28 days ago, I had just wrapped up a trip to California mixed with business and pleasure.  For my entire adult life with my bride Suzy (almost 31 years of marriage after 4 years of dating), I long wanted to take her to visit my family in California and to show her where I lived as a little boy.  This particular trip, planned for two years, was a dream come true!

After she returned home to Edgefield County, I spent the second half of that trip preparing business plans, thinking about things I hope to execute in the next few years, and meeting with individuals who are passionate about things I am passionate about.

Our world has changed since I returned home to South Carolina, Monday March 2, 2020.

28 days ago, our economy was booming.  28 days ago, unemployment rates were at historic lows especially for the African American and Hispanic American communities.  Today, they are higher than we faced during the Great Depression, and our economy faces an unknown future as we fight an enemy we cannot see, the COVID-19 virus.  Last week, our Federal Government passed a stimulus bill that is the greatest single spending bill in the history of our republic.

The projected date for peak COVID-19 cases varies, depending on who you listen to. In a March 27 press conference with South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and Senator Tim Scott, South Carolina’s Senior Senator Lindsey Graham stated,  “While it is expected the summer heat will help end the spread of virus, we could expect a rebound in the fall,” (paraphrased), an indication that we really don’t know the length or impact of this current crisis.

My thinking has been profoundly impacted by this pandemic, my participation in daily state-wide conference calls on handing this issue and speaking with Edgefield County constituents during the past two weeks.  I will share an important decision after discussing three key factors:

First, during my California trip, I wrote my article posted on March 16^th, (linked), mentioning the two non-routine items County Council has planned to execute this year: The Capital Project Sales Tax and the Land Management Ordnance Project. At the time I wrote that, I didn’t have any doubts these items could be completed in 2020.  Both projects have either their own commission or steering committee, which hold regular meetings, which should be open to the public.  Due to COVID-19, we made the decision to postpone both meetings last week, until next month.  Currently, it is unclear how long this trend will be required to continue.  For the future success of Edgefield County, I care deeply about seeing these projects executed during my tenure serving you on County Council.

Second, during the last two weeks, I have talked a lot with residents in the Sweetwater and Merriwether sections of the county.  Honestly, I sought to persuade many of them to run for the District 5 Council seat.  With the 2020 Census, the growth District 5 is facing, and also considering  how the 2030 census will impact future County Council Districts, I believe it is critically important we have representation from District 5 that has strong ties to the unfolding history of District 5.  The vast majority of those I spoke with encouraged me to serve one more term, since the timing wasn’t right for them to serve.

Third, I have talked with constituents inside the county but outside District 5, who told me they were appreciative of my time serving as Chairman of County Council, and they did not want me to leave that position for at least one more term.

Based on these three factors, I have decided to file and run for another term. For those registered to vote in District 5, I sincerely hope to have your support at the ballot box at the Primary on June 9^th.

I want to tell you how grateful I am for the opportunity I have had to serve Edgefield County, in various roles, for what will end up being close to 8 years.

You may or may not know, that while my family has a history in Edgefield County which dates back to the 1800’s, prior to 2013 I had never lived here.  Much of the previous 25 years, as our family restored our historic home, our journey’s to Edgefield County generally were in 72 hour increments, for three day weekends!  

Knowing we would one day relocate here, I studied the greater CSRA region for much of the previous two decades.  Each of the three places I lived during the course of those twenty years: Stafford County, Virginia; Chesapeake, Virginia and Spotsylvania County, Virginia had all witnessed tremendous growth in the decade surrounding our being residents there.  We witnessed development take place well, and we witnessed development take place poorly.  

Because of that history, I knew before we moved here, that whatever growth came towards Edgefield County as a result of the growth in the Greater CSRA, I wanted to do everything I could to help ensure it developed in a positive way, which would be great for the generations coming after us.  I just never imagined the various roles I would play, and how my love for the people and interest in all the various needs of our county would evolve. I’d like to share with you that evolution.

Shortly after arriving, My County Council Representative Genia Blackwell asked me to serve on the Tax Appeals Board.  I was so honored to be asked, I couldn’t say no! During that process, I learned a tremendous amount about the financial hardship, and the heroic leadership Edgefield County had during the Great Recession, when close to $ 1 Million had to be cut from a $ 10 Million budget, while preserving all jobs! I learned many other things during this time period, including the opportunity to hear quite a few residents request adjustments to their taxes!

It was during this time period I was also randomly selected to serve on the Edgefield County Grand Jury, which is a one year appointment.  That process taught me a great deal about the criminal justice system, and the various crime problems our county faces.

Before the term on the tax appeals board was over, Councilwoman Blackwell asked me if I would be willing to leave that board and serve on the Hospital Board, which I did.  Through out the last decade the challenges on rural hospitals have been immense. Many have closed. The only thing constant in healthcare, is change! I am so grateful to the team at Edgefield County Hospital.  I could write a lot about that experience! I simply want to thank the leadership of Board Chairperson Connie Sutton and CEO Carols Milanes, who along with the rest of the board, helped ECH transition into a partnership with Self Regional Hospital.

When Councilwoman Blackwell decided to not run for re-election, I decided to run for the District 5 seat.  At the end of this year, I will have served two terms, one term as Chairman. Many things are taking place in our county which all of us can be proud of.  We are executing on many things outlined in The Pace Study and The Strategic Plan. Last year we completed the required Comprehensive Plan. The two most significant non-routine items we will execute this year, both of which take a tremendous amount of team effort and time, are the Land Management Ordinances and the Capital Project Sales Tax.  Both of which you will learn more about as the year progresses, if you follow County Government. 

Here is one thing I know to be true serving in elected office:  you can not please 100 % of the people 100 % of the time. We need to strive to listen to all sides, both those who are publicly vocal and those who prefer to speak one on one, and then make principled decisions which will best serve the long term stability and goals of the county.  Your County Council has been, and continues to be committed to that.

I just wanted to let you, the Edgefield Advertiser reader, know that I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to serve.  It has been a great pleasure and privilege. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know so many wonderful people during the experiences I just shared.

Today begins the two week period where candidates register to run for office.  I have decided that I will not be seeking another term on County Council.  I feel I need to invest more time on my farm, which includes planning future events.  I also want to pursue a couple of other business opportunities which I chose to delay while I invested time on county business.  Who knows, perhaps beginning in 2021 I’ll restart my weekly editorial at The Advertiser!

I am committed to finishing this year on County Council strong.  One of my goals is to help compile a handbook for new County Council Representatives and new County Council Chairpeople.  In both circumstances you enter the role not knowing what you do not know. There is no guidebook! It is my goal to help those who chose to serve their term in the future, get up and running as quickly as possible.

Two closing thoughts: First, I want to thank the County staff for their commitment.  We have so many great team members, in every department. Second, I believe not only does Edgefield County have a great history – we have an amazing future!  It’s true – “It feels different here, because it is different here!”

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