Connecting our County, Building our Future
Councilman Blount’s Newsletter 11-10-24
Although we need the forecasted rain, I was pleased to have a beautiful day yesterday in Greenville County! Whether it was a walk on the trail or a night out on the town for the Fall for Greenville kickoff, it was the perfect weather to be outside! I hope you were able to enjoy it!
Thank you for your ongoing support, ideas, and engagement. Every day, we’re working together to build a stronger, more stable, but still vibrant Greenville County. Here are some updates from around the county, and information about an upcoming opportunity for public input.
Public Communication Forum on Tuesday, November 12
Our next Public Communication Forum is scheduled for Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 5:00 pm in the Committee Meeting Room at 301 University Ridge, Greenville. This is an excellent opportunity for you to get involved, voice your thoughts, and learn more about county initiatives. Here’s what to expect:
• Presentation: Max Stewart, CEO of the Greenville Area Development Corporation, will provide an overview of the Greenville County Fee in Lieu of Tax Agreement (FILOT) initiative. This agreement is designed to attract new businesses to Greenville County by reducing tax burdens for eligible projects, which in turn drives job growth and economic development.
• Public Comments: After the presentation, we will open the floor to public comments. Whether you’re there in person or tuning in online, this is your chance to ask questions, share your opinions, and provide feedback on key county decisions.
If you can’t make it in person, you can join us via our livestream. To register for a speaking slot, please use this Citizen Comment Registration form.
Lake Cunningham Fire District Special Bond Election – Important Decision Ahead
Election Day: Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Voting Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Location: Lake Cunningham Fire Department, 2802 N McElhaney Rd, Greer, SC
On November 19, residents within the Lake Cunningham Fire District will have the opportunity to vote on a Special Bond Referendum to fund major upgrades for the Lake Cunningham Fire Department. This bond request is substantial and would cover extensive improvements to the department’s infrastructure and equipment.
Why This Vote Matters
If approved, the bond could lead to an increase in property taxes within the Lake Cunningham Fire District. For those concerned about the potential impact on their tax bills, this is an important moment to make your voice heard. Voting is essential whether you support these enhancements or have reservations about the cost.
The decision to invest in these upgrades is significant, as it affects the level of emergency services available to our community. However, it’s also a financial commitment that could impact residents’ expenses.
If you have friends or family in the Lake Cunningham Fire District, please encourage them to vote and consider the implications carefully.
Public Meetings
For anyone with questions or concerns, there are public meetings scheduled to discuss the proposal, each beginning at 7:00 PM:
• November 12 – Blue Ridge Christian Learning Center
• November 14 – Lake Cunningham Fire Department Headquarters
If you’re unable to attend, you can submit questions to Chief Adam Brown at Abrown@lcfd.us.
For further details, visit the SC Votes page for the Lake Cunningham Fire District Referendum: SC Votes
Please share this information with friends and neighbors. This is an important decision, and community input is essential to make sure all voices are heard in shaping the future of our fire services and managing the potential impact on local taxes. There has also been some confusion as to the date of this vote, so sharing the info with everyone you know is vital before voting day arrives to ensure everyone has a voice in this decision!
The Unified Development Ordinance: An ongoing saga
As this ordinance is shoved down the throat of 2024, I want to continue to give my ongoing concerns about its adoption before properly taking into account what it truly means for the future development of Greenville County. Below are links to this conversation and why I feel the UDO needs to be paused until some much needed corrections are made. There is so much more to this than can be explained in a newsletter, especially concerning how our County Government is currently structured internally and what implications this has on the power your voice has on changes in our County. If you have not seen what the County is proposing and determined to pass this year, read my newsletters linked below for more information:
Councilman’s Corner: The importance of Keeping Citizens informed
In today’s fast-paced world, the role of a county councilman extends beyond policy-making and governance. One of the most critical aspects of public service today is ensuring that constituents are well-informed about the decisions, developments, and issues that affect their daily lives. As a county councilman for Greenville County, representing District 19, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that transparent and proactive communication can have on our community.
Transparency Builds Trust
Trust in government is foundational to a healthy democracy. When constituents feel they are kept in the dark or are only partially informed about key decisions, mistrust naturally grows. By consistently communicating with residents about the actions and intentions of the county council, we can foster an environment of transparency. This trust is not only essential for maintaining a positive relationship between the government and the governed but also for ensuring that public support is garnered for initiatives that genuinely benefit the community.
Empowering Residents with Knowledge
Informed constituents are empowered constituents. When people understand the intricacies of local governance, they are better equipped to engage in meaningful dialogue and participate in the democratic process. This involvement can take many forms, from attending council meetings and voicing opinions to participating in local elections and referendums. By keeping residents informed, we enable them to be active stakeholders in their community, making collective decisions that reflect the true will of the people.
Addressing Community Concerns
Every community has its unique set of challenges and opportunities. In Greenville County, issues such as economic development, education, public safety, and infrastructure are at the forefront of our collective consciousness. Regular updates and open communication channels allow councilmen to address these concerns promptly and effectively. When residents are aware of ongoing projects, upcoming votes, and potential changes, they can provide valuable feedback that ensures the council’s actions align with the community’s needs and desires.
Enhancing Accountability
Accountability is a cornerstone of good governance. By keeping constituents informed, councilmen can be held accountable for their actions and decisions. This accountability ensures that elected officials remain committed to their promises and work diligently towards the community’s best interests. Regular reporting on progress, setbacks, and future plans provides a clear picture of the council’s performance, allowing residents to make informed decisions during elections and other democratic processes.
Utilizing Modern Communication Tools
In today’s digital age, there are myriad ways to keep constituents informed. Social media platforms, email newsletters, public forums, and traditional town hall meetings all play a vital role in disseminating information. As a councilman, embracing these tools can help reach a broader audience and ensure that information is accessible to all residents, regardless of their preferred communication method.
Building a Stronger Community
Ultimately, the goal of keeping constituents informed is to build a stronger, more cohesive community. When residents feel connected to their local government and confident in their knowledge of local issues, they are more likely to collaborate on solutions and support initiatives that drive progress. This sense of unity is essential for tackling the complex challenges that face our county and for creating a vibrant, prosperous community for future generations.
As we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of Greenville County’s future, I remain committed to prioritizing transparency, accountability, and proactive communication. By keeping the residents of District 19 and beyond informed and engaged, we can build bridges not only within our community but also between the government and the people it serves.
Together, let’s continue to foster a culture of openness and trust, ensuring that every voice is heard, and every concern is addressed. It is through this collaborative spirit that we can achieve meaningful progress and create a brighter future for all. - BBD19
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Isn't ironic? We live in a great place, at least I think most of us think we do, yet we have elected politicians and NGO types telling us we need to grow. Consider: "Max Stewart, CEO of the Greenville Area Development Corporation, will provide an overview of the Greenville County Fee in Lieu of Tax Agreement (FILOT) initiative. This agreement is designed to attract new businesses to Greenville County by reducing tax burdens for eligible projects, which in turn drives job growth and economic development.".
Gee Max, why do we need to keep on driving "job growth and economic development", to the point people already here have to bear the tax burden so "newcomers" don't? A lot of people are of the opinion if you have to bribe someone to come here, they might not be worth the effort/cost, not a good addition to the area. Isn't it possible we have reached a saturation point?
If we were smart, we the citizens would start electing politicians who have the intellect and capacity to manage the area as it is. Are there any examples of where bigger is better? I've lived in Atlanta and Charlotte, now I avoid them like the plague. I suspect what is the real driver for "job growth and economic development" is a few people profiting at the expense of the many; greed.
I realize I'm shouting into the wind and the march to UDO progress [sic] will roll over us, like it or not, it's onward to "Bigger Not Better or Bust!! Obviously, I have a tendency to shout into the wind from time to time. I will note after reading the part about Max Stewart I was inspired to write a short story I've been considering for a while.
https://open.substack.com/pub/conservativecontrarian/p/capitalism-abels-ten-year-business?r=982y8&utm_medium=ios
Thank you for the "Livestream" and "Citizen comment" links. Both are helpful tools.