The Times and Democrat - Republican to succeed Dorchester treasurer

ST. GEORGE -- Mary Pearson, the executive committeeman of the Dorchester County Republican Party, has been named the new county treasurer, Gov. Mark Sanford's office announced Tuesday.

Effective Tuesday, the Summerville resident was to fill the vacancy of former Democratic Treasurer Patsy Knight of St. George, who was elected to the House District 97 seat in the November general election. Knight's four-year term expires in 2008.

"I am absolutely so excited. I'm looking forward to getting there and serving the people of Dorchester County," Pearson said. "I'm very appreciative of Gov. Sanford for his trust in me ... It's a big responsibility and I appreciate the trust he placed in me."

The governor's office stated the appointment of Pearson came after an overwhelming recommendation from County Council, county officials and the local Republican Party.

Although Knight is a Democrat, the other members of the Dorchester County Legislative Delegation are Republican. All of the countywide officials are Republican, with the exception of 1st Judicial Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe, a Democrat from Calhoun County. Also, the majority of County Council is Republican.

Pearson said a small private swearing-in ceremony will be held Wednesday afternoon in Summerville, with Sheriff Ray Nash doing the honors. Then, in January, she said, there will be a public swearing-in.

"It will probably be Thursday before I go into the office. I want to meet with the staff and sit down with them over coffee," she said. "There are 12 to 13 people and the majority of them are at the St. George office and a couple are at the office in Summerville. I'll probably spend most of my time in St. George."

Confident the staff in place has been "doing an admirable job," Pearson said she expects them to "help me learn the ropes."

"Most offices run themselves," she said. "I haven't been behind the counter, but I know a lot of people who work in and around the courthouse ... I'm used to working with the county."

A native of North Carolina, Pearson is a 28-year resident of Dorchester County. She has an associate's degree in medical technology from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine's Department of Radiology. As a radiology technician, she worked for several years at the Medical University of South Carolina.

In addition to being active in the local GOP, Pearson served as treasurer of the Ashley River Fire Department for 10 years, during which time she was responsible for all budgets, the annual audit and helping with investments.

Knight, a 25-year veteran courthouse official, defeated Republican George Bailey, also a political veteran of 20 years, in the general election. After a swearing-in ceremony Saturday in Rosinville, the new legislator joined other newly elected state officials for a ceremony at the State Capitol in Columbia. She could not be reached Tuesday for comment.

T&D Government Writer Tucker Lyon can be reached at tlyon@timesanddemocrat.com or by calling 803-533-5545.

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