Platform

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Anyone who has lived in Swansea, or any part of Southern Lexington County, for any length of time knows Swansea was once a shining diamond at the heart of a rural community. It saddens me deeply to see what this once shimmering star has become. While we can point fingers and fix blame, I’m not going to do that.

The principal cause of this deterioration of Swansea is stagnation; a willingness to accept whatever happens. As your Mayor, I am going to change that! Those who know me, know I am not one to sit still or stand idly by while things happen around me.

I am a doer and a fixer. I will not stand by while Swansea continues down this path. As your Mayor I will make changes that will begin to bring Swansea back to the glory it once was. And here’s how I plan to do it:

Transparency

First and foremost, I will fully open the records, minutes, and finances of the City to anyone who wishes to inspect them. I will ask for a complete accounting of all finances for the past 10 years.

Accountability

I will ensure that every resident and business owner, within the Town of Swansea has full and complete access to me and my staff. You will have many questions during my term in office.  Some things may not make sense. I am committed to being clear and having full justification for everything we do, moving forward.  I will provide detailed explanations of how and why things are being done and EVERYONE will have the opportunity to voice their opinion.

Communications

As a public entity the U.S. Constitution gives you full and complete access to public records and your elected officials. It also gives you the right to appropriate, free speech and redress. As your Mayor, I will direct the staff to create and actively maintain a variety of two-way communications methods directed at keeping everyone informed of the Town’s activities and the ability to comment, ask valid questions, and expect reasonable answers. They might not always be the answers you want, but they will be accurate and factual.

Responsibility

As your Mayor, I do not take lightly the level of responsibility I have and the trust you have put in me to lead this community. Our top priorities include public safety, clean drinking water, fixing infrastructure, property improvement and beautification, and small business development. I will seek the assistance of subject matter experts in addressing all of the above issues to ensure we make the best choices and approach reasonable solutions from the most efficient processes available.

Engagement

Let me be clear. Everything I have identified here sounds good. All too often politicians provide a lot of lip service and make promises that either can’t be kept or are too lofty to achieve. I cannot do this alone! I need EVERYONE, within our community, to come together and work as a team to achieve our goals. I will be approaching many of you to assist with these projects, serve on committees and advisory boards to not only get the work done, but assure we are doing it correctly and in EVERYONE’S best interest.

Growth and Development

Rural life has its unique charms. Quiet, easy-going, no pressure. But it also has its challenges. These often include limited resources, lower financial opportunities, and limited opportunity for growth. I know several of you are concerned about the rapid growth we are seeing in other areas of Lexington County. Our community can grow and be prosperous without being overrun. An effective, well thought out, strategic plan that drives and controls that growth will help strike the balance we both need and seek.

Faith

We are a diverse community in so many ways. We celebrate that diversity in our lifestyles, lineage, and our beliefs.  It is critical that we continue to support the kind of diverse interests that make Swansea special. I will do everything I can do engage our clergy and our church community in bringing the community together and celebrate the many different ways we worship.

Family

Our strongest bond is family. Swansea needs to be a place where young and old alike can thrive and find fulfillment. Our young folks need activities and events that peak their interest and provide them opportunities and skills to excel in life. We need to support our older folks as well. They have achieved much in their lives and have experiences many of us can only imagine. We need to provide them with the resources they need to live their golden years in comfort and within their expectations.

Community

Community is so much more than just political boundaries. Community is people, fellowship, spirit, and commitment. I want to do what we can to bring the spirit of this community to highest possible level it can be. On my website I discuss the fountain. It has gone from a warm, welcoming symbol of renewal and freshness to an eyesore. Our fountain will, once again, stand as a symbol of pride for the Town. As we grow and continually improve, we will slowly improve that sight. It will be my honor and a source of pride the day we hold a ceremony to turn the fountain back on.

The Future

All good leaders have a vision. That’s why you put your trust in us. We must be able to steer the ship in the direction it needs to go. We have to have a plan and a central focus. While it may not be ideal for everyone, it needs to meet the needs and expectations of as many of us as possible. I see a Swansea that works together, cooperatively, to become the shining star in rural Lexington County that it once was. The Swansea in my vision will grow, steadily and reasonably to provide the resources and opportunities for residents, businesses, and encourage visitors to be drawn to the many things Swansea can offer. I’m asking everyone to join me in this noble quest. It has to start with one thing: VOTES.

I need your votes and your support to make any of this happen. It starts on election day with you pulling the level for Doris Simmons for Mayor.