Rick Hayes, left, is challenging Lisa Cook for the at-large seat on the Fort Mill Town Council in the November elections.

   Another face behind the Doby’s Bridge gas station protests is seeking election in Fort Mill.

   Rick Hayes, organizer of Families Against Endangering Our Kids, filed Friday to run against incumbent Lisa Cook for the at-large position on the Fort Mill Town Council. Earlier this week, attorney Bret McNabb filed to challenge Guynn Savage for mayor.

Hayes has been a spokesman for the parents who organized against the 7-Eleven gas station planned next to Doby’s Bridge Elementary School. While he continues to fight the gas station, Hayes threw his hat in the ring for town council.

  “I felt like the Town of Fort Mill is ready for change,” Hayes said. “I know that I’ve only lived here for just a couple of years, but in that short time I have met some amazing people that have great qualities.”

   Hayes said Fort Mill has grown rapidly over the past decade and needs to have leadership that is as diverse as the community it is representing.

   “I think it is time for restructuring in its leadership and I am willing to go the distance to ensure that our community members needs are being met,” he said.  

   Lisa Cook was not immediately available for a response to Hayes’ challenge. A Facebook page for Cook describes her background and goals. She is a graduate of Fort Mill High School and earned her undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Appalachian State University.

See also  Tragic Accident Claims Life of Fort Mill Crossing Guard

   She is married to Brian Cook and their blended family has 6 children – 3 boys (Blake, Bryce, Bradyn) and 3 girls (Holly, Katelyn, Sara Kate).

   “Proud of her faith and the small town values of Fort Mill, she has dedicated herself to raising their children with similar values,” her Facebook page says. “Both Lisa and Brian have served our community as coaches for the Fort Mill Parks and Recreation program, members of Forest Hill Church, members of the ASC Greenway and volunteers/members of the Fort Mill History Museum.”

     Her page says she works as the Senior Strategic Account Manager for Ingersoll Rand. It says that Cook brings over 25 years of business experience and community involvement to the Fort Mill Town Council.

   “If re-elected, her passion and concern for Fort Mill and its citizens will keep the small-town feel while welcoming in new residents and visitors,” her page says.

   As for Hayes, he was born and raised in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.  When he was 10, his family moved to Greenwood, Ark. He went to the University of Central Arkansas, where he studied Audio/Visual Technology.  He has previously owned a production company.

   “I met my future wife while on business in Atlanta.  Turns out that she is from Rock Hill,” he said. “Later in the year, I decided to move to South Carolina.  Two years later, I am working for a company based out of New Jersey and travel the globe ensuring our clients expectations are being met.”

    Hayes has three children, 3-year-old Hannah Grace, 2-year-old Richard Greyson, and Madi Drew, who is in high school.

Greg "Ricky Bobby" Rickabaugh has lived in the Fort Mill and York County community since 2006. He has covered the area while a reporter for The Charlotte Observer and a freelance writer for The Fort Mill...