What responsibilities come under the purview of County Council? What are the functions of a Councilmember?
County Council is responsible for enacting local laws, ordinances, and regulations. This includes creating policies that address community needs such as zoning, land use, public safety, and environmental protection. The council also approves the county budget, allocates funding, and oversees the financial operations of the county. This includes managing expenditures for public services, infrastructure projects, and other county functions. Additionally, the council also oversees provision of essential services such as public health, emergency services, transportation, and public works. The County Council is also responsible for the maintenance and development of infrastructure, including roads, bridges, public buildings, and recreational facilities. Councilmembers represent the interests and concerns of their constituents. They act as a bridge between the public and the county government, ensuring that community voices are heard and considered in decision-making processes. Councilmembers advocate for policies that benefit their constituents and the broader community. This may involve working with other government officials, agencies, and community organizations.
• In your view, what are the most pressing issues facing our county, and how do you envision addressing these issues collaboratively with other elected officials and community stakeholders?
Our county has many issues both large and small. Some of these issues can be quickly resolved and some will require an exponential amount of time to strategize and come up with ways to adequately solve them. First and foremost, there is a gap between the citizens and the government. Our county government lacks transparency, integrity, movement, and equality. Through simple conversations and negotiations with other elected officials and the community members, I plan to bridge the gap one day at a time…one project at a time…one idea at a time…setting a standard and developing and earning trust from all.
• Economic development is a key priority for our county’s growth. In your view, what are the most pressing economic development issues facing our county?
Having a strong, dedicated work force is the first step to having a positive and powerful economy to accommodate our county’s growth. So, not only should we recruit and retain a thriving workforce, but we must start with the future of our county and that is our children. Making sure the school district has what they need to educate our students and to prepare each of them for the future and making our workforce attractive and exciting. We must begin to think outside of the box to make our county attractive and competitive. Until we do that and get out of the “small minded” mentality, we will continue moving forward but not upward.
• For the entire county, including Edisto, Cottageville, Lodge, Walterboro, Smoaks, etc, community engagement is crucial for effective governance. How do you plan to engage with residents and solicit their input on important county issues and how do you ensure that diverse voices are heard and considered in the decision making process?
Engaging with residents across the entire county is essential for effective governance. To foster this engagement and ensure diverse voices are heard, a multi-faceted approach is needed. Here’s my comprehensive plan:
1. Establish Regular Town Hall Meetings
2. Create an Online Engagement Platform
3. Form Community Advisory Committees
4. Conduct Surveys and Polls
5. Engage with Local Media
6. Host Community Workshops and Focus Groups
7. Implement a Feedback Loop
8. Leverage Technology
9. Accessibility Initiatives
10. Partnerships with Community Organizations
By implementing these strategies, the county can foster a culture of active community engagement, ensuring that the voices of all residents, regardless of their location or background, are heard and considered in the decision-making process. This holistic approach not only promotes transparency and trust but also enhances the effectiveness of governance by aligning decisions with the community’s needs and aspirations.
