Next month, the Operations Committee will once again take up the issue of the Glen Alpine Convenience Center. This has been on the table for over two years, and doesn't appear to be going away any time soon.
At our last meeting, I made a motion asking the Law Director to open discussions with Rogers Group, in response to their offer for the lease for land on their property near the interstate. Sadly, that motion overwhelmingly failed.
Commission seems to be at an impasse over how to solve this problem and, unfortunately, it doesn't look as if there is a willingness to explore all of our options as we search for a solution. Even more unfortunate is the reason why.
If John Doe owned a track of land, and offered to lease it to the county for a minimum of 15 years, at no cost, I'm sure there would ample support to at least sit down at the table and discuss it. Because the owner happens to be Rogers Group, that apparently isn't an option.
Some of my fellow Commissioners were staunchly opposed to the annexation at the interstate and, while I disagreed with their position, I respect their opinions none the less. However, that issue has been resolved, and I don't agree with rejecting a proposal that stands to solve a long standing problem simply out of opposition to the property owner.
There is no doubt that Rogers Group would want concessions to the Master Settlement Agreement in exchange for this land. Despite our unwillingness to ask exactly what those concessions might be, let's take a look at the possibilities.
First of all, they might want to remove the stipulation that they provide a billboard for Anderson County. Fair enough, no real loss. If we need a billboard, we can lease one on our own.
Next, they might want to be excused from their obligation to provide a certain amount of free paving every year. Again, that's no real loss, considering that we have yet to take advantage of it. We could, at least, use the three years worth that we've accumulated to pave the new center at no cost to the taxpayers.
When the Mayor proposed using some of the most valuable land in the county, and some of our few remaining acres set aside for industrial development, we discussed it at length, and even held a public hearing, yet we refuse to even talk about this.
When it comes up, I will once again suggest that we talk with Rogers, although I'm sure the idea will be rejected. With that off the table, I guess we can either leave a substandard facility right in the middle of one of the few areas in the county experiencing commercial growth, or we can spend considerable money buying property to house a new center. Neither of these proposals will have my support.
I hope that we can find away to put past differences aside, and resolve this once and for all. If not, we will continue debating something trivial, rather than tackling some of the serious problems that we face.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Response to Chris Phillips
Below is a copy of an email I sent to Budget Director Chris Phillips, in response to a letter he sent to Commission Chairman Mark Alderson:
Chris,
I received a copy of your letter to Chairman Alderson.
First of all, let me say that I hope no question or statement that I've ever made has come across as disrespectful or demeaning to you, or anyone else. If so, that has certainly never been my intent.
You are right that the meetings have been lacking civility and common courtesy for some time, although I think that guilt can be found on both sides of the podium. Regardless, it's counterproductive and pointless, and needs to stop. I think it all reached a boiling point last week between Tracy and Alan, but it's been simmering for some time, and they aren't the only one's to blame, by far.
If I'm ever out of line, I hope that, as Chairman, Mark does call me on it. Along those lines, I hope that when a department head talks down to a member of Commission, as some are notorious for doing, that Rex will do the same to them.
There will always be disagreements and varying points of view, and I think that provides a healthy balance. However, there are better ways to express those differences, and I hope that this most recent incident has taught something to us all.
David L. Bolling
County Commissioner
District 2
Chris,
I received a copy of your letter to Chairman Alderson.
First of all, let me say that I hope no question or statement that I've ever made has come across as disrespectful or demeaning to you, or anyone else. If so, that has certainly never been my intent.
You are right that the meetings have been lacking civility and common courtesy for some time, although I think that guilt can be found on both sides of the podium. Regardless, it's counterproductive and pointless, and needs to stop. I think it all reached a boiling point last week between Tracy and Alan, but it's been simmering for some time, and they aren't the only one's to blame, by far.
If I'm ever out of line, I hope that, as Chairman, Mark does call me on it. Along those lines, I hope that when a department head talks down to a member of Commission, as some are notorious for doing, that Rex will do the same to them.
There will always be disagreements and varying points of view, and I think that provides a healthy balance. However, there are better ways to express those differences, and I hope that this most recent incident has taught something to us all.
David L. Bolling
County Commissioner
District 2
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Community Action
The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 stated that "The United States can achieve its full economic and social potential as nation only if every individual has the opportunity to contribute to the full extent of his capabilities and to participate in the workings of our society." As our current economic situation is painfully showing, these words have as much meaning today as they did 45 years ago.
My father grew up in the Great Depression, and throughout his life he never forgot the sight of prominent business people selling pencils on Gay Street, or people lining up for hours in hopes of getting something as simple as a sandwich and a cup of hot coffee. He once told me that it is easy to forget about those less fortunate until you come face to face with just how easy it is to become one of them.
While times are certainly not as dire as they were then, every day many of our neighbors go without the things that we simply take for granted. In addition, an increasingly high number of "middle class" families find themselves a paycheck away from poverty.
As we see more and more people struggle to simply get by, it is a blessing to know that there are still people who work everyday to extend them a helping hand. For decades, Community Action has been there to provide clothing, food, and other assistance, for no other reason than a desire to help their neighbors. Today, Community Action needs our help, and we need to be there for them just as they would be there for us.
The City of Clinton has taken action to condemn the office of Community Action, and I don't think anyone can question their reasons for doing so. The building that they have occupied for so long is in a severe state of disrepair, and it would not be economically feasible to repair it.
Because of their limited budget, they don't have the funds to secure a new location. Therefore, a proposal will be coming before County Commission on Monday, asking that Anderson County commit to providing rent and utilities for two years, so that their mission can continue uninterrupted. It is critically important that we give them the help they need to help others.
I have the honor of serving on the Board of Directors of Community Action of Anderson County, and I look forward to playing a role in moving this organization forward. One of my goals will be to help them begin a transition to self sufficiency, although this will no doubt be a marathon and not a sprint. While plans are being formulated for fund raising, capital campaigns, etc., it is my hope that County Commission will continue to support them financially, until the times comes when they can stand on their own two feet.
There will always be those in need, and there must always be a hand ready to extend to them. Community Action has been that hand for many years, and we need to do whatever we can to see that continue. There, but for the grace of God, goes I.
My father grew up in the Great Depression, and throughout his life he never forgot the sight of prominent business people selling pencils on Gay Street, or people lining up for hours in hopes of getting something as simple as a sandwich and a cup of hot coffee. He once told me that it is easy to forget about those less fortunate until you come face to face with just how easy it is to become one of them.
While times are certainly not as dire as they were then, every day many of our neighbors go without the things that we simply take for granted. In addition, an increasingly high number of "middle class" families find themselves a paycheck away from poverty.
As we see more and more people struggle to simply get by, it is a blessing to know that there are still people who work everyday to extend them a helping hand. For decades, Community Action has been there to provide clothing, food, and other assistance, for no other reason than a desire to help their neighbors. Today, Community Action needs our help, and we need to be there for them just as they would be there for us.
The City of Clinton has taken action to condemn the office of Community Action, and I don't think anyone can question their reasons for doing so. The building that they have occupied for so long is in a severe state of disrepair, and it would not be economically feasible to repair it.
Because of their limited budget, they don't have the funds to secure a new location. Therefore, a proposal will be coming before County Commission on Monday, asking that Anderson County commit to providing rent and utilities for two years, so that their mission can continue uninterrupted. It is critically important that we give them the help they need to help others.
I have the honor of serving on the Board of Directors of Community Action of Anderson County, and I look forward to playing a role in moving this organization forward. One of my goals will be to help them begin a transition to self sufficiency, although this will no doubt be a marathon and not a sprint. While plans are being formulated for fund raising, capital campaigns, etc., it is my hope that County Commission will continue to support them financially, until the times comes when they can stand on their own two feet.
There will always be those in need, and there must always be a hand ready to extend to them. Community Action has been that hand for many years, and we need to do whatever we can to see that continue. There, but for the grace of God, goes I.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Glen Alpine Convenience Center
The Operations Committee will conduct a public hearing tonight regarding the Glen Alpine Convenience Center, and will most likely make a recommendation to County Commission, to be considered at the February meeting.
Several options have been presented, and discussed at length. While various parties have firm opinions one way or another, I have very mixed emotions about this issue.
First of all, let me say that I absolutely oppose placing a convenient center in or adjacent to the David Jones Industrial Park. That area was designated for industrial development, and we need to honor that commitment. Companies like Carton Services have spent millions of dollars, brought quality jobs to our county, and have helped broaden our tax base. We need to show them, unequivocally, that we value and appreciate their investment in Anderson County. Further, we need to recognize that our existing industries play a key role in selling our community to future prospects. A slap in the face like this could end up being a deal breaker down the road.
Secondly, I do not support putting a Convenience Center in an area that is experiencing commercial growth. It’s in the wrong place as it is, and moving it right up the road won’t make that any better.
Nobody wants one of these in their backyard. You can dress it up and call it what you want, but it’s still a place for people to dump their garbage. Hardly the thing that dresses up a neighborhood.
There has been a push to place this in as prime a location as possible. I couldn’t disagree more. In this case, “location, location, location” does not apply. We need to find as site as far removed from homes, businesses, and industries as possible. While it may be critical for a business to be in the flow of traffic, I think a garbage dump would do just fine if it were a little off the beaten path.
Aside from location, we have to look at cost. Is this really our top priority right now? In these tough economic times, and with the uncertainty that we’ll no doubt face with the coming budget cycle, do we really need to be sinking hundreds of thousands of dollars in something like this? I think the need for a first class facility is being blown way out of proportion.
First of all, we need to step back and call this thing what it is, and figure out the most cost effective way to address the problem. We need to find a site that is remote, and that represents as small a financial impact as possible. Options are out there, we just need to be willing to put aside prejudices and look.
Throughout this process, there has been a rush by some to take certain locations of the table. Let’s hope that before a decision is made, we give a little and make the best decision possible.
Several options have been presented, and discussed at length. While various parties have firm opinions one way or another, I have very mixed emotions about this issue.
First of all, let me say that I absolutely oppose placing a convenient center in or adjacent to the David Jones Industrial Park. That area was designated for industrial development, and we need to honor that commitment. Companies like Carton Services have spent millions of dollars, brought quality jobs to our county, and have helped broaden our tax base. We need to show them, unequivocally, that we value and appreciate their investment in Anderson County. Further, we need to recognize that our existing industries play a key role in selling our community to future prospects. A slap in the face like this could end up being a deal breaker down the road.
Secondly, I do not support putting a Convenience Center in an area that is experiencing commercial growth. It’s in the wrong place as it is, and moving it right up the road won’t make that any better.
Nobody wants one of these in their backyard. You can dress it up and call it what you want, but it’s still a place for people to dump their garbage. Hardly the thing that dresses up a neighborhood.
There has been a push to place this in as prime a location as possible. I couldn’t disagree more. In this case, “location, location, location” does not apply. We need to find as site as far removed from homes, businesses, and industries as possible. While it may be critical for a business to be in the flow of traffic, I think a garbage dump would do just fine if it were a little off the beaten path.
Aside from location, we have to look at cost. Is this really our top priority right now? In these tough economic times, and with the uncertainty that we’ll no doubt face with the coming budget cycle, do we really need to be sinking hundreds of thousands of dollars in something like this? I think the need for a first class facility is being blown way out of proportion.
First of all, we need to step back and call this thing what it is, and figure out the most cost effective way to address the problem. We need to find a site that is remote, and that represents as small a financial impact as possible. Options are out there, we just need to be willing to put aside prejudices and look.
Throughout this process, there has been a rush by some to take certain locations of the table. Let’s hope that before a decision is made, we give a little and make the best decision possible.
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