City Council Election Endorsement

When I ran for City Council two years ago, I did so completely embracing the managed growth philosophy first promoted in Aiken by Dick Smith and Jane Vaughters. Like them I promised to oppose any ordinance or budget that would result in current taxpayers paying for infrastructure needed to support growth. I promised to be a careful steward of public monies. I promised to work hard to deal with the traffic issues we face. I also promised to rein in the influence of special interests in city government and place the concerns of Aiken’s citizens as my highest priority.

Now that Dick and Jane have fulfilled their promise to serve only two terms (much to the dismay of their supporters), it is time for a new chapter in Aiken’s politics. With Dick, Jane and others we searched for candidates with similar positions on issues of importance to Aiken voters, to run for office. I am pleased that there are three well-qualified candidates who are taking the bold step to run for office for the first time. Aiken is best served when voters have a choice of candidates with differing positions on important issues facing Aiken’s future.

Two of the candidates, in my opinion, have the right platform to address the important challenges we now face and will face when the economy improves and significant growth returns to Aiken. I strongly endorse Steve Homoki and Reggie Ebner to replace Dick and Jane.

At the Aiken Republican Club forum on Aug 17 Steve and Reggie, opposed the use of public monies to finish the Railroad Depot and the African American Cultural Center. Their opponents did not. I understand that the Aiken Corporation is considering asking the City of Aiken for a $1 million loan to complete the Railroad Depot and I have heard that the African American Cultural Center may need another million dollars to complete their project.

Both Steve Homoki and Reggie Ebner have advocated a managed approach to prevent problems associated with uncontrolled growth. They know the problems we will face if we don’t treat growth issues proactively.

Steve has also recognized that more needs to be done in the community to deal with the increased crime we seem to be experiencing. He feels that special consideration should be given to working with the youth of the community at the earliest stage of their development.

Reggie has worked hard with the City and the Woodside Homeowners Association to ensure that roads are built according to specification. He has potentially saved Woodside residents thousands of dollars in potential road repairs.

I urge my supporters to vote for Steve Homoki and Reggie Ebner on September 8. Alternatively, you can vote early at the County Registrations and Elections Office on Vaucluse Road.