By David Kennard
dkennard@journalscene.com
Take time on Tuesday to go to the polls and vote.
A slate of candidates will be elected to represent you in
the town council, making this one of the most important Election Days around
here.
Local elections historically draw very few voters, which is
a shame since local elections are those that have the greatest impact on your
life.
Your locally elected town officials make policy decisions on
how much you will pay in taxes, what roads will be funded, how much of your
money will be spent on public services and a host of other real life issues
that may make your life easier or harder.
We normally think of Election Day when we are picking a U.S.
President, but there are many, many layers of politics and bureaucracy between
you and the White House.
On a local level, the layer between you and the people that
impact your life on a regular basis is very thin, maybe a phone call or a visit
to the town council meeting.
Everything from flooding issues to neighborhood garbage
pickup to traffic lights to local sales taxes are decided by the people you
will vote for on Tuesday.
Unlike in some past elections, we’ve seen more candidates
seeking public office than there are seats available, meaning we have some
passionate people who want to get some things done.
We’ve put some effort into helping you decide who to vote
for on Tuesday. You can find out detailed information at https://goo.gl/JfMDu9.
We put this simple Q&A together to give you an idea of who may represent
you at town council.
Because they will represent you, you should understand
what’s important to them.
Here’s a quick list of the top issues that your candidates
suggested they would work on in the next four years:
Job growth: To thrive, every community needs a stable or
growing economy. A diverse source of jobs of all skill levels is required. Your
town council influences the types of jobs that may locate here; this is done
through tax rates, zoning laws and annexation, among other things.
Public safety: Effective, appropriately funded police and
fire departments are critical to our town’s success. Low crime rates, and quick
response times for emergency crews help lower our insurance rates. Town council
members should be engaged in this area, providing the resources that enhance
our public safety. The town also also has a hand in public health issues by
ensuring garbage is collected, water and sewer service is provided, as well as
access to quality health services.
Transparency: Residents should feel confident that their
elected officials and town employees are operating above board with full
transparency. Budgets and other spending should be made available for easy
public inspection. Regular audits should be published. The public’s business
should be done in public, with opportunities made available for the community
to speak or make comment on local issues. Your town council should be
responsive to your requests and ensure confidence in the voting public.
Population growth: As more residents flock to our area, we
must demand a plan of smart growth from our town council. They must have vision
and provide organization to what otherwise could turn into unorganized sprawl.
Our town council must ensure that planned communities and housing projects be
well thought out with a plan for sidewalks, lighting, sewers, schools and
access to other public services. Annexation should be done to benefit our town.
Preserving identity: One of the top priorities our new town
council should be concerned with is preserving our identity as a community. We
have a rich history here that we should promote as our town grows. Funds must
be earmarked for community centers, parks, museums and other assets that help
build our community identity. Regular festivals, concerts, parades and other
events bring us together. Our town council should encourage this kind of
community building.
Finally, we should look for a candidate that demonstrates
the ability to work together with others on the council to achieve these goals.
Too often we see a candidate with their own agenda and little vision. A
functional town council should comprise strong leaders who know how to work together
for the benefit of our community.
Likewise, your vote shows your commitment to our community
as a resident. Please take a half hour on Tuesday and vote.
David Kennard is the executive editor of Summerville
Communications, which publishes the Berkeley Independent, Goose Creek Gazette
and Summerville Journal Scene. Contact him at dkennard@journalscene.com or
843-873-9424. Follow him on Twitter @davidbkennard.
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