Pendleton Mayoral Challenger Promises Bold Leadership
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
On Nov. 4, two candidates are seeking the office of Mayor in Pendleton.
Incumbent Frank Crenshaw and challenger Sarah Stokowski.
Both candidates were asked the same questions by The Anderson Observer, and both given the opportunity for a video interview. Stokowski declined the video interview offer but answered the questions.
Here are her answers:
Why are you running for mayor?
I didn’t set out to run for mayor. I set out to fix what wasn’t working.
When I moved to Pendleton, I faced issue after issue with my newly built home—issues the town and county should’ve helped solve, but didn’t. I was dismissed, ignored, and left wondering: Who is looking out for us?
Then I saw the bigger picture. Forests leveled for generic developments. Sidewalks to nowhere. No vision for recreation. Codes that protect no one and confuse everyone.
So, I rolled up my sleeves. I volunteered for the Design Review Board. Despite holding a PhD (and being a professor of athletic leadership), I went back to school to earn a master in public administration (MPA). I learned how to lead, how to challenge the system from within, and how to deliver real solutions. I’ve secured grants, built partnerships, and worked in government long enough to know how to make it work for people.
I’m not running for a title—I’m running because we don’t have time to wait. If we keep going down this road, Pendleton won’t be Pendleton anymore.
Enough with being steamrolled by developers.
Enough with patchwork planning.
Enough with people being left behind because of where they live or how long they’ve lived here.
Pendleton deserves leadership that listens, acts, and plans for the long haul.
1. What are the top three priorities for improving the town, and how will you achieve them?
1. Strong Infrastructure & Public Safety
A town’s foundation starts with the basics—safe streets, reliable services, and community trust.
Improve roads, sidewalks, and drainage through partnerships with Anderson County and SCDOT.
Strengthen public safety by supporting our Police and Fire Departments with training, staffing, and resources.
Expand walkability and accessibility near parks, schools, and corridors.
Preserve Pendleton’s history through intentional preservation and design standards.
2. A Connected Community Through Recreation
Recreation is how we connect neighbors, strengthen families, and build pride in our community.
Invest in public spaces—from trails to ballfields—improving safety, accessibility, and quality.
Hire a full-time Recreation Director to lead long-term planning and community engagement.
Empower the Pendleton Recreation Board to shape programming and reflect the community’s voice.
Secure state and federal grants, as well as sponsorships, to fund growth without burdening taxpayers.
3. Responsible Growth & Support for Local Business
Pendleton doesn’t need to change who we are—we need to build on what already makes us strong.
Encourage responsible development that complements our charm and history.
Support local businesses with visibility campaigns and permitting support.
Complete and adopt the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to ensure consistent planning.
Partner with Anderson 4, Tri-County, and Clemson University to expand workforce pipelines and civic learning.
2. What is your vision for Pendleton ten years from now?
According to the Comprehensive Plan, Pendleton’s vision is to be a livable, sustainable, and healthy community that balances growth with preservation. Ten years from now, I see Pendleton as the model for that balance—a town that protects its identity while embracing smart progress.
I envision a connected community with walkable streets, thriving local businesses, and strong recreation programs that bring generations together. Our neighborhoods will be linked by greenways and trails, and growth will reflect Pendleton’s values: history, hospitality, and happenings.
Pendleton can lead by example—showing that small towns don’t have to sacrifice character to grow.
3. What makes you the right person to lead the town at this moment?
I’m a professor and researcher who has secured hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants, built long-term partnerships, and delivered results through collaboration and accountability. I understand how systems work—and how to make them work for people.
I bring a new perspective, unafraid to ask questions or challenge outdated processes. I’m goal-oriented, persistent, and never content with “good enough.” Pendleton needs leadership that combines knowledge with action—and I’m ready to lead with both.
4. How will you balance growth with preserving the town’s small-town character?
Responsible Development Starts With a Plan.
Pendleton isn’t just growing—it’s being sold off to the first and lowest bidder, often without a clear plan for infrastructure or community benefit. Developers are doing whatever they want because oversight and vision haven’t kept pace.
One of my first acts as mayor will be to call for a temporary moratorium on single-family development until we adopt the Unified Development Ordinance. That’s how we protect Pendleton’s identity, set design standards, require infrastructure before development, and ensure growth benefits residents—not just developers.
What we build now will define who we become. Let’s preserve what matters and build what’s next—the right way.
5. What strategies would you use to attract new businesses or industry while supporting local entrepreneurs?
Pendleton’s size is a strength, not a weakness. We have to be strategic about what we attract and where we place it.
I’d focus on recruiting small-to-medium commercial businesses—especially along the Highway 76 corridor—to bring visitors into town and drive foot traffic to our small businesses downtown. By creating a streamlined permitting process, investing in signage and streetscapes, and connecting with local chambers and economic councils, we can make Pendleton an easy and attractive place to invest.
And yes—if Trader Joe’s is reading this, Pendleton’s ready for you.
6. How will you ensure that downtown Village Green and town square remain vibrant and economically strong?
The Village Green is Pendleton’s heart. Keeping it vibrant means protecting its history and ensuring it thrives economically.
I support passing the Bailey Bill to help with historic preservation. We can also expand special events, improve pedestrian flow, and extend the “Village Green” concept throughout town with consistent beautification and signage. The goal is simple: make every corner of Pendleton feel like downtown Pendleton.
7. What role should the town government play in promoting tourism or local events?
A huge one and the recent hire of a director of community engagement was a good start. Pendleton’s history, charm, and people are its biggest assets—but they need to be showcased.
Town government should strengthen partnerships with the Pendleton Area Business Association (PABA), Clemson and Anderson Chambers, and the Pendleton Historic Foundation. It should also support organizations like the Pendleton Foundation for Black History and Culture.
We need to modernize how we promote events like the Jubilee, Fall Festival, and Kris Kringle Market—embracing digital marketing, local influencers, and regional partnerships to bring in visitors while celebrating who we are.
8. How would you support small business recovery or expansion?
Pendleton’s small businesses are the heart of our community, but too often the system works against them.
As mayor, I would:
Simplify permitting and approval processes.
Create clear, consistent codes that make sense and reflect Pendleton’s character.
Develop a Small Business Resource Guide to help entrepreneurs navigate requirements.
Partner with PABA, Tri-County, and Clemson for training and shared promotions.
Continue local branding campaigns to encourage residents to “shop local.”
When small businesses thrive, Pendleton thrives.
9. How important is the planned TIF district in Pendleton? Why should it or should it not be a priority?
The Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District has the potential to be a meaningful tool for Pendleton—if we manage it with integrity, oversight, and a focus on long-term community benefit. The proposed TIF includes nearly 200 acres and would support essential public needs like a new fire station, road improvements, sewer infrastructure, and greenways. These are priorities our town cannot afford to ignore.
But growth without ethics is not progress.
I believe deeply that Pendleton should only partner with developers who share our values—those committed to transparency, long-term investment, and doing what’s right for our town. Recent concerns about unethical business practices linked to some developers make this even more urgent. We can’t afford to repeat the mistakes of the past by approving plans that benefit a few at the expense of many.
A TIF district must not be a blank check. It should include:
· Clear oversight
· Public reporting requirements
· Community benefit agreements
· Strict accountability for developers
If structured well, the TIF could help us plan for the future and build the Pendleton we deserve—with strong infrastructure, public safety, and shared community spaces. But if misused, it risks becoming just another vehicle for unchecked development and eroded public trust.
I’m committed to getting it right. Because Pendleton deserves development that’s ethical, accountable, and centered on the people who live here.
10. What are your immediate goals for maintaining and improving local roads, utilities, and public spaces?
Our most pressing needs are repairing roads, addressing drainage, and improving utilities. The 1% capital project sales tax on the ballot could help us fund these priorities.
I’ll push for a full assessment of infrastructure conditions, then create a transparent plan that prioritizes critical repairs first. Partnerships with SCDOT, Anderson County, and Pendleton Pride in Motion will be key to tackling projects efficiently and affordably.
11. How would you prioritize infrastructure projects given budget limitations?
We must evaluate based on urgency, safety, and long-term benefit. That means:
Conducting a formal infrastructure assessment.
Implementing development fees so growth helps pay for itself.
Leveraging county, state, and grant funding through partnerships.
Planning must guide spending—not the other way around.
12. How will you address affordable housing concerns within town limits?
Pendleton needs more housing variety—affordable options that meet residents’ needs while maintaining community character. Tools like the proposed TIF can help fund infrastructure for mixed-income developments.
I’ll partner with nonprofit housing organizations to expand access without overbuilding.
13. What is your vision for parks, trails, and public gathering places?
The Comprehensive Plan makes it clear: recreation and green space are essential to Pendleton’s quality of life.
I envision a connected network of parks and trails that serve every resident—from kids to older adults. Veterans Park should be expanded and upgraded. Downtown green space should host concerts and markets. And new developments should be required to include public recreation areas.
Gathering spaces bring us together; they’re where Pendleton’s heart beats loudest.
14. How do you propose to make the town more walkable, bike-friendly, and safe?
Pendleton’s future depends on safe, connected mobility. Following the Comprehensive Plan, we can link schools, parks, and neighborhoods through sidewalk networks and bike paths.
Supporting projects like the Green Crescent Trail will strengthen these connections, promote active living, and increase accessibility. Every new development should contribute to this network through design standards and developer fees.
15. What can be done to expand recreational activities for all Pendleton citizens, and how could it be funded?
Recreation has been overlooked for too long, but it’s the key to a healthy, connected town.
We can:
Apply for state and federal recreation grants.
Build partnerships with local businesses, industries, and nonprofits.
Create sponsorship opportunities for fields, parks, and programs.
Hire a Recreation Director to lead long-term planning.
Ensure the proper utilization and historical recognition of Riverside Middle School for the good of all Pendleton residents.
Partner with Anderson 4 and Anderson County to share facilities and expand programming.
Recreation is not a luxury—it’s how we build community pride and connection.
16. How will you communicate openly with residents about town decisions and finances?
Transparency starts with access.
As mayor, I’d like to launch a Citizen Dashboard where residents can view budgets, capital projects, and timelines in real time. I’ll ensure Pendleton meets Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) standards, implement multi-year budgeting, and create a clear reserve policy.
Every taxpayer deserves to know how and why dollars are spent—line by line.
17. How will you handle public disagreement, criticism, or community conflict?
I can control only my thoughts and reactions—and I’m intentional about both. I’m good at compartmentalizing, listening before responding, and not taking things personally. I constantly seek help, ask for advice, and surround myself with a solid team. My focus will always be on what’s best for the town, not on ego or emotion.
18. What principles guide your decision-making when public pressure and long-term interests collide?
Pendleton’s guiding values—History, Hospitality, and Happenings—will anchor every decision.
Our mission is to provide responsive, transparent service that protects our cultural traditions and promotes quality of life. When short-term pressure conflicts with long-term needs, I’ll return to that mission: protect our history, serve our people, and plan for the future.
I will always seek council and advise. As an academic-I tend to conduct a literature review, follow policy, and adhere to best practices.
19. If elected, how would you measure success at the end of your term?
At the end of my term, success won’t just be a checklist of projects completed—it will be felt in the everyday lives of Pendleton residents.
It will be hearing from parents who now feel safe walking their kids to school. It will be seeing neighbors gather at well-maintained parks, cheering on local rec teams, or enjoying new trails that connect our town. It will be feeling pride when we look at a transparent, balanced town budget that reflects our values—and knowing exactly where our tax dollars are going.
It means pipes aren't constantly bursting, we’re not under boil water notices every few weeks, and our infrastructure is reliable and future-ready.
Success will look like small businesses thriving because we created the conditions for them to succeed—not just survive. It’ll show in the partnerships we’ve built—with our State delegation, Anderson County, SCDOT, our schools, and local organizations—all working together for Pendleton’s future.
Most of all, I’ll know I’ve succeeded if the people of Pendleton feel heard, valued, and hopeful. If residents believe we’re moving in the right direction—one rooted in community, transparency, and care—then we’ve done our job.
Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just about policy. It’s about people. And I will never stop fighting for a Pendleton that works for all of us.
20. What else do you want voters to know about you as a person?
I’m not running to maintain the status quo—I’m running because I believe Pendleton deserves bold, honest, responsive leadership. I believe leadership means listening closely, acting decisively, and staying accountable. I don’t make empty promises—I show up, I do the work, and I follow through.
I believe in doing the hard things for the right reasons. I ask tough questions, I challenge “the way it’s always been,” and I will always choose what’s best for our residents—not what’s easy or convenient.
I’m committed to building strong partnerships across Anderson County, the state, and our local neighborhoods—because real change takes collaboration. Whether it’s securing infrastructure improvements, protecting green spaces, or supporting small businesses, I’ll lead with a clear vision and an open door.
Pendleton is more than just where I live—it’s the community I’m proud to fight for. If you elect me, you’ll get someone who is driven by service, guided by integrity, and ready to roll up my sleeves for the town we love.
