Old News

Willis announces re-election bid 
Willis also responded to statements by his challenger, Stephen J. Wukela, whom he will face in the city’s June 10 Democratic primary. Wukela said he’s pushing for more openness in Florence’s government. “I don’t believe there’s a city in the state that operates any more openly than the city of Florence does, he said. Wukela also has criticized Willis by saying the mayor has supported Republicans including state Sen.
SCNow – Mar 26, 2008

Willis to announce plans to seek re-election 
Willis faces a challenge from Florence attorney Stephen J. Wukela.
SCNow – Mar 26, 2008

Candidates file to run for public office 
Candidates file to run for public office. 43 Hometown: Darlington Family: Married to Martha Flowers for 21 years and has a son, Julian, and daughter, Julia Party: Republican Education: Bachelor?s degree from Coker College Experience: Elected to
SCNow – Mar 29, 2008

Candidates file for Pee Dee races 2 
Candidates file for Pee Dee races 2. Dillon County Clerk of Court n Gwen Hyatt Age: 58 Hometown: Dillon Family: Husband, Don Hyatt; a daughter Party: Democratic Education: Associate degree in business from Florence-Darlington Technical College
SCNow – Mar 30, 2008

Florence to ask county elections commission to hold municipal primaries 
Florence Mayor Frank Willis and Florence attorney Stephen J. Wukela will face each other in the city’s Democratic mayoral primary.
SCNow – Mar 31, 2008

County council could consider amendment on Florence city primaries 
Florence Mayor Frank Willis and Florence attorney Stephen J. Wukela will face each other in the city’s Democratic mayoral primary.
SCNow – Apr 1, 2008

Florence mayoral candidates consider debate possibilities 
Wukela and Willis are both Democrats; no Republicans have filed to run for the mayor’s seat. Wukela, a Florence attorney, has since said he would agree to a debate with a moderator asking questions, as Willis suggested. Wukela has proposed debates on May 13 and 27 at Francis Marion University with university President Dr. Fred Carter to serve as the moderator. “It’s hard to imagine (a scenario) that’s more fair, Wukela said. Wukela said Wednesday he hadn’t received the letter, of which Willis faxed a copy to the Morning News. Wukela said he invites anyone who wants to sponsor the debate to participate.
SCNow – Apr 23, 2008

Wukela supporters to gather at Bazen’s Family Restaurant 
Wukela supporters to gather at Bazen’s Family Restaurant. Supporters of Florence attorney Stephen J. Wukela for Florence mayor will gather at 5 p.m. today (Thursday) at Bazen’s Family Restaurant.
SCNow – May 14, 2008

Willis, Wukela to debate at FMU on Tuesday 
Willis, Wukela to debate at FMU on Tuesday. Francis Marion University on Tuesday will hold a debate between Florence mayoral candidates Frank Willis, the incumbent, and Stephen J. Wukela.
SCNow – May 31, 2008

Voters to decide Florence’s next mayor during June primary 
Wukela said more money should be invested in the central downtown and north Florence to help bridge the divide. Wukela said the city should force absentee landlords to demolish or improve abandoned buildings that are havens for crime. That’s one step to reducing crime, Wukela said, along with devoting more police officers to fighting the city’s gang problem. “I’m not criticizing (the police), but they aren’t getting the support they need, he said. The city’s proposed budget would add two new police officers, but Wukela said that’s not enough to fight the gang problem. Wukela said juvenile referral numbers are down, but they don’t include violent crimes for which juveniles are tried as adults.
SCNow – May 31, 2008

Voters to decide Florence’s next mayor during June primary 
Wukela said more money should be invested in the central downtown and north Florence to help bridge the divide. Wukela said the city should force absentee landlords to demolish or improve abandoned buildings that are havens for crime. That’s one step to reducing crime, Wukela said, along with devoting more police officers to fighting the city’s gang problem. “I’m not criticizing (the police), but they aren’t getting the support they need, he said. The city’s proposed budget would add two new police officers, but Wukela said that’s not enough to fight the gang problem. Wukela said juvenile referral numbers are down, but they don’t include violent crimes for which juveniles are tried as adults.
SCNow – May 31, 2008

Willis, Wukela to debate at FMU on Tuesday 
Willis, Wukela to debate at FMU on Tuesday. Francis Marion University on Tuesday will hold a debate between Florence mayoral candidates Frank Willis, the incumbent, and Stephen J. Wukela.
SCNow – Jun 3, 2008

Downtown, crime among top issues at mayoral debate 
Wukela called himself a “real Democrat and said Willis has supported Leatherman and President George W. Bush. “I believe that Mr. Wukela is confusing governing with partisan politics, Willis said. Wukela said the Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority has been neglected and that he opposes a proposed Santee Cooper coal-fired power plant in Kingsburg because “we share the same air as people in that area. I think he made a lot of good points. – Michael Williams, voter, leaning toward Wukela “I’m in favor of our current mayor. I know the Wukelas are very fine people, but as far as somebody that’s going to do the job of mayor, I would vote for no other person than Frank Willis. – Andy Brodie, voter “(Wukela is) running for mayor but he kept stating different counties and what he would do in a different county, so to me he seemed very confused
SCNow – Jun 3, 2008

Willis hoping past record aids in primary 
Willis will face local attorney Stephen Wukela on the June 10 ballot.  Mackenzie Taylor
SCNow – Jun 4, 2008

Leadership key reason Willis should continue as Florence mayor 
Frank Willis, who has been serving as mayor since 1995, is facing opposition in the Democratic primary from Stephen Wukela. Wukela brings a youthful enthusiasm and urgency to the race.
SCNow – Jun 5, 2008

Wukela focusing on leadership, openness, and change 
The June 10 primary elections are still a few days away, but local attorney Stephen Wukela said he’s already looking forward to them. Wukela announced his candidacy for mayor of the City of Florence in March and has been concentrating on three basic themes:  leadership, openness, and change.
SCNow – Jun 5, 2008

Voters to cast their ballots in party primaries 
In the city of Florence, incumbent Mayor Frank Willis has opposition for the first time in eight years from Stephen Wukela in the Democratic primary.
SCNow – Jun 7, 2008

Pee Dee candidates 
Florence mayor Democrat Frank Willis (I) Stephen J. Wukela Florence City Council – two at-large seats Republican Bobby Holland (I) Glynn Willis Rick Woodard (I) Democrat Thurmond Becote Steve Powers Octavia Williams-Blake FLORENCE COUNTY (For the Florence sample ballot, click here
SCNow – Jun 9, 2008

One vote separates Wukela, Willis in Florence mayoral race 
One vote separates Wukela, Willis in Florence mayoral race. Wukela received 1,468 votes, while Willis had 1,467, according to results available Tuesday night, which included absentee ballots. “We’re happy to know that we’re ahead, and we look forward to addressing the issues of the city, said Wukela, 32, a Florence attorney. Wukela first sought public office four years ago, when he ran unsuccessfully against S.C. Sen. Wukela has campaigned on a platform of change, similar to that of presumptive Democratic presidential nominee U.S. Sen. Wukela also opposes Santee Cooper’s proposed coal-fired plant in Kingsburg.
SCNow – Jun 10, 2008

Recount in mayor’s race to take place Thursday morning 
A recount in the Florence mayoral race will take place Thursday morning after unofficial results show local attorney Stephen Wukela one vote ahead of incumbent Frank Willis.
SCNow – Jun 11, 2008

Willis, Wukela await recount before deciding next moves 
Willis, Wukela await recount before deciding next moves. “I think that split kind of gained the Wukelas the upper hand, at least in part among black voters, Thigpen said. Thigpen also said he thought Willis might have perceived Wukela as “not the heaviest opposition that he could face. But Willis said he won’t second-guess his campaign strategies. “We feel like we ran a good, solid campaign, he said. Wukela first sought public office four years ago, when he ran unsuccessfully against state Sen.
SCNow – Jun 11, 2008

Election commission meets to decide Florence mayor’s race 
The county election commission on Thursday heard testimony from both campaigns, as well as by the voter who cast the ballot challenged by Steve Wukela Jr. In that instance, the Wukela campaign argued the voter received unauthorized assistance from Florence County Councilman Al Bradley when the voter cast her ballot at the Marion Street fire station.
SCNow – Jun 12, 2008

Willis protests primary, seeks new election 
A ballot for Willis had been challenged by attorney Steve Wukela Jr., the candidate’s father, according to Willis’ protest.
SCNow – Jun 13, 2008

State Democratic party to hear Willis’ protest 
Willis also said he is filing a petition for the county elections commission to throw out the ballot that placed Wukela ahead by one vote when challenged ballots were counted last week. “It was certainly legal, was counted, and should be counted, Wukela said Monday.
SCNow – Jun 16, 2008

Some say they weren’t allowed to vote in city primary 
An official recount of the mayor’s race on Monday left challenger Stephen Wukela one vote ahead of incumbent Frank Willis.  Willis told News 13 on Monday he planned to file an amended protest to the one filed on Friday.  In that document, Willis claims numerous registered voters were denied the right to vote in the city election.
SCNow – Jun 17, 2008

Outdated maps cause voting troubles for Florence residents 
Wukela said complaining that the process was confusing “is rich because the mayor and city council members voted to change the city’s election process. The June 10 election was the first time city primaries have been held along with federal, state and county primaries. “No one expects any election to be perfect, Wukela said, adding that he thinks elections workers handled their responsibilities well. “They did a yeoman’s job, he said. “They worked hard, and they made a diligent effort to ensure a…
SCNow – Jun 20, 2008

Florence mayor to appeal Democratic Party’s decision 
Florence Mayor Frank Willis plans to appeal the S.C. Democratic Party’s decision to uphold the primary results that show Stephen J. Wukela leading the incumbent by one vote. That deadline would fall July 1. “We don’t have any significant problems with how it was handled, Willis said of Saturday’s hearing. “We’re certainly disappointed in the results. Wukela said the Democratic party made the right decision, which he and his lawyers will argue to uphold. “I certainly think that the Democratic party conducted a t… Wukela said last week that he was going to abide by the party’s ruling and wouldn’t appeal. The certified results of a recount in the mayoral primary showed Wukela with 1,469 votes to Willis’ 1,468 – the same results that followed the June 12 review of challenged ballots. They argued as well that elections officials “admittedly counted an illegal vote for Wukela in certified vote totals.
SCNow – Jun 24, 2008

Willis appeals S.C. Democrats’ decision on primary 
Florence Mayor Frank Willis has appealed an S.C. Democratic Party board’s decision to deny his protest of this month’s primary results, which show him trailing Stephen J. Wukela by one vote. Wukela said he’s concerned that “protracted litigation is distracting from the issue of bringing change to Florence, a major point in his campaign. “We’re going to let the court sort this out, he said Thursday. Willis’ appeal states that several votes were illegally cast and should have been rejected by law, which would cause the primary results to be “rendered doubtful. The certified results of a recount in the mayoral primary showed Wukela with 1,469 votes to Willis’ 1,468 – the same results that followed the June 12 review of challenged ballots.
SCNow – Jun 26, 2008

Judge to hear appeal in Florence mayoral race 
A circuit court judge will hear incumbent Frank Willis’ appeal in the Florence mayoral race, in which Willis has protested results showing him trailing Stephen J. Wukela by one vote. Wukela said he remains confident that the results have been correct since election night and the recount and will be upheld in court. “The election was about change and about unifying the community, and I think Mr. Willis’ lawsuits run contrary to that purpose, he said. Willis said he doesn’t think the appeal is divisive “except in the support of one side or the other, (and) that’s what politics is all about. The certified results of a recount in the mayoral primary showed Wukela with 1,469 votes to Willis’ 1,468 – the same results that followed the review of challenged ballots two days after the June 10 primary.
SCNow – Jun 27, 2008

Mayor Willis’ appeal goes before a judge 
Willis lost by one vote in the June 10 primary to challenger Stephen Wukela.
SCNow – Jul 2, 2008

Florence mayor’s appeal goes before a judge 
Willis lost by one vote in the June 10 primary to challenger Stephen Wukela.
SCNow – Jul 2, 2008

Judge to rule on Florence mayoral primary July 14 
FLORENCE – Twelfth Circuit Judge Michael Nettles has announced he will issue a ruling July 14 on incumbent Frank Willis’ appeal in the Florence mayoral race, the results of which show Willis trailing Stephen J. Wukela by one vote. Wukela said he thinks the court will uphold the outcome “redeemed on election night and by the state Democratic party, although he has “two different sets of feelings regarding the circuit court hearing. “On the other hand, I am troubled by the divisiveness of this protest, he said. The certified results of a recount in the mayoral primary showed Wukela with 1,469 votes to Willis’ 1,468 – the same results that followed the review of challenged ballots two days after the June 10 primary. Steve Wukela Jr., representing his son, said a candidate can’t “sit on (his) hands and say, ‘Ah – confusion is an ally.’ He argued against “after-discovered evidence in the case and said state law requires Willis to have challenged any ballots before they were cast. Steve Wukela Jr. also said Willis didn’t file a timely protest to the state Democratic party according to state law governing municipal elections.
SCNow – Jul 2, 2008

Former mayor Pearce plans to enter Florence mayoral race 
Pearce said he’ll run regardless of how a judge rules on an appeal of the city’s Democratic mayoral primary, the results of which show incumbent Mayor Frank Willis trailing Stephen J. Wukela by one vote. “We’re in, he said. Wukela said he has a great deal of respect for Pearce, who he said was “certainly a dedicated servant as mayor. “The campaign that I have run is about bringing about change and bringing about a new perspective on the city of Florence. Wukela added, “I look forward to a spirited race. Charles Tomlinson
SCNow – Jul 3, 2008

Proposed orders submitted in Florence mayoral primary election case 
Attorneys for both incumbent Florence Mayor Frank Willis and challenger Stephen J. Wukela have submitted proposed orders stating how they think the law should determine the Florence mayoral primary election and await 12th Circuit Judge Michael Nettles’ ruling on the matter Monday. Nettles will issue a ruling Monday on Willis’ appeal in the race that, according to results, show Wukela beating Willis by one vote. The certified results of a recount in the mayoral primary showed Wukela with 1,469 votes to Willis’ 1,468 – the same results that followed the review of challenged ballots two days after the June 10 primary. Steve Wukela Jr., representing his son, argued against “after-discovered evidence in the case and said state law requires Willis to have challenged any ballots before they were cast. Steve Wukela Jr. also said Willis didn’t file a timely protest to the state Democratic party according to state law governing municipal elections.
SCNow – Jul 10, 2008

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Wukela’s candidacy good for Florence 
I want to praise Stephen Wukela for getting involved in politics in Florence.
SCNow – Jul 13, 2008

Ruling expected today in Florence mayoral race appeal 
A decision is expected to be made Monday that could bring some closure to the on-going Florence mayoral voting dispute.  Twelfth Circuit Judge Micheal Nettles is expected to issue a ruling on incumbent Mayor Frank Willis’ appeal in the Florence mayoral race between he and challenger Stephen Wukela. Once all the votes were counted in the June 10th Democratic primary for the Florence mayoral race, Wukela held a one vote lead on Willis.  Willis’ attorneys filed an appeal with the South Carolina Democratic Party the following week.  The board voted 4-2 in Wukela’s favor.
SCNow – Jul 14, 2008

Florence mayor’s primary election appeal dismissed 
The certified results of a recount in June 10’s mayoral primary showed Wukela with 1,469 votes to Willis’ 1,468 – the same results that followed the review of challenged ballots two days after the June 10 primary. Attorneys for both Willis and Wukela submitted proposed orders July 10, stating how they think the law should have determined the Florence mayoral primary election before Nettles made his ruling Monday. – Morning News Staff Writer Charles Tomlinson and WBTW News13’s Mackenzie Taylor contributed to this report.
SCNow – Jul 14, 2008

Pearce to appear on November ballot for Florence mayor 
Pearce said he’d run regardless of Monday’s ruling on incumbent Florence Mayor Frank Willis’ appeal in the Florence mayoral primary election, the results of which showed Willis trailing Stephen J. Wukela by one vote. Wukela said in a previous interview he has a great deal of respect for Pearce, who he said was “certainly a dedicated servant as mayor, adding, “I look forward to a spirited race. There are several issues with the city that Pearce said he would like to address as mayor.
SCNow – Jul 15, 2008

Willis to appeal circuit court decision 
Willis said he thinks the appeal of Nettles’ ruling transcends his candidacy. “At this point, I’m not sure that this campaign is about Frank Willis or Stephen Wukela anymore. The certified results of a recount in June 10’s mayoral primary showed Wukela with 1,469 votes to Willis’ 1,468 – the same results that followed the review of challenged ballots two days after the June 10 primary. In a 46-page ruling released by the Clerk of Court’s office Monday morning, Nettles ruled that Willis’ appeal would be dismissed and affirmed the decision of the city of Florence Municipal Election Commission certifying the June 10 primary election of Wukela as Florence Democratic Party nominee. “The factors of this controversy and the applicable law will not allow this co…
SCNow – Jul 16, 2008

Judge won’t reconsider ruling on Willis’ apeal 
On July 10, attorneys for both Willis and Wukela submitted proposed orders, stating how they think the law should have determined the Florence mayoral primary election before Nettles made his ruling Monday.
SCNow – Jul 18, 2008

2002 Johnsonville election mirrors Florence mayoral debate 
While many have watched the Florence mayoral saga unfold these past couple of weeks between Frank Willis and Stephen Wukela, this is not the first time Florence County has seen something like this.
SCNow – Jul 21, 2008

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Time for new blood in mayor’s office 
As Steve Wukela mentions, nothing has changed for years and more years.
SCNow – Jul 23, 2008

Willis files appeal with state Supreme Court 
Florence Mayor Frank Willis has officially filed an appeal with the state Supreme Court in regards to the mayoral primary that was held June 10.  Counts show Willis trailing challenger Stephen Wukela by one vote.  According to the Supreme Court’s Clerks Office, there is a motion to expedite the case.  Officials say they may know when the case will be heard as early as next week.
SCNow – Jul 23, 2008

Willis’ appeal reaches S.C. Supreme Court 
The Supreme Court is the only alternative, Willis said Wednesday. “We thought that once we got into a court of law that the law would take over and we would be successful, he said. “That didn’t happen. Willis, who is seeking a fourth term, trails Stephen J. Wukela by one vote in a certified tally. Wukela said his attorneys’ next formal step is to file a return to the motion to expedite. Wukela said he’s “troubled by Mr. Willis’ recent statements that the city has a flawed elections process. Willis should work on improving the system, if that’s what he’s concerned about, rather than continuing this litigation that won’t do anything to change the system, Wukela said. The certified results of a recount following the June 10 mayoral primary show Wukela with 1,469 votes, leading Willis by one.
SCNow – Jul 23, 2008

State high court grants motion to expedite Florence mayor’s appeal 
The high court made its decision Monday, the same day Stephen J. Wukela met the deadline to file a response to Willis’ motion. Wukela also submitted a motion asking the state Supreme Court to dismiss Willis’ appeal. Wukela’s attorneys have until noon Monday to file their final brief, said Steve Wukela Jr. of Florence, who is representing his son. In the response to Willis’ motions, Steve Wukela Jr. wrote that state law doesn’t allow Willis to directly appeal to the state’s high court, but that the appellant could have filed a petition for writ of certiorari, through which the Supreme Court would call up the records of the lower court. The certified results of a recount following the June 10 mayoral primary show Wukela with 1,469 votes, leading Willis by one.
SCNow – Jul 28, 2008

Florence candidate certification date change gets initial approval 
Willis said city attorney Jim Peterson, city staff and his attorneys have been examining the city’s elections ordinance, passed in February, and “it just occurred to city staff, ‘Hey, we’ve got a conflict here.’ “This is an obvious attempt by the mayor to change the rules that this election was held under, that he signed himself, after the electio… The certified results of a recount following the June 10 mayoral primary show Stephen J. Wukela with 1,469 votes, leading the three-term incumbent by one vote.
SCNow – Jul 31, 2008

Florence candidate certification date change gets initial approval 
Willis said city attorney Jim Peterson, city staff and his attorneys have been examining the city’s elections ordinance, passed in February, and “it just occurred to city staff, ‘Hey, we’ve got a conflict here.’ “This is an obvious attempt by the mayor to change the rules that this election was held under, that he signed himself, after the electio… The certified results of a recount following the June 10 mayoral primary show Stephen J. Wukela with 1,469 votes, leading the three-term incumbent by one vote.
SCNow – Jul 31, 2008

Submitting signatures marks only tip of iceberg for petition candidates 
Pearce said he’s seen a “groundswell of support after the city’s Democratic mayoral primary, in which Stephen J. Wukela leads incumbent Frank Willis by one vote in a certified tally. “I think it really woke people up and galvanized them, Pearce said.
SCNow – Aug 2, 2008