JAY DOYLE

My wife and I moved to Georgetown 16 years ago and immediately fell in love with all that is Georgetown. We have been engaged with the community from the onset and I now share the concerns that many citizens have regarding the direction of our country and, moreover, our city. Georgetown is a community with rich history and potential, yet we face several challenges that need immediate attention.

Am I your ideal candidate for Mayor of the City of Georgetown? Probably not, but I do care about all of Georgetown and recognize the need for new voices in our local government. Georgetown has come a long way over the past few years and the present mayor deserves a lot of credit. However, I feel we have different visions for the direction of our city, particularly in crucial areas such as job creation, affordable housing, development, and overall growth.

# 1 CONCERN: CITY OF GEORGETOWN COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

For the past year, I have continuously engaged with the Planning Commission and the City Council to advocate for the adoption of a Comprehensive Plan that outlines a clear and cohesive vision for the future of our city and its residents. A Comprehensive plan serves as a strategic framework, guiding development, resource allocation, and community initiatives.

My involvement has included attending public meetings, meeting with City officials, providing input during discussions, and encouraging community participation to ensure diverse perspectives are considered. It is essential that this Comprehensive Plan addresses the needs and aspirations of all residents, promoting sustainable growth and enhancing the quality of life.

The proposed 2040 Comprehensive Plan that goes before City Council on April 17, 2025 for a final vote, promotes development with emphasis on a tourism based economy. It does not have a clear vision on how to create good paying jobs or how to increase affordable housing. The people charged with creating this plan admit it is flawed but insist the plan be passed first and then they will fix it after.  Do you think this will happen?

The inclination of the Planning Commission and City Council to push through a flawed plan with the intention of making amendments later raises considerable risks. Once a plan is adopted, it can become challenging to amend it in a meaningful way, especially if it attracts investors who prioritize short-term gains over sustainable development. This could lead to further issues down the line, including increased housing costs and potential exploitation of the city's character.

To attract responsible investors and developers who value the community's identity and contribute positively to the local economy, a comprehensive and well-thought-out plan is crucial. The emphasis should be on creating a framework that promotes balanced growth, ensures good-paying job opportunities, and addresses housing affordability from the outset. It is essential for the city to focus on these aspects to foster a sustainable and inclusive future for all residents.

Whether the current plan will pass or not remains to be seen. However, the urgency to address its flaws transparently, prior to adoption, should be a priority for those invested in the city's long-term success.

For further information, public input, Planning Commission and City Council deliberations, please visit these links:

https://www.keepgeorgetowngtown.com/georgetown-comprehension-plan-2040-draft

https://www.keepgeorgetowngtown.com/

IN CONCLUSION

I believe any elected official’s priority should be the people they represent.  On the national level, our elected officials are all about keeping their seat and act accordingly.  Being a lifelong independent, I had to join a party in order run.  I looked at my options and came up with what I consider a perfect fit, The Forward Party.  For me to join the Forward Party, I had to make a pledge to make the people I represent my top priority and to not accept money from large corporations and developers.  I have pledged to run a clean campaign, to not speak ill of my opponents, not to point fingers or assign blame but to look forward, to the future.  When you have a minute you can check out the Forward Party at https://www.forwardparty.com/ and https://www.southcarolinaforwardparty.com/

My vision for Georgetown includes a commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustainability. I believe it is crucial to strengthen our local economy, promote responsible development, and prioritize public safety. By listening to residents and fostering collaboration among various community stakeholders, we can work towards creating a vibrant community that enhances the quality of life for all our residents, supports local businesses, and preserves the unique character of our city.

I look forward to the opportunity to serve Georgetown and to advocate for the needs and aspirations of our community.

Jay Doyle