Reflections on the Final Council Meeting of the Year
Councilman Blount’s Newsletter 12-4-24
As we close out another year, I want to provide you with an overview of our final Greenville County Council meeting. It was a meeting that highlighted both the challenges we’ve faced and the potential for meaningful progress moving forward. This is in response to my most recent newsletter and what the outcomes of those votes resulted in. You can find the original here: Discussions in the Dark
The UDO Passed 7-5 But…….
The Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) was passed by a 7-5 vote. However, I have significant concerns about whether the process followed was legally correct. According to Robert’s Rules of Order, which guides our Planning Commission, a “non-recommendation” from the commission equates to a “no” vote. This would have required a 2/3 majority vote by Council to pass the ordinance at 2nd reading.
Since the UDO passed with only a simple majority at both 2nd and 3rd reading, I believe there may have been procedural missteps. If this interpretation is correct, the ordinance would need to be reconsidered and properly handled. I will be consulting legal experts to explore this further and will keep you updated.
ADDITIONAL INFO: Even more concerning, it specifically states in County Council rules that approval of a text amendment to a zoning ordinance requires 2/3 vote, which did not happen with a 7-5 vote. See pic at bottom of newsletter for rule. Legally, they would have to rule that a text amendment to a zoning ordinance is less severe in nature to an entire repeal of the ordinance. I argue that if you would need 2/3 vote (8-4) for a text amendment to the ordinance, then you would naturally need the same to repeal the entire ordinance.
To everyone who spoke out during this process—thank you. Your voices made it clear that this ordinance sparked significant concern and opposition in our community.
Affordable Housing Policy Sent Back to Finance
The workforce and affordable housing policies were sent back to the Finance Committee for further review. I’m hopeful this will allow us to take a more thoughtful approach next year to address affordable housing needs in our county.
Lake Cunningham Fire District Bond Tabled
The agenda item concerning the Lake Cunningham Fire District bond was tabled, meaning no action will be taken until it is reintroduced.
Chapman Grove Road Property Sale Postponed
The proposed sale of property on Chapman Grove Road was delayed to give time to verify documentation showing that family members may be eligible to take over the land. I’m optimistic this pause will result in a fair and positive outcome next year.
Speculative Building Fee-in-Lieu Offers Passed
I voted against all speculative building fee-in-lieu tax offers on the agenda because I believe these deals can negatively impact the county’s revenue in the long term. Unfortunately, the majority of the Council disagreed, and they were approved. I hope the incoming Council takes a closer look at these incentives in the future to better protect the interests of our citizens.
Motion to Reduce Council Salaries Withdrawn
A motion to reduce Council salaries to $1,000 annually was withdrawn by the Council member who proposed it. I don’t think this motion deserves further explanation—it speaks for itself.
Reflections on Transparency and Accountability
This meeting, like many others before it, highlighted how our Council sometimes operates in ways that create the appearance of rushing decisions without full transparency. Pushing major agenda items through at the final meeting of the year leaves little room for accountability and thoughtful consideration.
Looking forward, I hope future Councils will prioritize careful planning to ensure the last meeting of a session is less contentious and more focused on reflecting on accomplishments, like the little but important amount of time we got to celebrate Councilman Kirven’s Order of the Palmetto. This would be a better way to demonstrate transparency and build trust with the public.
Addressing Personal Attacks Against Me
As many of you know, my primary profession is as a singer-songwriter and entertainer. While I am incredibly proud of my work in music, some have used this to question my ability to serve effectively. During my campaign, opponents dismissed me as a “casino musician” simply because I have performed at venues that happened to be in casinos. They somehow missed the other locations I primarily play all over the Country.
These same tactics are being used again, this time doubting my ability to do this job due to “being an entertainer”. The same critics are also accusing me of impropriety for sharing my opinions on Council votes or elections through this newsletter. Let me clarify:
• Speaking Through Newsletters: It is entirely appropriate and legal for elected officials to communicate with constituents about issues, votes, and concerns through newsletters like this one. Transparency is key to serving effectively, and I am committed to keeping you informed.
• Speaking About Elections: Elected officials are also allowed to discuss elections involving other candidates, provided they comply with laws governing public resources and campaign activity.
As I write this, there is an individual live on this platform—working tirelessly to discredit me and paint me as incapable of serving. But I also know the truth: the creativity and determination that make me a successful entertainer are the same qualities that allow me to serve effectively as your representative.
These attacks are nothing more than attempts to distract from the real issues and undermine my credibility. But I will not let them deter me from serving you or sharing my views honestly. If nothing else, they are guaranteeing that you will likely see even more public information tools coming soon—such as livestreams, podcasts, and any other means to get as much government information out in to the public as possible!
Gratitude and Hope
I want to thank you for trusting me to represent you. Your engagement and support inspire me every day to continue this work. As we move forward, I am prepared to face criticism head-on because I know why I do this—to fight for you and to build a better Greenville County!
This journey is not without its challenges, so I appreciate all the prayers that are available. I will not give negativity even a fraction of space in my heart or mind because I know my purpose.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and peaceful Christmas Season!
We appreciate you keeping the citizens informed. Only those who want to work in the shadows will attempt to discredit your voice. Stay true to yourself and keep fighting.
Ronald Regan came to public attention as an actor...and was a damn good President of the United States! I'm good with your singer/songwriter/entertainer credentials and I love your thoughtful well-written newsletters, Benton! The kind of criticism you mention is a distraction. Folks should be much more troubled with the ethics breaches among the old-guard on council who promote and vote for FILOTS... particularly because they fail to report their potential conflicts of interest to the state's Ethics Commission. Whatever the "credentials" of such council members may be, they are ethically compromised and that needs to be placed in the public light.