Four years ago I was honored to be elected as a member of Blythewood Town Council. It was an extraordinary and rewarding experience for me and I want to build upon that experience and continue to serve Blythewood’s residents as a member of council.
Having lived in Ashley Oaks since 2004 I have seen the effect of unprecedented growth in the Blythewood area and this was the main issue that concerned me and my neighbors and caused me to become active in the affairs of the Town. I am not against development per se, but it should achieve at least two things: fulfill a need of the Town and improve the quality of life for the residents of Blythewood.
Zoning
In my view, Blythewood has far exceeded reasonable residential growth and is at risk of losing the very assets that make Blythewood a great place to live and raise families. As Councilman I have done and will continue to do whatever is possible and necessary to preserve the integrity of our rural zones. The Town’s Zoning Ordinance is in need of simplifying and updating and I will ensure that review takes place with your input.
Federal Funding
Our Comprehensive Plan is due for an overhaul as we enter a new and vital decade, and I am excited to be a part of that initiative. This is particularly important with the 2020 Census approaching. Every resident needs to complete the census so that Blythewood receives the full Federal funding it is entitled to.
Sports Complex
I am also going to work hard to fulfill our need for a regional sports complex for our young athletes. Such a complex will provide tremendous recreational benefits and bring needed revenue to the town.
Penny Tax
I have been an active member of the Transportation Penny Advisory Committee for Richland County to ensure that the $29 million allocated to Blythewood is realized for the road improvements that will benefit Blythewood residents.
CMCOG Representative
While serving on town council, I represented the Town on the Central Midlands Council of Governments and negotiated a cost sharing study for a Traffic Improvement Plan for the Blythewood area which looks at the road improvements needed for the traffic volume we are likely to see in twenty years’ time.
Vision
My vision is for an inclusive Blythewood that values its cultural history and recognizes the value of all citizens. I have been proud to chair the Committee for Black History month for the last four years and have seen the value of this event which will continue to grow and develop.
Career
My career as Engineering Manager and Quality Assurance Manager gave me the opportunity to travel throughout the world, affording me a broad perspective of life and interacting with people to identify opportunities and solve problems.
Community Service
Since then, I have found that my lifetime of experience has been of value in serving the Town as a town councilman and chairing the planning commission before that. I also serve my local neighborhood as a director of Ashley Oaks HOA (phases 4-7). Both my wife Emily and I volunteer our time on the School Improvement Council for Muller Road Middle School. I also volunteer as a director and treasurer of Camp Discovery.
As your Councilman, I shall work diligently for you and for the good of Blythewood. I ask for your vote on Feb. 11 to make that happen.
