I appreciate the author's desire to not offend his colleagues and the bureaucrats who are tasked to perform the duties related to county business. It is challenging enough to cooperate with people who are focused on conflicting agendas without adding unnecessary hostilities. This of course doesn't apply to most of us so I want to point out an obvious problem.
Many of our local elected politicians and their bureaucrats have no motivation, other than their personal election season, to act in a mature, responsible fashion. Why should they?
I'll cite numbers provided with the Lake Cunningham Fire District statistics. It states there are 16,231 registered voters; I wonder what the number is of unregistered potential voters is. Of the 16,231 only 1,514 (9.33%) voted in that referendum. That's sad. Even sadder is out of that 1,514 I suspect a relatively small handful attempt to stay informed on issues.
This is not unique. In the recent Presidential election, Greenville County had, according to scvotes.gov, a 77.76% turnout. While that sounds pretty good, it's still just a little better than 3/4 of registered voters. Of that number, how many make efforts to stay informed? And again, how many unregistered people are there?
Elected politicians realize the vast majority of registered voters are not following events closely. Indifference is one reason and another reason is there are not many sources that actually report news. The local corporate owned media is staffed with people who are not reporters, they are repeaters. Their function is to repeat what elected politicians tell them.
Media and government are a clique, each looking out for each other's well being. A good example is the spokespeople for several local government's. Greenville County's spokesperson is a former network media station employee, and I could name a couple of others who have similar resumes. One back scratching the other?
As long as narratives are controlled there is little hope much will change, and that suits most elected politicians just fine. That's why I think it safe to conclude they don't appreciate your effort in communicating with constituents. It's why at least a few of us do appreciate your efforts!
I thought if voters voted against an issue that would increase their taxes, it was no longer an issue and was tabled. Also, I’m strongly against renewing the contract for County Administrator Kernell. He has been in this position much too long. We need someone new. He works for County Council and should answer to council only. He is a big part of the problem.
Concerning the Lake Cunningham Fire District bond issue, the fire district may consider borrowing the funds from the Pelham Batesville Fire District, my fire district.
As of July, see attached report, they had approximately $14MM in the bank with only a $5.7MM annual 2024 operating budget and a $0.8MM capital budget for 2024.
Actually- as I have read many of your posts, you are trying to persuade people to act against the Greenville County Council. You have tried to persuade public elections also. There are rules for elected officials about persuading elections and the public. You appear to have violated the SC Ethics Code. If you are paid by the taxpayers then you are in the taxpayers pocket 24 hours a day.
As an elected official, one of my primary responsibilities is to communicate openly and transparently with the public. This includes explaining my decisions, advocating for policies I believe serve the community’s best interests, and ensuring constituents understand the issues at hand. Sharing my perspective and encouraging public engagement is not only lawful but an essential part of representative democracy.
The South Carolina Ethics Code prohibits using public office for personal gain, but it does not prohibit elected officials from expressing their positions on issues or encouraging public participation. I am careful to ensure that my advocacy is aligned with my role as a public servant, and I always separate personal interests from my duties as a councilman.
My posts aim to foster dialogue and bring attention to issues that impact the residents of Greenville County. Public input and involvement are fundamental to the decision-making process, and it is my duty to facilitate this by keeping citizens informed. Encouraging voters to engage with these issues is not about persuasion in the unethical sense but about ensuring their voices are heard in a meaningful way.
The SC Ethics Code does not prohibit elected officials from expressing opinions or participating in public discourse about policies or elections, as long as taxpayer resources are not used improperly (e.g., campaigning during working hours or using public funds for political activities). I strictly adhere to these guidelines, ensuring that all advocacy efforts are lawful and ethical.
Elected officials are accountable to the people who elected them. Advocacy, public engagement, and transparency are critical components of fulfilling this responsibility. My focus remains on advancing policies and decisions that benefit Greenville County as a whole, even when those views may differ from other members of the council.
If you have specific concerns about any post or action you believe violates the SC Ethics Code, I encourage you to bring it to my attention or submit a complaint to the SC Ethics Commission for review. I welcome the opportunity to address any misunderstandings and ensure full compliance with ethical standards.
I was told by a friend of yours in the State House that what’s going on in our County Counsel is not binding and all can be undone by the new County Council. Is this true?
Thank you for your question. In local government, decisions made by a county council are generally binding and remain in effect until they are amended or repealed by subsequent council actions. This means that while a new council has the authority to modify or overturn previous decisions, such changes require formal procedures, including readings, votes, and, in some cases, public hearings.
They wanted it rushed through because it’s much harder to get rid of once it’s there.
All that to say…….it is true…..just may take a few more steps!
More political whining (i.e., being part of the problem). What are you doing to accelerate removal of the hurricane debris (i.e., being part of the solution)?
I have daily been doing that in my district as well as for citizens near you. But you only pay attention when it’s something you want to critique, so I wouldn’t expect you to notice.
Hope you and your family had a blessed Thanksgiving!
There is plenty I have put in newsletters about assisting with debris removal. That’s what’s confusing about your original comment. I can handle any criticism. I just won’t allow it to go without responding when it’s something silly like the accusation of “whining”. I will also follow up on your email request for the HOA for you.
You posted information about debris removal not what you did you accelerate debris removal. My council member contacted me last night when he saw my email.
What's better is after claiming Benton is whining, one could argue John started to whine about the Helene clean-up. Of course, communicating with an elected politician is not whining any more than an elected politician discussing political realities is.
At this point in time, the Council will likely not receive any information until the last minute because you have proven to be a leak and cannot be trusted with confidential information.
I know this sounds crazy, but maybe multiple people share the same opinion on whichever issue currently has you troubled. Again, I have no idea what you are talking about.
This is all a fine example of Rules for Radicals and Chinese Propaganda and most of all- Libertarians working the same playbook written by Evan MulcH, Jeff Davis or Palmetto State Watch and the SCFC.
I appreciate the author's desire to not offend his colleagues and the bureaucrats who are tasked to perform the duties related to county business. It is challenging enough to cooperate with people who are focused on conflicting agendas without adding unnecessary hostilities. This of course doesn't apply to most of us so I want to point out an obvious problem.
Many of our local elected politicians and their bureaucrats have no motivation, other than their personal election season, to act in a mature, responsible fashion. Why should they?
I'll cite numbers provided with the Lake Cunningham Fire District statistics. It states there are 16,231 registered voters; I wonder what the number is of unregistered potential voters is. Of the 16,231 only 1,514 (9.33%) voted in that referendum. That's sad. Even sadder is out of that 1,514 I suspect a relatively small handful attempt to stay informed on issues.
This is not unique. In the recent Presidential election, Greenville County had, according to scvotes.gov, a 77.76% turnout. While that sounds pretty good, it's still just a little better than 3/4 of registered voters. Of that number, how many make efforts to stay informed? And again, how many unregistered people are there?
Elected politicians realize the vast majority of registered voters are not following events closely. Indifference is one reason and another reason is there are not many sources that actually report news. The local corporate owned media is staffed with people who are not reporters, they are repeaters. Their function is to repeat what elected politicians tell them.
Media and government are a clique, each looking out for each other's well being. A good example is the spokespeople for several local government's. Greenville County's spokesperson is a former network media station employee, and I could name a couple of others who have similar resumes. One back scratching the other?
As long as narratives are controlled there is little hope much will change, and that suits most elected politicians just fine. That's why I think it safe to conclude they don't appreciate your effort in communicating with constituents. It's why at least a few of us do appreciate your efforts!
Another outstanding effort to keep us informed!
We appreciate your candor and dedication to public service!!
I hope your influence on the “ new” council increases their willingness to “serve” rather than “service” the special interests!
Thank you, Sir!!!
I thought if voters voted against an issue that would increase their taxes, it was no longer an issue and was tabled. Also, I’m strongly against renewing the contract for County Administrator Kernell. He has been in this position much too long. We need someone new. He works for County Council and should answer to council only. He is a big part of the problem.
How very frustrating & discouraging. I don’t know how you keep going.
You may receive part time pay but you are on the clock 24 hours
Finally, something I agree with you on! I am truly on the clock 24 hours a day!
Then show the Greenville County taxpayers you want to save them money and pass the paycut
That motion was withdrawn by Councilman Barnes last night.
I guess you won’t be having to put your money where your beliefs are- saving the taxpayers money.
No, I will work tirelessly on that too!
Benton-thanks so much for your newsletter and your transparency. Keep it up.
Benton,
Concerning the Lake Cunningham Fire District bond issue, the fire district may consider borrowing the funds from the Pelham Batesville Fire District, my fire district.
As of July, see attached report, they had approximately $14MM in the bank with only a $5.7MM annual 2024 operating budget and a $0.8MM capital budget for 2024.
Thanks,
Wayne McClymonds
cell 864-404-7202
rwaynemcc@bellsouth.net
Actually- as I have read many of your posts, you are trying to persuade people to act against the Greenville County Council. You have tried to persuade public elections also. There are rules for elected officials about persuading elections and the public. You appear to have violated the SC Ethics Code. If you are paid by the taxpayers then you are in the taxpayers pocket 24 hours a day.
As an elected official, one of my primary responsibilities is to communicate openly and transparently with the public. This includes explaining my decisions, advocating for policies I believe serve the community’s best interests, and ensuring constituents understand the issues at hand. Sharing my perspective and encouraging public engagement is not only lawful but an essential part of representative democracy.
The South Carolina Ethics Code prohibits using public office for personal gain, but it does not prohibit elected officials from expressing their positions on issues or encouraging public participation. I am careful to ensure that my advocacy is aligned with my role as a public servant, and I always separate personal interests from my duties as a councilman.
My posts aim to foster dialogue and bring attention to issues that impact the residents of Greenville County. Public input and involvement are fundamental to the decision-making process, and it is my duty to facilitate this by keeping citizens informed. Encouraging voters to engage with these issues is not about persuasion in the unethical sense but about ensuring their voices are heard in a meaningful way.
The SC Ethics Code does not prohibit elected officials from expressing opinions or participating in public discourse about policies or elections, as long as taxpayer resources are not used improperly (e.g., campaigning during working hours or using public funds for political activities). I strictly adhere to these guidelines, ensuring that all advocacy efforts are lawful and ethical.
Elected officials are accountable to the people who elected them. Advocacy, public engagement, and transparency are critical components of fulfilling this responsibility. My focus remains on advancing policies and decisions that benefit Greenville County as a whole, even when those views may differ from other members of the council.
If you have specific concerns about any post or action you believe violates the SC Ethics Code, I encourage you to bring it to my attention or submit a complaint to the SC Ethics Commission for review. I welcome the opportunity to address any misunderstandings and ensure full compliance with ethical standards.
Thank you Council Blount for all you are doing. See you soon.
I was told by a friend of yours in the State House that what’s going on in our County Counsel is not binding and all can be undone by the new County Council. Is this true?
Thank you for your question. In local government, decisions made by a county council are generally binding and remain in effect until they are amended or repealed by subsequent council actions. This means that while a new council has the authority to modify or overturn previous decisions, such changes require formal procedures, including readings, votes, and, in some cases, public hearings.
They wanted it rushed through because it’s much harder to get rid of once it’s there.
All that to say…….it is true…..just may take a few more steps!
Good Question!
More political whining (i.e., being part of the problem). What are you doing to accelerate removal of the hurricane debris (i.e., being part of the solution)?
I have daily been doing that in my district as well as for citizens near you. But you only pay attention when it’s something you want to critique, so I wouldn’t expect you to notice.
Hope you and your family had a blessed Thanksgiving!
I read what you put in your newsletters. If you cannot handle the criticism, I will stop.
There is plenty I have put in newsletters about assisting with debris removal. That’s what’s confusing about your original comment. I can handle any criticism. I just won’t allow it to go without responding when it’s something silly like the accusation of “whining”. I will also follow up on your email request for the HOA for you.
You posted information about debris removal not what you did you accelerate debris removal. My council member contacted me last night when he saw my email.
Good! I am glad he was responsive to your request. I have it submitted as well so hopefully they will get it taken care of soon!
John, you got to be kidding You can't be serious. Benton "whinning'? You must not be able to read.
What's better is after claiming Benton is whining, one could argue John started to whine about the Helene clean-up. Of course, communicating with an elected politician is not whining any more than an elected politician discussing political realities is.
To coin a phrase, "Ask not what you can do for your community - ask what your community can do for you."
Very interesting and informative.
At this point in time, the Council will likely not receive any information until the last minute because you have proven to be a leak and cannot be trusted with confidential information.
Again, share with the class what confidential information I have shared.
Your words sound so similar to Tiffany Mauks. Wonder why this is?
I am not sure. Maybe you have something to share with the class that we don’t know? I am all ears because I have no idea what you are talking about.
I can’t post the screenshots of her words and Gary Collins from The Truly Uncensored page.
Post links to her words
I know this sounds crazy, but maybe multiple people share the same opinion on whichever issue currently has you troubled. Again, I have no idea what you are talking about.
This is all a fine example of Rules for Radicals and Chinese Propaganda and most of all- Libertarians working the same playbook written by Evan MulcH, Jeff Davis or Palmetto State Watch and the SCFC.