The Run for Mayor in Charleston
October 11, 2011: Term limits. Infrastructure priorities and budgets. Term limits. Cruise Terminal. Term limits. 526. Term limits…
Those were the recurring themes during a spirited and civilized debate among the candidates for the mayor’s seat in Charleston.
Sitting mayor, Joseph Riley, in his 36th year as mayor spoke eloquently about the main achievements under his watch and served an appetizer of initiatives to come.
In short order, each of the challenging candidates claimed variations of the call that “thirty-six years is long enough for one administration to accomplish its agenda…”
During the tightly run, expertly facilitated session, Rotarians Mark Smith (president emeritus) and Digit Matheny (timekeepe) the mayor and candidates had the opportunity to make opening remarks, answer questions from Rotary members and provide closing remarks.
The most challenging discussion points revolved around project priorities and related budgets.
Candidate Craig Jelks was the first to challenge the Mayor on the matter of fiscal resources: “Sir, I love you, but you’re spending millions on the Crosstown, and we don’t have enough to complete the 526 project, we have other budgetary demands…where are we going to get the money? Unless you have a magic wand, I don’t see how all this is possible…”
In his confident rebuttal, Mayor Riley assured that audience that “we have carefully planned for these much needed projects and we have budgeted for them accordingly.”
Candidate David Farrow began with a strong celebration of all of the Charleston residents, saying “Yeah, us…for maintaining an exceptional quality of life.” He emphasized his position to help give a voice to the other Charleston, those less fortunate in the middle and lower levels of our community. Those he termed, “the forgotten ones of Charleston.”
Candidate William Dudley Gregorie led his platform with “thirty-six years is too long a time for one mayor.” If elected mayor, he said, “I would put the residents first, and I will not build legacy projects. We must complete the Market Street drainage project.”
The Mayor and his challengers were asked several questions. A couple of highlights are below:
When asked if the city is at a point where we are catering to too many tourists, risking the quality of life in the Holy City, the candidates replied:
Mayor Riley: “No. We have the nation’s first tourism management plan, and we are managing tourism very carefully…” Mr. Jelks: “We need to be very careful because the cruise ships could harm our community. We need to be careful about the environment.” Mr. Farrow: “Tourism is important for the future of the city, but we need to fix the battery seawall, it’s crumbling beneath us; we also need to fix the Crosstown. We need to be sure we cover the basics to remain attractive.” Mr. Gregorie: “We need to focus on quality of life for all members of our community, and we must balance healthcare and education needs with the other priorities.”
To the question of where to locate the cruise terminal, the panel responded:
Mr. Farrow: “We should place the terminal up at Columbus Street. That are desperately needs economic development. We need to focus on those areas that most need development and jobs.” Mr. Gregorie: “Yes, Columbus Street has great opportunities for growth, we should consider that area.” Mayor Riley: “We really should proceed with the terminal plans as they are spelled out today.”
And to the question of how the candidates would promote growth job development, they replied:
Mr. Gregorie: “I’m a strong proponent of economic development we need to have the tax credits and other incentives in place to attract and keep businesses. We need knowledge-based businesses.” Mr. Jelks: “We need to facilitate things for entrepreneurs,” he said and emphasized that “dreams need a good wind.” Mayor Riley: “We are privileged to have the top tourism ranking as published in the news today, and we need to be sure we continue to provide for the best quality of life for businesses and their employees.”
In closing the session, President Patterson Smith acknowledged the gracious civility and time the candidates gave to our club, and he commended Facilitator Smith and Timekeeper Matheny for their abilities to move the program along so efficiently.
Remember Rotarians, get out the vote on November 8! It’s our right and privilege to ensure the solid future of our community.
Submitted by Mark Danes, Keyway Committee