2 weeks Ago
Editor's note: In collaboration with the Summerville Journal Scene, the Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce hosted a candidate forum to provide a platform for candidates in races impacting Dorchester County to share their positions on key local issues. The event occurred Tuesday, Oct. 22, at Faith Sellers Senior Center in Summerville.
The following information was compiled from that event. Dorchester County Council – District 6 Bill Hearn Bill Hearn (incumbent) Key points: Transportation and Infrastructure: Emphasized the need for collaboration between entities within the county. Balancing Rural and Urban Needs: Highlighted the importance of long-range planning and smart zoning to address diverse needs.
Per Pupil Funding: Stressed the need to subsidize the tax base through economic development to support education funding. Road Projects: $700 million allocated for road projects; collaboration with nonprofits and police to address homelessness. Preservation of Main Street: Focused on preserving the facade of 500 N.
Main St. Closing Remark: Stated that effective leadership requires the right temperament and collaboration skills, referencing his experience and results. Summary: Hearn emphasized the need for collaboration between entities in Dorchester County to address transportation and infrastructure challenges.
He highlighted the importance of balancing the needs of rural and urban areas through long-range planning and smart zoning strategies. Additionally, Hearn stressed the significance of economic development to support per pupil funding by expanding the tax base and revenue streams. Other high points included the $700 million set aside for road projects, the county's ongoing efforts to work with nonprofits and law enforcement to tackle homelessness and his desire to preserve the facade of 500 N.
Main St. In his closing remarks, Hearn underscored the importance of leadership that brings people together and gets things done, pointing to his past results as evidence of his ability to serve effectively. Tommy Feagin Thomas “Tommy” Feagin Road Priorities: Stressed the importance of refocusing efforts on road improvements, with the Orangeburg Loop as a top priority.
He also stressed that had been put off for too long. Balancing Rural and Urban Needs: Emphasized that fixing roads will benefit both rural and urban communities. Impact Fees for Developers: Suggested implementing impact fees for developers to raise funds for schools.
Neglect of District 6: Argued that District 6 has been neglected and we need new leadership to make lives better. Improving Quality of Life: Urged for better care of the community, involving public input and advocating for necessary changes in leadership to improve quality of life. Summary: Feagin called for a renewed focus on road improvements, with the Orangeburg Loop as a critical priority that will benefit both rural and urban constituents.
He emphasized that fixing roads is key to helping everyone, and stressed the need to implement impact fees for developers to generate additional funds for schools. Feagin voiced concerns about the neglect of District 6, advocating for tax breaks for low-income families and calling for the county to take better care of its residents. He highlighted the importance of public input and acknowledged the need for changes to address the diminishing quality of life in the community.
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