Two seek Greenwood County Council seat as Moates steps down

County Council Chairman Chuck Moates is not seeking reelection, leaving the District 4 seat open.

Democratic nominee Ken Robinson said he hopes to run as a moderate voice on council. He emphasized his non-partisan approach, aiming to serve all county residents equally regardless of party affiliation.

“All citizens deserve the utmost attention, some more than others, some in different areas. I want to do what’s best for all the citizens of Greenwood,” Robinson said.

He emphasized his commitment to improving Greenwood County, particularly addressing the lack of recreational facilities for inner-city children and substandard housing.

“I believe if you create an environment that’s conducive to a healthy living environment, you get some good results,” Robinson said.

When asked about the Capital Project Sales Tax, he criticized the reliance on CPST for major projects, advocating for city and county responsibility in providing basic services.

“It should be that CPST is for ancillary things. That’s not for major things. These are things that the city and county are required to take care of its citizens. It’s capital sales tax for other projects, not core projects. It’s our responsibility to take care of the citizens,” Robinson said.

Cathy Miller is running as the Republican candidate for the seat. She is a member of the Greenwood County Republican Women.

Miller stressed her qualifications over party affiliation.

Miller said she hopes to use her 40 years of experience in manufacturing, nonprofits, government sectors and her roles in interim leadership, to assist her in leading District 4.

“This is my third interim role. It was first the interim county treasurer, then it was the interim presidency of the Chamber and then I just wrapped up the interim presidency of Greenwood Promise. So, people reach out to me because I am well rounded and a solid, proven leader with good, strong experience,” Miller said.

Miller plans to ensure residents are informed about county decision-making and increase community understanding through educational sessions.

“Some kind of a session where the community is invited to come in and sit down and learn about how to read their tax bills. I want them to understand what those lines do and how it’s calculated, and are they taking advantage of the homestead exemption. All these, I want them to understand that,” Miller said.

Miller supports the current Capital Project Sales Tax process and the money raised for projects across the county.

“I would clarify to the public that the way the county and the city will pay for this is to increase your property taxes. If I can pay 60 cents on the dollar versus $1 to get these projects done, because visitors come to our community and help fund that other 40 cents. … There are things that the county and the city — the local government, is responsible for doing, but you’ve got to look at how do they get their revenue. They get it through taxation,” Miller said.

Originally Published by Index-Journal on: Oct 20, 2024

By RENEE ORTIZ rortiz@indexjournal.com

Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/elections/two-seek-greenwood-county-council-seat-as-moates-steps-down/article_7af5014e-8bfa-11ef-903c-53806c8ff01d.html