On the Ballot: The Florence City Council Races.

Glynn Willis and Bobby Holland Get Our Nod at SC6...

Florence City Council will be a lot different after November 4th, and that shouls be a good thing. The development of the downtown area is going along at a snail's pace, and that needs to pick up. However, with the current economic slowdown, I don't expect any visible progess to be made until at least 2010. Mayor Frank Willis is gone, and word is that he's already moved to Columbia. Guess I was more right back in 2006 than I thought.....

For those of you waiting for me to make a pick on mayor, don't hold your breath. Honestly, I know so little about Rocky Pearce that I'm not making an endorsement either way. I'm sure some of you will be glad to donate your two cents in that one. Most Republicans are going for Pearce, so I assume he is in the Willis, Dem on the Outside-GOP on the Inside mold.... I've met Stephen Wukela on the road a few times, but I have a few concerns about his experience and his willingness to throw more cash at a School District that is pretty flushed with cash already....I'll let you make up your own minds.

Now, for City Council. I have a bit of a conundrum. There are four people running for two at-large seats, which means that all city residents get to vote for two of them. If I could wish for anything, I wish that Octavia Blaek and Steve Powers could take Ed Robinson and Billy Williams' seats tomorrow. They are imminently more qualified and talented than either current Councilmen. But..........

It'll sound a bit partisan, but I'm endorsing Glynn Willis and Bobby Holland for City Council. I'm more excited about Willis, partly because he's a new candidate, partly because I like the job he's done on the Planning Commission, partly because he's a big fan of the blog. Somehow, that hasn't cost him in the race yet !! Holland has done a good job, although a bit quietly. He attends the GOP meetings to keep us updated on issues. He knows the issues well, and has done a good job of keeping Florence's budget in line , without raising taxes like a drunken sailor....

So, why not Powers or Blake? I have some concerns about conflicts of interest with Powers. He owns S&W Printing , which is in the downtown area, so while he may know a lot about downtown development, he stands to profit a lot personally from it. Also, I read yesterday that S&W just got a big goverment contract job from John Spratt. Having a pollitician who profits from goverment business is not something I am comfortable with...

I've met Octavia Blake numerous times. She used to be a customer of mine, and I even met her during a meet & greet in town for - SURPRISE FOLKS - Andre Bauer. I did like her comment that a big concern for minorities is paying higher taxes. It almost floored me, but I liked to hear that. She is exactly what we need on City Council in Robinson's or Williams' seat. But she probably lives in District 3, which is 80% GOP, so she has to go for an At-Large seat, which still will put her in last place in all likelihood. Also, i am still a bit pissed at her husband, who was County Attorney, telling me that a zoning issue in my backyard was 'none of my business'. Hey, at least i'm being honest about it, so take that info as you wish.....

Again, I think the slate of candidates is pretty strong, certainly stronger than two of the incumbents. It's like the worst two guys got first round bye's , and the 4 best have to knock each other out to play with them. Someday..............

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