10/08/2021
Elected in 2015 and now having served nearly six years I feel privileged to serve the citizens of the City of Spartanburg on the Commission of Public Works (CPW). Please know that I have filed for re-election to this office as my term ends on November 30.
With a background in natural resources conservation and an understanding of the importance of planning for the future I know that nothing is more important than having access to clean and abundant water. It is also imperative that economic development and conservation interests work together to not only grow our job base but to protect our unique natural resources and special habitats.
Since serving on the CPW there have been many improvements made to our water system. Here is a listing of just a few:
• An oxygenation system in both Lake Bowen and Municipal Reservoir 1 to combat taste and odor producing algae and improve overall water quality;
• Replacing over 92,000 feet of water main lines, the equivalent of 17.5 miles;
• Working with multiple stakeholder groups, Lake Management Plans have been revised and adopted.
At the same time,
• Base water rates have not seen an increase and there has not been an increase in water usage rates since 2019, with none coming until FY 23;
• Customer Assistance Programs such as the Good Neighbor Program are available;
• Monthly billing was initiated to assist customers with budgeting.
Community Benefits have increased through:
• Installation of Choose Tap fountain and bottle refill stations bringing award winning tap water to ever corner of our community;
• Water Matters Citizens Academy which continues to provide an in-depth look at our local drinking water and wastewater services.
Realizing that Lake Bowen is not only our primary water source but also a recreational lake,
• Phase 1 of the Lake Bowen Landing Improvement Plan has been completed to add parking for vehicles without boat trailers and a separate area for those with boat trailers thus providing a new flow of traffic to make the park safer.
Continuing to work on the CPW means I can continue to help others gain an understanding about water and infrastructure and how our personal actions can keep our water clean, safe, and abundant for future generations.
I am actively involved in other community organizations, serving on the Vestry of St Matthew’s Episcopal Church, as a member of the Board of Directors of the Tyger River Foundation and the Hampton Heights Neighborhood Association. As a 20 plus year Rotarian I am a member of the Spartanburg Rotary Club, and continue my conservation work through partnerships with local nonprofits and the SC Department of Natural Resources on various issues and events.
Originally from West Virginia I have lived in South Carolina for the majority of my life making Spartanburg my home 15 years ago. My life and 40-year career in nonprofit management has been devoted to community service. Please let me continue my service on the Commission of Public Works - with your vote.
Thank you for your confidence in me!
Please Vote on November 2.
Visit scvotes.gov to find all of the information you need on Voting.
