Ideas / Comments
View videos from the NAACP Mayoral debate and a meet and greet with Jermaine Johnson (Forward Independent Democrat), South Carolina State Representative .
A lot has been said about my Op-Ed “Why We Need Debates” posted on Gab News questioning the authenticity of my statements.
I would like to respond to some of the rebuttals posted by your readers;
A lack of transparency in our city government is a key reason why I am running for mayor. Being open and transparent with the public is how a city government should function. By having a public debate, important issues can be discussed and the public can ask questions. Here are a few important issues that need to be brought to the forefront and discussed in an open forum;
The City of Georgetown lives off its utilities. Over the last four years, the city budget without utilities has grown by 24%. The city budget with utilities has grown 46%. The amount homeowners pay has grown by over 50% in four years. (See attached charts)
They say there are three ways of doing everything, your way, my way and the right way. Take a look below at what has transpired here in the City of Georgetown. I have also included my suggested solution. Let me know what you think.
The City of Georgetown has suffered tremendous job loss over the last 2-5 years. Little has been done to replace these jobs leading to economic hardship on the working-class citizens of Georgetown.
The following pages outline my vision for bringing jobs back to Georgetown. I have been assisted by multiple experts in multiple fields to form this vision.
Opinions vary on what the city/county can do when a property such as the paper mill or steel mill is sold. People will tell you that it is private property and the local government has no roll in how the property is sold. Although it is true, private property owners can sell their property as they wish, local governments can play a very big role in the transaction.
Although it was not an easy decision to make, I am running for mayor of the City of Georgetown because I feel it's important that another vision and voice be heard that represents all of Georgetown. Georgetown is at a crucial crossroad which will have an impact on all citizens living in the city. Many jobs have been lost but, there is no plan in place to replace them. Without new jobs, families that have lived here for generations will be forced to relocate. I have taken up the fight to help keep these families here, this is their home.
We can learn from our neighboring cities and benefit from their experiences.
Over the last 15+ years, our neighboring towns and cities have experienced exponential growth, which has significantly altered their landscapes. For example, Myrtle Beach has developed a tourism-driven economy but has become riddled with crime, which affects the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
On the other hand, Conway has taken proactive steps to address flooding by building a canal to carry away flood waters, showcasing a different approach to urban planning and environmental management. The city of Georgetown is still using outdated technology.
As I prepare myself for the upcoming mayoral race, I am working on how to deliver on my promise to bring jobs to Georgetown. I am running as a member of the Forward Party and, there just so happens to be a Forward Party mayor in the State of South Carolina. I thought giving him a call would be a good place to start, so I reach out to him and we set a time to have a video conference call. What I found out was amazing, to say the least.
The man I spoke with is Harry Williams, he has been the mayor of Hardeeville since 2016. In that time, he has brought hundreds and hundreds of jobs to the city.
I will do my best to answer all your comments and concerns, I ask that all comments for or against me or any topic be civil and polite. There is no way we are going to agree on every topic, so please be respectful of other peoples’ opinions.
TimberHP manufactures high-performing wood fiber insulation that is healthy for people and the planet. Made with renewable resources, our products are resistant to moisture liabilities, mold and fire, and offer superior properties to reduce heating and cooling loads. Tried and trusted, wood fiber insulation is cost-competitive and has been manufactured and used in Europe for decades.
I 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.
Here is the presentation I sent to the City Planning Commission when the 2040 Comprehensive Plan was under review. I am not an engineer, as such my findings and suggestions are based on common sense and the real life experiences of neighboring communities, namely Conway and Charleston. Charleston expanded without a long term plan on how to deal with storm water and are now paying the price. Conway is being proactive and making major strides, fully funded by the federal government. The City of Georgetown needs a good proactive resiliency plan that works with Mother Nature, not against her.
People will soon be heading to the polls to elect their next mayor and city councilmembers and WMBF News wants to make sure you’re prepared when you cast your ballot.
Early voting begins on Monday, Oct. 20, and ends Friday, Oct. 31, with Election Day being on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
WMBF News reached out to each Georgetown mayoral candidate and provided each one with the same five questions to give you a better idea of their positions and actions they will take if they become the city’s next mayor.