Campaign Phone
864-637-8363
I graduated from Southern Wesleyan University. In 1990 my wife and I moved to Central to work and raise our family. I have been an active member of the Central community. I have coached in the Central/Clemson Recreational League, volunteered for town activities, served on the Planning Commission, and I have been on the Town Council for 16 years. Twice during that time on council I served as the mayor pro tem (pro tempore).
I have helped strengthen the Town and Gown relationship between Central and Southern Wesleyan University. Our residents are welcomed to enjoy the track and field complex, driving range and putting green, and tennis courts at SWU, because the town and Pickens county contributed to the building of those facilities. The town would never have been able to afford those facilities on our own. Through our innovative partnership our residents have an enhanced standard of living.
There are two that come to mind. I recently proposed that we have a six month moratorium on large developments. After two readings that moratorium was enacted. I feel we now have on the books sufficient residential growth. In that six months we will develop a Unified Development Ordinance. This UDO, with community input and adhering to our comprehensive plan, will manage any growth in the future and keep the values of our community.
At our last Town Council meeting, we voted to lower the millage rate for property taxes. The value of property in our town has increased. That is reflected in the recent assessment. So we voted to lower taxes and I feel very good about that.
Developers must pay their share of the infrastructure costs. We must be willing to work with developers to make sure they understand that this is how we will do business in Central. If there is a reason that you want to build here, then there is a reason for you to invest here.
We must also create a strong and healthy business environment. For our town, this means walkability in our downtown, better parking, and incentives for businesses to locate here. Revenue generated by thriving businesses helps with all city services. A town our size needs to have people who drive in to eat, shop, and use our services.
I want to empower the people of Central to have better understanding and more participation in council meetings.
1. Robust council agendas that are easily understood.
2. A 30 minute Q&A session at monthly council work sessions. All department heads will be present so people can ask questions and receive answers in real time.
3. Have some council meetings at places in Central besides Town Hall. People may feel more comfortable coming to a council meeting at the library or the Rec center or a local business. It will give us the chance to highlight and celebrate these places.
4. I will have regular office hours to be available for appointments. I would also like to have monthly “Coffee with the Mayor” meetings for additional conversations.
