Dear friends and neighbors,

 

I have found serving on Richland County Council extremely rewarding!  I have worked very hard, and I believe it has made a difference. My colleagues on Council, elected me as Vice Chair for the past two years, and together we have steered Richland County on a new,   course. However, there is more work to be done, and I need your  help.  I have a well financed opponent, and I need to raise the funds necessary to run an effective campaign.  Believe me,  it’s difficult to ask friends for money – it’s my least favorite part of public service- but signs and mailings are expensive. Any amount you give will be deeply appreciated and efficiently used.  I give you my word.          

I have always considered myself more of a grandmother doing public service, than a politician, but I was surprised what a difference it makes when honest people serve in office. In spite of being in the minority Republican party, I was able to lead efforts to bring about the following results:

1 TRO District – rezoning of golf courses as Traditional Recreation Open Spaces

2 Purchase of  206 acres on Farrow Road for new Northeast Recreation Complex

3 Conservation Easements- 4 of the County’s 6 are located in District 9 !

4 Cooperation with City of Columbia to build a Joint City/County Animal Sheleter

5 Worked with Senator Joel Lourie and Representative Bill Cotty for intersection improvements at Polo/Alpine Roads, North Springs/Harrington Roads, and Summit Parkway/Hard Scrabble Roads. (some projects completed, some will start this summer).

6 Formed Northeast Conservation and Beautification Committee – group of citizens who promote “green projects” such as  trails in our community and protection and use of green space

7 Proposed County policy on traffic lights on County maintained roads: result – new traffic light for Summit Parkway/Summit Ridge – construction starts this month.

8 Re-routing of sewage lines around Briarcliffe to significantly reduce odors- the first promise I made when taking office. Endless meetings, but we got it done!

9 New fire station to be located at Elders Pond on  Hardscrabble Road, new police substation to be located on Screaming Eagle Road.

10 Personally asked Clemson to lead efforts for  5 year Strategic Plan for Richland County- got Council support -  final results due in May.

11 Supported research on serious  transportation/congestion issues in Richland County, results due next month.

12 Promoted policy changes for stronger storm water management and watershed protection.

 

In addition to the above, I consistently voted against moving the Farmers Market, against putting a baseball stadium in the Village at Sandhill at taxpayers expense, and  against the industry written proposal for digital billboards, with little regulation.

Please help me to continue to serve the citizens of Richland County – there is so much important work left to be done! The County is heading in the right direction, balancing growth with natural resource protection, but more changes are needed. I believe I have proven that a grandmother can make a difference – and now I’m asking you to make a difference too. Please send a contribution today to the address at the top of the page - there’s only two months until the June 10 Republican primary!     Thank you so much, for your support and loyalty.

Val