This week I am going to be brief.  How many people do you know who like to talk trash?  How many people do you know who are all talk, but no action?

I’d like to give all of us, Edgefield County Residents, the opportunity to do both – talk and take action!

As you know, trash on our roads is an eye sore for everyone.  It also provides a perception of how others see us.  As someone who has had the privilege of travelling in many states, I get really discouraged when I return to South Carolina to see the amount of trash on our roads.  If you google search “South Carolina Among Dirtiest States” you will witness many articles written about this problem.  Any individual or business looking to relocate to our state will see this, and it will impact their perception of us.

Personally, it is even more discouraging and frustrating when I enter our great county and see the amount of trash on the major roads in our historic county.  As an elected official, I hear many complaints about it from those I serve.

Joey Smith, the Fire Chief of the Merriwether Fire Department, and his team has for many years taken a pro-active step to improve this view; however, to be frank, they need help from good citizens like you me to make an adequate dent.

In that vein, I invite you to participate in this years annual “Trash Pick Up Day.”  You can learn more and R.S.V.P. to participate by going to this website:  www.CleaningUpEdgefieldCounty.Eventbrite.com.

I want to thank my fellow councilman Art Biggs for highlighting this issue at numerous County Council meetings, for working with the Sheriff’s office to enhance their program, and for his help in promoting this annual event – with the desire to go beyond one event, but through community involvement create bi-annual county wide events in all Fire Districts.  But we must start somewhere, so we want to join where the work is already being done, under the leadership of Fire Chief Joey Smith.

I also want to thank my State Representative Bill Hixon who introduced legislation this year to address this statewide issue.  If you google Bill Hixon introduces bill on trash, numerous articles will come up.

My belief is cleaning up our county roads, and the misperception it creates, will take our personal action and our individual pride to clean up the roads we are responsible for.  In that vein, I sincerely hope you will work and fellowship with us on March 31^st.  Again, details can be found by going to this website: www.CleaningUpEdgefieldCounty.Eventbrite.com.

Here’s wishing you a productive week!

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It has been a privilege serving the residents of Edgefield County on Edgefield County Council since January 2017, having been elected in November 2016 to serve the Merriwether District, District 5.

I am pleased to announce I am running for re-election.

Since my arrival in Edgefield County in 2013 I have openly shared the fact that due to our family history in the county dating back to the 1800’s, I have from a far watched with keen interest the demographics and activity of the entire region since my High School days.  Graduating in 1987 means I have been watching the region for over 30 years, even though I have lived here only five years.

One of the phrases I used numerous times when speaking with people about Edgefield County since arriving here is “a rising tide lifts all boats,” and that, “if we plan for the rising tide, our future potential really is unlimited.”  I still believe that to be the case.

Personally, I believe we are living in one of the most exciting times to be living in the greater CSRA.  The region is experiencing unprecedented growth, which has the potential to impact Edgefield County in amazing and positive ways, if we plan appropriately. 

During the last year, County Council held a listening tour which included meetings in each of our five districts.  We held joint meetings with most of our boards and commissions.  We reworked our Strategic Plan and in 2018 we are already executing activities to prepare a new Comprehensive plan.  As Chairman Dean Campbell mentioned in his annual report, it truly has been a team effort.  To see his report, please click here!

In December of last year, I hosted a seminar for Edgefield County Residents on the impact Fort Gordon is having on our region.  Executive Director Tom Clark of The Fort Gordon Alliance was the speaker.  I would encourage all residents of Edgefield County, indeed the greater CSRA region, to watch that presentation – as it provides great visuals of what is transpiring in our region. 

In closing, since my arrival in Edgefield County in 2013, I served close to two years on the Tax Appeals Board.  I served over a year and a half on the Edgefield County Hospital Board, where I still serve as County Council Liaison, since my being sworn in to County Council in January 2017.  I am proud of what our team has accomplished and I desire to continue serving the residents of Merriwether and Edgefield County.

If you would like to be on my e-mail distribution for County Council, please feel free to e-mail me at Scott@HScottCooper.com or call me at 803-293-5087.