At the most recent regular meeting on June 10th, I received feedback after speaking about the draft budget for FY2024-25. Based on financial information on the county website, we were $4 million underspent to the current budget through May, and I suggested that several million dollars might be available to put into reserve and that […]
Guest Editorial: County financials seriously flawed
June 13, 2024 By
As one of the best funded (per capita), poorly managed counties in the state, where are we headed? Council must make a 180-degree turnaround before July 1 to ensure a citizen- centric 2024-25 budget. That turnaround includes quickly embracing transparency, prioritizing first responders and the horrific dungeon we call the county animal shelter and repairing […]
Letter: County’s Leadership has Led Us into Stagnation
June 13, 2024 By
Fairfield County residents frequently express concerns about the leadership of the county council. There have been consistent reports of certain challenges, such as the handling of citizens’ concerns and opposing viewpoints. These unmet challenges have impacted the county’s ability to effectively address its debts, fines, declining essential services, lack of economic growth, and overt mismanagement […]
Letter: Why is Fairfield County Struggling if it’s Under Budget by $5.9M?
June 6, 2024 By
Our leaders in the sheriff’s, EMS and fire departments need financial help from council. Salaries for the talented professionals needed to provide emergency services have fallen behind other county and state departments. Many of our emergency vehicles are old with high mileage and we haven’t invested enough over the years to upgrade or replace them. […]
Letter: Overture Walker will be good for Blythewood
June 6, 2024 By
On Tuesday, June 11th, Blythewood heads to the polls for various primaries. This distinctly American privilege is not one we should take lightly, and everyone in Blythewood should be voting on Tuesday. But let’s face it, there are some primaries that carry more weight than others, and one such primary is the Democratic primary for […]
Letter: Public’s Concern Disregarded
June 6, 2024 By
Your county council chairman has repeatedly voted for council meeting agendas that violate county bylaws, starting from 9/11/23. According to the chairman, the council decided to eliminate the second public comment session without a public vote, contravening the SC Freedom of Information Act, as well as the county’s on bylaws. This disregard for the public’s concern […]
Letter: Experience Counts, Elect Gaddy
June 6, 2024 By
There are several very significant elections coming up, not the least of which is the election for a new Clerk of Court. Our Esteemed current clerk, Judy Bonds, is retiring after a successful run. Christon Gaddy, an established member of the office, is running for the seat. As a retired attorney, I have a perspective […]
Letter: Fairfield’s Obstacles Rooted in Leadership Shortcomings
May 16, 2024 By
The Fairfield County Comprehensive Plan depicts the county as having a prime location, rail access, and an abundance of natural resources and beauty. It also enjoys a $72 million legal settlement, high per capita revenue and a high per capita GDP… thanks to nearby VC Summer Nuclear Plant. So why does it grapple with a […]
Guest Editorial: Is Main Purpose of Ethics Complaint to Publicly Smear Scout?
May 9, 2024 By
After considering more than 70 other sites across the country, in March 2023, Scout Motors Inc. (Scout) chose to make its home in Blythewood, South Carolina to build all-new Scout vehicles that will be all-purpose, all-electric, and all-American. Today, the 1,600-acre Richland County site is buzzing with activity associated with the construction of a state-of-the-art […]
Letter: Let’s Not Oppose Change
May 9, 2024 By
I would like to tip my hat to the opinion in the May 2, 2024 issue of The Voice. It hit the nail on the head. Fairfield County for some strange reason has opposed change for most of my life and I’m no spring chicken. It has always been an ‘Oh, I don’t want to […]
