** What is your previous work history prior to retirement?

While living in Boston, I had two successful businesses, residential remodeling and property management before health issues caused me to reevaluate my priorities.  While living in Georgetown, I worked at Brookgreen Gardens where I reduced their electric bill by 30% and worked in Santee Cooper’s “Reduce the Use” program where I assisted businesses in reducing their electrical costs.  I also spent some time traveling the country designing fiber optic networks.

 Currently I hold a South Carolina Commercial Contractors License and a Property Manager in Charge license. 

** How did you become involved in local politics?

I became involved in local politics when developers applied to develop property near me.  I wasn’t happy about how the city handled it, which led into the comprehensive plan and how that was handled.  I felt the mayor and several city councilors were not looking out for the best interest of the citizens of Georgetown. 

** What are some of the biggest hurdles you can identify in Georgetown that suppresses the prosperity of the town? How do you plan on resolving them?

The underlying economic base for the city lacks foresight.  Being without an Economic Director for some seven years has left the city without direction as demonstrated by the closing of the mills with no plan in place to replace hundreds of jobs.  I am working on a plan to put Georgetown at the forefront of new, exciting technologies utilizing our timber industry and our existing work force.  

** How do you plan on keeping jobs in Georgetown, and sustaining further economic growth?

While everyone is fighting over the two closed mill sites, there is land nearby, ready and waiting to put people back to work.  As I’ve already mentioned, we have all the existing resources needed.  What is missing is the leadership and determination to make it happen. When fully implemented, my plan could bring hundreds of millions into our community which can then be recirculated back into our economy many times over.

** What will be your first priorities when you are elected into office?

Jobs and affordability for citizens.  At a time when tens of millions of dollars have left our community, the city is raising utility rates.  A strong industrial base would help subsidize the city budget allowing industry to pay a share of the property taxes and utility bills, easing the burden on residential customers.  The city has a population of appx. 8500, in the 2024 fiscal year our electric dept. had over 3400 shut offs for non-payment.  This is morally and fiscally unsustainable.