Contact Name
Bill Bledsoe
Campaign Phone
8645822293
Brief Intro - 250 characters
I have served 8 years as a Spartanburg County Soil and Water Conservation District Commissioner. I am now running for my third term
As a Commissioner for 8 years, I've helped support farmers with the purchase of equipment that helps prevent erosion. We rent out 3 different no till drills and a large aerator for farmers. One of the smaller no till drills can be pulled behind a riding mower or a four-wheeler for small plots. I’ve taken my position seriously, as have all of the current commissioners. I’ve joined numerous other conservation groups and am trying to unite all of them for mutual benefit. We work closely with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the United States Department of Agriculture. We support 2 scholarships and put on a poster contest for the schools. We’ve supported the seed library and a water drain art contest.
Getting the upcoming penny sales tax used for Conserving Spartanburg land for the future generations and countering the overbuilding that we all know is going on.
Educate Spartanburg on protecting our waterways and land through the local conservation groups.
Inform our youth and the general public on protecting our lands from toxicities like plastic waste making their way into our waterways and soil.
Every day we are trying to improve what we do and how we do it. We are trying to build working relationships with other conservation groups, and the local elected councils. Spartanburg County lost 20% of the farmland to developers over the last 5 years. So the Soil and Water Conservation District needs to change to more urban projects. I feel that we need to start promoting the increase of public green space to counter the massive overbuilding of Spartanburg County. We need to inform the whole county to join in to support the 2030 penny sales tax being used to protect the future of Spartanburg County by balancing the growth with greenspace funding. Right now the county can’t compete with what the developers are willing to pay for land
Candidate has not yet responded.
Contact Name
WILLIAM (BILL) HEATLEY
Campaign Phone
6786829708
Brief Intro - 250 characters
If elected, this will be my 2nd and last term since I am a firm believer of term limits. I did serve 5 years before as an associate Commissioner and will go back to that status if unsuccessful.
I have a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering and retired 4 years ago after working in the Environmental field for 40 years for the pulp and paper and wood products industry. I now operate a ranch in Woodruff with 45 head of beef cattle. I incorporate NRCS conservation practices such as heavy use areas, water ball watering systems, stream bank stabilization, soil carbon inclusion by no-till rye, fescue. and clover, pollinator field, and rotating pastures. I was the lead in getting an aerator for the SSWCD to rent to local farmers/ranchers to improve their soil condition and the "Survivor Tree" for Spartanburg High School to honor their accomplishments in the Envirothon. I have volunteered my time for several SSWCD educational events.
1. Follow and support the SSWCD's one and five year plans.
2. Continue to represent the SSWCD to the Spartanburg Livestock Association.
3. Continue to represent the SSWCD through external educational events such as "Discover Your Watershed" and Wellford Academy's STEM Program.
I believe a Commissioner should only serve two terms only after serving as an Associate Commissioner for at least 4 years. Commissioners should attend at least 10 of the 12 monthly meetings in a year and participate in 75% of the educational functions. All of the Commissioners need to be appointed by outside County Agents after supplying a "Completed" list for the past 4 years. They should not be elected by the Public who are not familiar with the volunteered work they accomplished in the past 4 years for the County.
Candidate has not yet responded.
I bring a foundation in science, experience in community service, and a commitment to Spartanburg County’s future. I am a graduate of Spartanburg Community College and earned my biology degree from USC Upstate. My education helps me understand the connections between healthy soil, clean water, and responsible land management.
As Secretary of Friends of Croft and a member of the Upstate Workforce Board, I work with people who care about our natural resources and our economic future. My banking experience also brings a practical understanding of financial responsibility and the needs of families and businesses.
As an outdoor enthusiast, conservation is personal to me. I would bring a collaborative approach to this office, connecting landowner
Protect soil and water. I will promote voluntary conservation practices that reduce erosion, protect streamside vegetation, and keep sediment and pollutants out of our waterways. My focus will be helping landowners connect with technical assistance and available conservation programs.
Encourage responsible growth and agricultural stewardship. Spartanburg County’s economic future and natural resources deserve thoughtful planning. I will encourage cooperation among farmers, landowners, developers, and local governments to support productive farmland and conservation practices as our county grows.
Expand conservation education and public outreach. I want students, homeowners, and agricultural producers to understand how the district can serve
I would focus on public accessibility, stronger partnerships, and clear measures of progress. Building on the district’s existing work, I would advocate for straightforward information about available programs, upcoming meetings, and how residents can request assistance.
I would also encourage closer coordination with schools, agricultural organizations, conservation partners, and local governments. Strong partnerships can extend the district’s reach and help connect residents with the right expertise and resources.
Finally, I would support setting practical annual goals and sharing a concise public summary of accomplishments, challenges, and use of resources. Tracking outreach, educational participation and connections to conservation help
Candidate has not yet responded.
