wisely
· Supporting public education
· Keeping the county’s library system elite and accessible to all
· Supporting law enforcement and promoting programs to reduce gun violence
· Advocating for affordable housing
Alleyne’s journey began in rural Georgetown County, S.C., where she was born to a teenage mother who worked tirelessly as a student bus driver to support herself and her small child. At age 5, her life changed when her mother married, expanding their household size from two to six within five years. Life was challenging for the family, residing in a three-bedroom mobile home.
Alleyne’s upbringing instilled in her a strong sense of responsibility and compassion from a young age. At 11, she assumed the responsibility of caring for her youngest sibling during summer breaks while her parents worked, causing her to mature at an early age. That and other experiences, such as surviving the devastation of Hurricane Hugo, ignited her passion for serving others and advocating for her community.
After graduating from Choppee High School, Alleyne, determined to empower herself and others, attended the University of South Carolina, where she earned a degree in Political Science. Despite being a single parent on public assistance, she persevered and attended the USC School of Law. After law school, she began working at Lourie Law Firm, where she has dedicated the past 20 years of her professional life to seeking justice and providing a voice for the otherwise voiceless.
Alleyne and her husband, Dwayne Alleyne, have two children: a son, Xavier, and a daughter, Karinne.
For more information, contact Tish Alleyne at 803.250.1332.
