I’m the right man to represent District 1 in Georgetown

I am a candidate for Georgetown County Council, District 1.

Four years ago, our then long-serving councilman, Jerry Oakley, asked that I run for his seat. He was ready to step aside. Having witnessed my involvement in local issues and my ability to look at issues with an open mind and reach logical and intelligent conclusions, he felt comfortable in passing the torch to me. I will always appreciate that honor.

I spent the next several months being copied on constituent emails and his responses. I attended all council and many committee meetings. I then decided that the first four years of my planned retirement was not a good time to undertake that responsibility. Knowing myself as I do and as Jerry does, we knew that I would be all in with service to the voters and it would be a full-time job.

When I decided to not run, Jerry found John Thomas, who agreed to do so.

John is a good man and is very qualified for the position, no doubt over-qualified, and I supported him in the election. But I don’t care how qualified he may be; he has not proven himself to be a good representative.

Getting to know the people that you intend to represent is a vital component of representation. John did not get to know the people and their concerns.

If you don’t know him and you can’t contact him, how can he represent you?

I serve on the County Transportation Committee(CTC). We spend $1.5 million a year, soon to be more than $2.4 million, approving and funding road repairs and improvements. I have often heard politicians say potholes are the top complaint. We have not received one request from John in the two years I have served. But we get numerous requests from our senator and our State House representative.

As a member of CTC, I lobbied to get funding for the new crosswalks at the Marsh Walk in Murrells Inlet. The project was the result of hard work by MI2020 and needed $50,000 to complete. John attended a meeting with MI2020, Sen. Goldfinch, Rep. Hewett, myself and SCDOT folks. Following the meeting, I received letters of request for funding from Sen. Goldfinch and Rep. Hewett but I never received support from Councilman Thomas. I worked and it happened.

To John’s credit, when called he will come and usually do as he sees fit.

The “tree issue” seems to be a hot topic, so let me explain.

Georgetown County has a strong tree ordinance. It protects at least seven species of oaks and nine other species. Where the protection ends is when you move into your new home. I think that is where the protections should end. Who wants to cut a “legacy tree” in their yard? People buy homes because of legacy trees. There may very well arise a situation where one has to be cut, and if it does, there should not be a law against it.

Go to my Facebook page for further information.

This story was originally published October 1, 2017 at 4:33 PM with the headline "I’m the right man to represent District 1 in Georgetown."