Traffic Congestion:

We've been knocking on doors and speaking with West Ashley residents on a daily basis, and the main concern continues to be traffic congestion in parts of District 7. It's imperative that we finally complete 5-26 while we have the allotted funds to do so. Ideally, this will relieve the congestion on parts of Savannah Highway (US-17 S) and facilitate the merge from 5-26 to parts of Sam Rittenberg. We also need to take a close look at the merge at Hwy. 171 and Sam Rittenberg east just prior to Orange Grove Road. This continues to be a death trap for local residents and needs addressing as soon as possible. Certainly, we need to address the long term impact of future developments in and around parts of Glenn McConnell expressway. We need infrastructure BEFORE we ask people to come see why we love our area so much. West Ashley is a gem, and if we want to keep inviting people to move to our area, we must provide a safe and efficient way for them to get to and from work, church and school.

Reflective Representation:

In 2002, County Council moved from at-large to single-member districts, and our very own Barrett Lawrimore was in charge of determining the boundary lines of District 7. As a fiscal Republican, Mr. Lawrimore made sure the citizens of West Ashley got the reflective representation we deserved. Unfortunately, he passed away far too early and Mrs. Condon, a long-time Democrat, was elected after a lengthy court proceeding declared her the winner. In the two years she's been on Council, the majority voice of the West Ashley residents has been ignored. It's time to elect a Republican that shares the ideals and opinions of the district and is willing to cut spending immediately, properly identify the needs of District 7, and keep a closer eye on tax payer money.

Taxes / Spending:

NO TAX HIKE - PERIOD!!! There is absolutely no need to raise taxes and I am against it entirely. In a time when people of West Ashley are struggling to make ends meet, this is the absolute worst time to even consider raising our taxes. The answer is as simple as Economics 101 - let's do our homework and figure out where the money is most wisely spent, then allocate the monies appropriately. The citizens have a right to know how they're money is being used and what services are being provided. As your representative, I will keep you properly informed by maintaining open lines of communication in every way possible. Like all of us are doing in the current economy, let's see where we can cut expenses, save money, and demand that the taxpayer money being spent is done so in an effective and efficient manner.

Crime / Safety:

As a local attorney, I see the daily effects the increased crime rate has on our neighbors. We must come together as a community to fix this problem. As with other issues, communication among residents of West Ashley is vital. One of my first items of interest on Council would be to help create the WACC (West Ashley Crime Committee). Ideally, citizens from all over West Ashley would meet at a central location once a month to discuss the ongoing crime in their respective neighborhoods. What might be working in certain parts of Hwy. 61 might not necessarily work in parts of Hwy. 17, or vice versa. Let's get together and discuss effective ways to curb the crime rate. Communication and effective leadership is the ideal way to ensure the continued safety of West Ashley. This is OUR West Ashley, and we will not tolerate criminal activity now or in the future!