Helene Recovery, Government Services Report, Benton’s Corner, and The Week Ahead
Councilman Blount’s Newsletter 10-13-24
HURRICANE HELENE UPDATE
As we continue to move forward in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, I want to thank the Greenville County Emergency Management team for their hard work and diligence in providing the most current recovery information.
Recovery Highlights:
• The Greenville County Emergency Operations Center is operating at OPCON 2, continuing recovery efforts at a heightened state of readiness.
• A Major Disaster Declaration has been approved for Greenville County, allowing for both Individual and Public Assistance. Residents and businesses can apply for aid at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362
• The Greenville County Business Recovery Center is open at 411 University Ridge, Greenville, SC 29601, from 9 AM to 6 PM Monday through Friday, and 10 AM to 2 PM on Saturday.
• FEMA/SCEMD Public Assistance Applicant Briefing: For governments, emergency services, special purpose districts, and non-profits only, a briefing will be held on Monday, October 14 at 1 PM at the EOC, 225 S. Pleasantburg Dr., Greenville
• The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is now open at 200 Alice Avenue, Greenville, from 8 AM to 7 PM daily.
• As of Friday at 1:30 PM, 200 customers remain without power.
• The county’s debris removal contractor has picked up approximately 67,000 cubic yards of debris so far.
• The shelter at Mauldin Methodist Church remains open but is at full capacity.
• HWY 276 is now reopened to normal traffic.
• For immediate needs, contact United Way by dialing 211. Donations are being accepted at 105 Edinburgh Court through the end of the week from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Newsletter Spotlight: Bob Mihalic’s Government Services Report
Bob Mihalic, Greenville County’s Government Affairs Coordinator, presented an excellent detailed report highlighting how our local government has served its citizens throughout Hurricane Helene and the recovery efforts. You can download it below:
Benton’s Corner
The Challenges of Transparency:
Why Sharing Public Information Shouldn’t Stir Controversy
Transparency has always been at the heart of my work as your County Councilman. My goal is simple: to keep you, the citizens of Greenville County, informed about the decisions and actions that impact your lives. Yet, my recent efforts to provide regular updates through my Newsletters have sparked some controversy, especially among those who seem uncomfortable with the level of openness I’m advocating for.
Everything I share is based on public records—information that anyone can access if they know where to look. My aim is to make it easier for you to understand, because a well-informed public is the cornerstone of good governance. Yet, resistance to transparency persists, and it raises an important question: Why is sharing public information controversial?
Public records belong to all of us, but navigating the complex bureaucracy to access them can be difficult. My Substack is a way of making this information more accessible. So, why should transparency create tension?
Bureaucracy vs. Transparency
In government, established procedures are meant to ensure order, but they can sometimes result in a lack of openness. Transparency invites scrutiny—and scrutiny often brings discomfort. But we shouldn’t shy away from it. Instead, we need to embrace transparency as an opportunity for growth and accountability.
Transparency Builds Trust
By sharing public information, we can build stronger trust between the government and the people. The pushback I’ve encountered suggests that the system isn’t accustomed to this level of openness. But I believe that sharing public information should never be seen as controversial. It should be the standard.
As one of your elected representatives, I remain committed to transparency because it’s vital for a functioning democracy. I will continue to challenge the status quo and ensure that you have the information you need to engage fully in the decisions that affect your community.
If there are those who are upset by my ability to get information, as well as my council opinion out into the public, I offer them a very simple solution…..start their own!;)
Upcoming Council and Committee Meetings
Monday, October 14:
Planning and Development 5pm (Committee Meeting Room)
Zoning Public Hearing 6pm (Council Chambers)
Tuesday, October 15th:
Roads Infrastructure and Public Works Committee 4:15pm (Committee Meeting Room
Committee of the Whole 4:45pm (Committee Meeting Room)
County Council 6pm (Council Chambers)
***Livestreams can be viewed for the meetings at their appropriate times by clicking here: Greenville County Livestream
As I wrap up this update, I hope everyone is taking some time to enjoy the beautiful weather with their families. The road to recovery from Hurricane Helene has been long and challenging, but I believe we’re heading toward brighter days ahead.
Thank you for allowing me to serve as one of your 12 voices on the County Council. I am committed to making your voice my top priority.
UP NEXT : My next substack will be out Wednesday and will cover the upcoming vote on the Capital Projects Sales Tax in November’s election and a new concern that you should be aware of before heading to the ballot box. Stay tuned! - BBD19
The Challenges of Transparency......BRAVO!!!!
Having this level of communication with one's elected official is so refreshing. Thank you.