Aiken Journal Online

KISS's U.S. Military's Salute!

2010-07-26T12:00:00.002-04:00

The following arrived today in my email. I have never paid any attention to KISS but the video is very moving.

KISS's U.S. Military's Salute!

The music will blow you away. I've always thought that Gene Simmons and the band "KISS" were a bunch of strange people. But it seems I have been wrong on this issue. This was filmed in Iraq on a USO Tour at a U.S. Marine Base. Play It and Send it to every single person you know

Aiken Standard and Media Bias

2010-07-24T11:17:00.001-04:00

The following AP story by Jim Davenport appeared in The State today. The same story was published in the Augusta Chronicle. The Aiken Standard published what appeared to be the entire story but in fact it was edited in a way that exposes it's bias. I have highlighted the remarks that were dropped in the Aiken Standard version.

EDITOR UPDATE: The managing editor of the Aiken Standard emphatically denies any bias in editing the following article and asked for it to be removed.He informed me that the story was too long for the space available so it had been edited from the bottom by an assistant in accordance with standard practice.No bias was intended. Even so I believe that a fair and balanced AP report was substantially changed and readers should be informed. I also hope that in the future the Aiken Standard will pay more attention to editing of such stories.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina GOP governor candidate Nikki Haley is changing more than the face of state politics.

She has altered positions on tax pledges and on Republicans who voted for bank bailouts. She has also been meeting privately to reassure business leaders after her campaign called the state Chamber of Commerce a "big fan of bailouts and corporate welfare."

Republicans are quick to defend their nominee when asked about Haley's sometimes jarring shifts.

"I think that, respectfully, this is a case of trying to make the facts fit the story rather than the story fit the facts," said Joel Sawyer, the state Republican Party's executive director.

Haley's status as a rising star has diverted attention from her political record as she begins a race against Democrat Vincent Sheheen, a Senate colleague in the Legislature.

When Haley first ran for the state House in 2004, she told The State newspaper's editorial board she was against signing the Americans for Tax Reform "no new taxes" pledge.

"No one wants to see taxes raised, but I think that it would be closed-minded to sign a pledge," Haley told the Columbia paper's editors.

Yet in a debate in May, Haley claimed she had signed the group's pledge - even though Americans for Tax Reform had no pledge from Haley at the time of the debate. ATR state affairs director Patrick Gleason recalled Haley's campaign had spoken about becoming a pledge signer in March, but his group didn't receive her signed pledge until after the debate.

Haley spokesman Rob Godfrey explained: "Unlike Vince Sheheen, Nikki has been so consistently against tax increases that she figured there was no harm in making a pledge to do what her record already proves is her position."

Sawyer said that while Haley was in the Legislature, she saw pledge signers breaking the pledge and people who called themselves fiscal conservatives spending liberally.

"I think it makes sense to put some sort of assurance out that you're not going to behave in the same sort of way you've seen others vote around her," Sawyer said.

In an April interview with The Associated Press, Haley said no member of Congress who voted for the Wall Street and banking system bailout should be re-elected. What about U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, who represents her district? "Absolutely not," Haley said. But earlier this month, Haley's campaign said Wilson's overall record merited support.

"In the case of Joe Wilson, she's supporting the conservative candidate in the race," Sawyer said.

"It's a hands-down easy choice," Godfrey said.

Haley told voters in the primary she was the only GOP candidate who had voted against using federal stimulus money.

But during the 2009 budget debate, Haley had voted to spend federal stimulus cash. She later voted against final passage of the budget and to sustain a veto of the stimulus cash. She called the earlier votes procedural. "What matters to the people of this state, what matters to the people of this country is the final vote that affects the people," she said.

Sheheen's campaign notes he led efforts to force Gov. Mark Sanford to take federal stimulus cash from the Obama Administration. On that point, Haley's campaign agrees.

"There's a day-and-night difference between Nikki Haley and Vince Sheheen on the stimulus," Godfrey said. "Sheheen is the biggest champion in the General Assembly of the Obama big spending approach."

Last month, the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, which had endorsed U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett and Sheheen in the primary, decided not to endorse Haley. The campaign brushed it off. "The state chamber is a big fan of bailouts and corporate welfare, so it's no surprise that they would prefer a liberal like Vincent Sheheen over a conservative like Nikki Haley," Godfrey said earlier this month.

Business leaders fear that Haley could have the same at-odds relationships with lawmakers that Sanford had, slowing progress on some of their interests. Haley has embarked on a series of close-door meetings to reassure them and introduce herself. People have come out of those meetings saying Haley makes a convincing case.

"There's a very big difference between the state Chamber of Commerce's board and actual business leaders," Godfrey said. He added that Haley "will meet directly with business leaders every day of the week to work on ways to improve our state's economy."

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CITY COUNCIL UPDATE FROM DICK DEWAR

2010-07-22T14:49:00.002-04:00

APPROVAL TO DISCONTINE CITY COMMERCIAL GARBAGE SERVICE – Council agree to discontinue providing commercial garbage services to companies within the City of Aiken. There are some issues still to be resolved regarding a few downtown businesses.

DISCUSSION OF ZERO BASED BUDGETING – Zero Based Budgeting is a technique that sets all budgets to nil at the beginning of the year and requires from the departments that they justify all of their expenditures, not just those exceeding the budget. Money is allocated to the departments based on merit and not based on the previous year budget plus or minus some percentage such as in many traditional budgeting systems.

I am delighted to report that City Council agreed to begin the process of zero base budgeting beginning in the October time frame. We will do so on a Department by Department basis. The public is invited to attend any or all of our meetings.

APPROVAL AND MODIFICATION OF LOCAL SALES TAX MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING – The Aiken County Tax Committee which is formed to evaluate and approve the final list of capital projects list for Aiken County Council met shortly before our Council Meeting began. They rejected all allocations that Aiken City Council had approved for non-profit agencies. Specifically they included $1 million for the SPCA, $350,000 for the African-American Center, $500,000 for the Teen Center, and $400,000 for the YMCA. Assistance City Manager Richard Pearce also reported that the Tax Committee retained the $200,000 previously allocated to the Railroad Depot based on his statement that the Railroad Depot would be a City facility before monies are raised from the extension of the Capital Sales Tax project if it is approved by voters in November.

As a result of the Committee’s rejections the City Council needed to re-allocate $2.25 million. We did so as follows: $1 million to Animal Control, $500,000 to Open Space, $150,000 for Hopelands/Rye Patch Building Renovations ,$300,000 to Renovate Existing Public Safety Headquarters, and $300,000 for the Railroad Depot. The County Tax Committee must meet one more time to give final approval for this list. If the Committee rejects the additional $300,000 for the Railroad Depot as well as the $200,000 already approved by the committee the City Council has voted to allocate the entire unallocated $500,000 to Water/Sewer Infrastructure. The Tax Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday, July 26 at 6:00 P. M. at Aiken County Chambers.

The issue of using public money for the Railroad Depot is both historic and emotional. It is historic because there are some in our community who feel that the building of the railroad depot replica is of significant historical importance and ought to be remembered in some way. In fact, many in our community have felt strongly enough about this project to contribute personal funds to the project. These private contributions represent a significant percent of the total needed to complete the construction. It is emotional because there are many in the community who do not feel that public money should have been used to construct this facility. That said, it must be noted that City Council has continually supported the use of public money for this building since the process began in 1999. It voted to allocate $250,000 in Accommodations Tax money and to assume responsibility for maintenance of the building (now estimated to be approximately $75,000 to $100,000 per year). The City Tourism Office will be located in the building.

Jane Vaughters and Dick Smith consistently opposed the use of public money and were outvoted by a 5-2 margin. During my campaign, I heard clearly from many residents that they did not favor using public money for the Railroad Depot. Both Reggie Ebner and I have voted against using public money for this project at every opportunity. We first voted against the inclusion of $200,000 for the depot in Capital Project Sales Tax and then again against the additional $300,000 for this same program at our last meeting.

It is clear that the Railroad Depot building will become a city building in the near future. It was built on City land with Council’s concurrence ( tacitly or formally). Council will be asked to vote to accept ownership of the building at our August or September meeting and the votes are there to approve the request. I have objected to the fact that this project has not been part of our budget process and has used a “back door” for approval. Long term planning and financial management controls have been questionable given the relationship of the Aiken Corporation to the City of Aiken. Keep in mind that the Aiken Corporation is an outgrowth of the Aiken Downtown Development Association (ADDA) and was established to diversify and expand the City’s economic base and improve the quality of life in Aiken. It was established as a non-profit development corporation and a public-private partnership between the Aiken Corporation and the City of Aiken. On their own, they have initiated several projects for which the City has had to assume some financial responsibility. Several members of City staff are and have been active participants with the Aiken Corporation for many years.

I am also concerned that approval of the Local Option Sales Tax Program is in jeopardy because this project is included. While the $500,000 represents a small fraction of the total of approximately $138 million, some in the community may not vote to renew the Capital Sales Tax measure expected to be on the November ballot.

My email contained a list of the approved projects. It is not possible to include the list in this posting. If you want a copy of the approved list, please email me at fastwalk1@gforcecable.com and I will send it to you.

PRAYER BEFORE COUNCIL MEETINGS – The Aiken Standard has reported that the City received a letter from the Freedom From Religion Foundation objecting to the prayer before our Council meetings. While we will make some changes to procedures, our intent is to continue to say a prayer before each Council meeting and to do so in compliance with all laws. We will follow the practice in use by the South Carolina Legislature.

TELEVISING COUNCIL MEETINGS – Last week the City of Rock Hill was recognized by the Municipal Association of South Carolina for upgrading their local access television channel. They have improved the televising of their City Council meetings and are looking for other ways to make Rock Hill government more transparent.

As many may have noticed, the Aiken Standard no longer televises City Council meetings on a regular basis. They have told me that the will televise future meetings as their schedule permits.

I investigated a contract with a private vendor, but determined it to be too expensive at this time. They would have put our City Council meetings on the web and made them available on demand on a 24 hour basis.

I could use some help on this issue. If you want to view our City Council meetings on our local access Channel (4) or want to view them on the web, please let members of the Council know your views. When they only hear from one or two Councilmembers on an issue, they don’t feel compelled to take action. We could also televise Planning Commission, Design Review Board, Board of Zoning Appeals and other meetings of importance. My goal is to make our city operations as transparent as possible.

NEXT COUNCIL MEETING – Our next Aiken City Council meeting will be on August 9, 2010. I will send an update before then highlighting our agenda.

Power Line on the New Black Panther Case

2010-07-18T22:27:00.000-04:00

Power Line once again gives great coverage to an important story downplayed by the MSM.

THE NEW BLACK PANTHER PARTY CASE: JUST BLOW IT

Paul Mirengoff has been deliberating over the proper weight to be accorded the story involving the dismissal the case against the New Black Panther Party in Philadelphia by the powers-that- be in the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department. I'm one of those who thought it was a big story, not so much because of the dismissal per se as because of the rationale underlying it. According to whistleblower J. Christian Adams, the dismissal derived from the Obama Department of Justice's view that voting rights cases should be pursued depending on the race of the victim and/or the perpetrator.More

Get this -- now she's too popular | The Augusta Chronicle

2010-07-16T12:56:00.000-04:00

This is too funny not to share.

Get this -- now she's too popular | The Augusta Chronicle

She Means Business

2010-07-13T16:24:00.000-04:00

The following letter was received from the Nikki Haley campaign today. Please read and consider making a contribution.

"She Means Business"

Dear Friends,

I wanted to write you a quick note about National Review's latest article on Nikki's incredible primary victory and message of conservative reform focused on creating a pro-business, accountable government that's truly working for the people of this state. Take a moment to read a few excerpts below.

National Review: She Means Business
South Carolina gubernatorial candidate Nikki Haley is a chamber of commerce conservative
ROBERT COSTA

[H]aley says she often felt that her family’s business, along with other companies in town, was not getting a fair shake. “Small businesses are the absolute heart of what turns this economy,” she says.“Unfortunately, every time something went wrong with the economy, we were the ones hit. I wanted to find a way to help strengthen them.”

At age 26, Haley did. “I joined the Orangeburg County Chamber of Com merce in 1998, and then did the same later in Lexington, after we moved there,” she says. By 2003, she was a board member of the National Association of Women Business Owners and the president of its Columbia chapter. “I had a business mentality,” she notes, “and was focused entirely on that.” …

The itch to enter politics finally came in 2004...“I had no interest in that path — I wanted to change state government. My motivation came from my frustration about how hard it was getting to make a dollar in South Carolina and how easy it was for the government to take it. My parents always taught us to not complain, so I decided to do something about it. I did not realize what a challenge it would be.”

During her rough-and-tumble run, Haley had pledged to rattle the establishment once she got to the legislature in Columbia, and to become a leader, which she quickly did...Estranged from the GOP establishment, Haley nonetheless won plaudits from good-government types and reform-minded conservatives. …

Haley is often described as a tea-party conservative. She happily accepts that mantle, but her views and her story, she says, are all her own. While Haley respects others’ ideologically driven policy work, that approach is not for her...Her political principles, as she explains them, are rooted in her own balance-sheet conservatism.

If Haley wins this fall against Democrat Vincent Sheheen, she’ll become the first governor in South Carolina history who is not a white male. While Haley says she “understands the excitement,” she pays little attention to the glass ceiling, as has been the case throughout her business career. It’s those lessons from the living room, and the legislative chamber, that she most hopes to take to the governor’s mansion.

Thank you for all your hard work on our behalf. But we're not done. We need your help to keep our momentum building and movement growing. Please consider making a contribution of any amount to our campaign today. I can promise you that we are spending campaign contributions wisely.

Best,

Tim Pearson
Campaign Manager

P.S. - Don't forget - we need you to get Nikki's message out. So contribute, volunteer, and get the gear.

City Council Update from Dick Dewar

2010-07-09T13:01:00.004-04:00

APPROVAL TO DISCONTINE CITY COMMERCIAL GARBAGE SERVICE – Over the last several years, City Council has been discussing whether or not to completely eliminate the City's commercial garbage service. Several years ago City Council decided to allow the private market to serve commercial customers within the city. Up until that time the City had a monopoly on this service. Since then the City has lost over half of our customers who now use one of four local providers. However, in the last three months alone, another 25% of those customers have decided to go with a private service.

At our last meeting Council discussed several exit strategies concerning the elimination of this service. It was the consensus of Council to totally get out of this service with the possible exception of a couple of locations in the downtown area. Council also discussed possibly changing some of our ordinances and regulations if necessary to help maintain the health and sanitary conditions needed at these commercial locations. These could be reviewed in the future on a case by case basis to determine what, if any, changes are needed.

A letter was sent to all of our remaining commercial garbage accounts to let them know that on October 1, 2010, the City may discontinue our commercial garbage service. They were notified a public hearing would be held at tonight's meeting to give them an opportunity to express their thoughts and concerns involving this action. After hearing their concerns Council can then decide whether to continue or discontinue the service.

DISCUSSION OF ZERO BASED BUDGETING – Over the last several months, a couple of Councilmembers have asked that we consider the process of using zero based budgeting for the next fiscal year budget. Last week I met with the City of Greer's Manager, Ed Driggers, to discuss this issue since they recently went through this process. If you recall the City of Greer had over 40 community leaders visit Aiken last year since our cities are very similar in size and the services we provide. He stated they started in October and met approximately four times a month through January with the meetings lasting two to four hours. It gave the opportunity for each of the Department Heads to go over the budget line by line and to discuss with City Council the staffing, equipment and other operations within each of the service areas. Some, but not many, of the items were changed, but it gave everybody a much better idea as to what and how the services were provided.

Since it will take a few months to prepare this information we would like to formally know if Council would like to go through this process. If so, we would suggest setting aside the first and third Thursdays of every month and the second and fourth Tuesdays. This would mean having our Council meetings on Monday night followed by a budget meeting the next day. Or, we could do it any other day of the week should Council desire. Some of these meetings could be held during the mornings or later in the afternoons and some in the evenings. We understand that not every Councilmember will make it to every meeting, but we would like to make sure that if we use this process that as many Councilmembers as possible could be present. If Council approves this format, we would start with Public Safety in October, followed by Public Works, Parks & Recreation, and the various other departments thereafter. Altogether we will need to review approximately 60 divisions or areas during this process.

At tonight's meeting we would like to get a consensus or vote from Council on whether or not you would like us to begin the process for zero based budgeting for our next fiscal year which would be from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012.

USE OF CROSLAND PARK FUNDS FOR RENOVATIONS – Last April, City Council approved borrowing from reserve funds to start the Crosland Park Project. This money was used to purchase vacant lots and homes in Crosland Park and to renovate these homes. In total the City has purchased 32 properties, including 3 vacant lots. To date 2 vacant lots and 1 home have been sold. We have almost completed 3 more homes and 3 others are under construction. We would anticipate selling three more homes within the next 30 to 60 days and would like to use the funds from these sales to continue the renovation process on the remaining homes.

Our overall plan is to renovate 100 to 150 homes and at tonight's meeting we would like Council to approve the reuse of the $1.5M as a rollover fund until we complete this entire project. At the very end of the project after the last home is sold, the money would be paid back with interest to the City. In addition to the homes that we have already purchased, approximately 70 other homes are optioned by the City. These will be purchased over the next few years as we continue this renovation process. Most of the homes were purchased between $45,000 and $55,000 with the final renovation costs raising the market value of the home to the low 90's. The investment made by the City, in many cases doubles their value and increases the real estate taxes that we receive from this area. More importantly though, we are developing home ownership with families that are bringing new energy and stability to this community. The operating revenue and expenses which are shown on the attached sheets include the sale of properties and grants that we have received. The major portion of our expenses includes startup costs, consultant fees, equipment and materials and the primary contractor's overhead. Altogether we have $62,000 currently available as rollover funds for this project. With Council's permission tonight we would use this money and other funds to continue funding the project as homes are completed and sold.

APPROVAL AND MODIFICATION OF LOCAL SALES TAX MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING – At the April 26, 2010 City Council meeting, Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding that listed projects for the One Cent Sales Tax totaling $38.6 million. On July 6, 2010, the County appointed Local Option Sales Tax Committee did not meet. They are meeting on July 12 at 6:00 P.M. to discuss the City LOST projects. At that meeting they will review the non-city projects originally in the City's Local Option Sales Tax Memorandum of Understanding. These include the SPCA, the Center for African American History, Arts, and Culture, the Galaxi Teen Center, the Railroad Depot, and the YMCA. Depending upon how they vote on these listed projects, Council may need to re-allocate the funding from these projects by either increasing the funding for projects already approved, adding new projects, or reconsidering some of the projects that you did not originally approve. Assistant City Manager Richard Pearce will attend their meeting and then report to Council how the LOST Commission voted. Therefore, at tonight's meeting we would like Council to review the action taken by the LOST Commission and see what further action, if any, needs to be taken.

MANURE CONTAINERS: Our Equine Committee has resolved to make recommendations to City Council regarding the placement of manure containers within the city limits. A copy of Equine Committee Chair Lucy Knowles’ letter to Mayor Cavanaugh is attached for your information. Planning Director Ed Evans has informed me that he anticipates this matter will be reviewed by the Planning Commission later this year, and definitely no later than the first of next year. After that review, Ed anticipates forwarding Planning Commission’s recommendations to you for your review.

SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE ANNEXATION AND CONCEPT PLAN FOR WOODSIDE PROFESSIONAL SUITES – Sidewood Development LLC is requesting annexation of 2.25 acres of a total 3.88 acre tract, , 350 feet north of the Woodside entrance on Silver Bluff Road. In addition, they are requesting approval of a Concept Plan which would allow a maximum of four professional/medical buildings totaling 16,000 square feet to be built on the 3.88 acre property. The 1.63 acre portion which is already in the City was annexed as part of the first phase of Woodside in 1985 and is zoned as part of the Planned Residential zoning for the entire Woodside development. Under the PR zone 5% of this property can be used for commercial development of which only slightly over 3% has been used for this portion to date. The area just to the north of this development is currently occupied by Harbor Chase Assisted Living Center (formerly Eden Gardens) and a cross easement with this development is one of the conditions for approval of this annexation and Concept Plan.

Silver Bluff Road is planned to be widened in the next couple of years to a three lane section in front of this location which will provide some additional capacity and safety for individuals entering and leaving this location. For this reason a single access driveway is provided and turn lanes are not warranted due to the continuous center lane which will serve as the southbound left turn lane.

The Planning Commission unanimously approved the annexation and Concept Plan with the following conditions:
1. that the development comply with the submitted concept plan, building elevations, signage plan, and narrative;
2. that prior to annexation becoming effective, a plat combining the lots be approved by the City and recorded at the RMC office;
3. that minor changes to the buildings and site, including tree preservation, be approved by the Planning Director;
4. that the proposed driveway access to Silver Bluff Road be allowed;
5. that prior to approval of the site/landscape plan, an easement be granted and recorded with the RMC to allow the property to the north occupied by a nursing home to connect to the subject property;
6. that there be a note added to the Concept Plan that the project will comply with the Planned Commercial provisions at 4.3.8 which includes the lighting provisions;
7. that the signage comply with the signage plan submitted as part of the Concept Plan and that the Planning Director have the authority to approve minor changes in the signage;
8. that the owner execute an agreement listing the conditions of approval and that the agreement be recorded by the City at the RMC office within 90 days of approval by City Council

SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE CONCERNING ACCESSORY BUILDINGS – This past spring, City Council discussed the current side and rear yard setbacks for accessory buildings. In 2005 the Planning Commission reviewed the then current accessory building regulations and recommended that accessory buildings could be allowed 3 feet from the property line instead of the current 10 feet. However, after several meetings Council voted not to approve the 3 foot side and rear yard setbacks but to leave it at 10 feet. Two of the concerns brought to Council by staff this past spring concerned reducing the side and rear yard setbacks for buildings that could store combustible materials and locations where buried utility lines were located. We feel that each of these concerns could be dealt with on a staff level should Council decide to reduce the setback distance.

At the March 8, 2010, City Council meeting Council asked the Planning Commission to develop amendments to the Zoning Ordinance that would allow the Planning Director to waive the requirements for an accessory building to be at least 10 feet from the side and rear property line. There already are precedents in the Zoning Ordinance which allows the City Engineer, the Planning Director, or City Manager to allow administrative waivers. The proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinance regarding accessory building setbacks would allow the Planning Director the ability to have an administrative waiver to reduce the setback.

When an application is filed prior to receiving any waivers, the Planning Department will mail a letter to the owners of each of the lots directly contiguous to the subject lot. Once the letters have been mailed, the request cannot be approved for at least 15 days to allow time for the neighbors to comment should they desire. In addition the Planning Director will also receive input prior to approval from the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Public Works/Engineering to address their concerns.

At the June 15, 2010, Planning Commission meeting, they unanimously approved amending the Zoning Ordinance which allows the Planning Director to reduce the side and rear yard setback for an accessory building if the applicant can demonstrate that there is no other reasonable place for the building that would meet the required setback and can justify the request based on one or more of the following:

1. The size, shape and/or topography of the property would make it difficult to comply.
2. Compliance would substantially affect the usability of the property.
3. The location of other structures on the property would make it difficult to comply.
4. The location of vegetation would make it difficult to comply.
5. The proposed location would allow preservation of valuable vegetation.
6. The area of the reduced setback is adjacent to land that will not be developed.

When an application is filed prior to receiving any waivers, the Planning Department will mail a letter to the owners of each of the lots directly contiguous to the subject lot. Once the letters have been mailed the request cannot be approved for at least 15 days to allow time for the neighbors to comment should they desire. In addition the Planning Director will also receive input prior to approval from the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Public Works/Engineering to address their concerns.

SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE REVISING RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR TRESPASS NOTICE – Unfortunately due to the behavior of certain individuals, the City has had to place them on trespass notice, therefore restricting them from certain city buildings or certain properties. These notices could involve individuals who had acted unruly, made threats or gotten into altercations with the public or city staff. Trespass notices have been issued by Public Safety in the past for H. O. Weeks, Virginia Acres, Smith-Hazel, Municipal Building, Public Safety, etc. Most of the time the trespass notice is for a set period of time and when that time expires, the individual is allowed back on the property if they follow the rules and regulations and conduct themselves in a proper manner. We have attached the Building Rules which our Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department use for their facilities. This is one of the tools that helps us maintain a safe environment at their facilities.

We recently discovered that the South Carolina Trespassing statute that the City has used over the years may not apply to public places. In order for the City to place individuals on trespass notice for city facilities, it is necessary to revise our City Code concerning rules and regulations for public parks and public facilities. Therefore, to assist us in maintaining the preservation of health, peace, and safety in our public facilities, we recommend that Council approve the attached trespass ordinance.

BUSINESS INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY EXPO - is the Business Innovation and Technology Expo at the USCA Convocation Center from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This Expo is part of our Celebrate Aiken Third Quarter: Business, Innovation, and Technology. It is a free event. Over 40 Exhibitors are scheduled to appear and include: the national champion M’Aiken Magic Robotics team, the American Chemical Society, the S.C. National Guard, Aiken Electric Cooperative, Aiken Regional Medical Centers, Bridgestone-Firestone, Kentucky-Tennessee Clay Company, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Savannah River Remediation, USC Aiken, Vista Bank, Aiken Technical College, the Center for Hydrogen Research, the world-leading hydrogen home construction being developed at The Ridge at Chukker Creek, Sitec, Aiken School of Cosmetology; an Amateur Radio Group; Advanced Chiropractic, MTU Diesel, Glaxo-Smith Kline; MOX Services; MTV; URS; Honda Cars of Aiken, and much, much more.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 2010 at 7:00 p.m., City Council will hold Talking Shop with Aiken Businesses, our focus groups, to discuss issues affecting the Business City, in the City Hall Conference Center.

Nikki Haley and Tea Party News

2010-07-08T13:58:00.001-04:00

NIKKI HALEY CAMPAIGN- As you know Nikki had a very convincing victory in the Republican Primary. However the race for Governor is far from over. Her opponent is a strong Democrat who will doubtless garner some support from some good old boys who don’t want to change the way they have always done their business. The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce has already shown its preference for retaining the status quo by endorsing Democrat Senator Sheheen. here They argue that Nikki Haley will not be able to accomplish anything because she will be just like Governor Sanford. (i.e. this means she “will not go along to get along.” But their real fear is that the strong support she has received from the people demanding real change will force the establishment to work with her or lose their jobs.

NEWSWEEK MAGAZINE COVER STORY-In case you did not see or hear of it the following link will take you to an informative story about Nikki Haley. Newsweek article

ATTENTION-Tea Party supporters, a link to the new Aiken County Tea Party web site follows. Chris Powers has done a wonderful job with the site. The link will take you directly to a posting regarding Lindsey Graham’s recent comment here regarding the tea party movement.

A tea party reorganization meeting is scheduled for today Thursday, July 8th at the K of C hall at 1003 Spaulding Dr., Aiken. Spaulding Dr. is located off Dougherty Rd. The Meeting is scheduled to begin at 7:00pm. Information concerning the reorganization and an agenda will be available at the door.

Special City Council Update from Dick Dewar

2010-06-29T12:44:00.001-04:00

There was a significant interest last nights meeting so for that reason; I am sending this brief summary of what transpired. I also want make reader’s aware that some of these items were discussed and passed without any input from the public. We did have several comments from the public on the LOST allocations, but no input in the George’s Lake developers agreement, purchase of George’s Lake, the Newberry Street Fountain, the new medical complex at Woodside or the ordinance changes regarding accessory buildings. We make better decisions when the public is involved.

LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX FUNDING - Prior to last nights Council Meeting, I had nearly a dozen emails regarding the Local Options Sales Tax (LOST) allocations. This turned out to be more challenging than anticipated because of a misunderstanding on the part of Council. We were told that the County Tax Committee had voted to eliminate the money allocated to the African-American Center, the Teen Center, SPCA, and the YMCA. Our only task based on this information was to allocate the additional $6 million made available from Aiken County.

This turned out not to be the case. Wade Brodie, our appointee to the County Tax Committee told us that no vote to remove the four projects mentioned above had been taken and would not be taken until the Tax Committee met on July 6th. At this point we then allocated the $6M as follows:
1. $500 thousand to the Open Space Fund restoring this category to $1M.
2. $3.3 million for a Senior/Youth Center. The City Manager assures us that this enough to build the facility.
3. $1.0 million to be added to the Water/Sewer Infrastructure bring this item to a total of $8.095M. This is still not enough money to complete all needed projects in this category, but it will make a major effort in reducing the backlog.
4. $200 thousand for the Railroad Depot (4-3 Vote)
5. $500 thousand for the Powderhouse Road Connector.
6. $500K for new sidewalks (Schools). This is in addition to the $500 thousand that the City Manager had requested for this item.

If the County Tax Committee removes all non-government projects from the City list, we will need to reallocate a total of $2.45 million at our next Council meeting on July 12.

APPROVAL OF DEVELOPER’S AGREEMENT FOR REGIONAL RETENTION POND – This item passed on a 5-2 vote with Steve Homoki and me voting no. I still think this was too good a deal for the developer and would have preferred some changes in the agreement as well as an additional appraisal.

PURCHASE OF PROPERTY FOR A REGIONAL RETENTION POND – This also passed by a 5-2 vote for the same reasons mentioned above. It does not seem, in my opinion, a prudent use of taxpayer’s money to pay such a large sum for this kind of property.

DISCUSSION OF A COMMERCIAL GARBAGE EXIT STRATEGY – At our next Council meeting we will approve the elimination of commercial garbage service for most of the City.

APPROVAL OF WORK ON NEWBERRY STREET FOUNTAIN – This item was approved unanimously

FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE ANNEXATION AND CONCEPT PLAN FOR WOODSIDE PROFESSIONAL SUITES – This item was approved on a 6-1 vote. I voted against the proposal because of concerns about traffic entering this complex from Silver Bluff Road.

FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE CONCERNING ACCESSORY BUILDINGS – This item was approved on a 6-1 vote. I voted against passage, but may support the ordinance at second reading based on further research.

FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE REVISING RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR TRESPASS NOTICE – This item passed unanimously.

City Council Update from Dick Dewar

2010-06-25T21:32:00.002-04:00

APPROVAL OF DEVELOPER’S AGREEMENT FOR REGIONAL RETENTION POND – In the early 1990s, local media covered the significant flooding experienced in the Powderhouse Road and College Acres area. Since that time, we have been exploring best practices to abate this storm water runoff. Over the last several months, we have been in negotiations with John and Ruth George about the City's potential purchase of a 5.35 acre tract of land they own in order to construct a regional detention pond. This pond would be expanded at its current location to meet all applicable stormwater standards. Since it is visible to Whiskey Road businesses, we will ensure a tasteful installation through the planting of appropriate material and a wood chip base walking trail.

We believe this installation, with a basic spray fountain feature, will alleviate storm water pooling on Whiskey Road and Powderhouse Roads. This regional pond is the best method to handle water runoff for the drainage basin area of approximately 300 acres.
As you will see in Larry's (Larry Morris, Public Works Director) attached memo, we anticipate future developers to reimburse the City for our costs on a prorata basis if their development will utilize this regional detention pond. The Georges are reserving the right to utilize this detention pond if they develop the remainder of their adjacent tract, which totals about 6.36 acres.
We have had this property appraised. The 5.35 acres was appraised for $321,000. The Georges have indicated they will accept this amount.

PURCHASE OF PROPERTY FOR A REGIONAL RETENTION POND – City Council previously approved the developer’s agreement covering the construction of a regional detention pond currently known as George's Pond. We request Council's approval of the attached purchase and sale agreement which allows the City to purchase this 5.35 acre property for the appraised price of $321,000.

DISCUSSION OF A COMMERCIAL GARBAGE EXIT STRATEGY – Last month City Council discussed possible scenarios concerning the ending of our commercial garbage service. Our Public Works Department has laid out three different strategies that we could utilize for this exit.
Strategy 1 involves the City maintaining some control of the garbage service in the downtown area.

Strategy 2 concerns the remaining 300 customers, their dumpsters, and the trucks that we are currently using to service these accounts. You had asked us to solicit requests for proposals for all of these accounts. If an acceptable proposal is not received the current customers could then be given a specified period of time to find a new hauler and our equipment would then be sold.

Strategy 3 involves the collection of our garbage at the various city buildings.

We would like to get Council's input on these three strategies as we continue to see a reduction in the number of commercial accounts within the city.

APPROVAL OF WORK ON NEWBERRY STREET FOUNTAIN – A couple of months ago, City Council heard a report from the Aiken Arts Commission concerning the fountain on Newberry Street. A sub-committee was developed and after receiving their recommendation the Arts Commission asked Commissioners Lattimore and Thomas to present a plan to City Council. This plan was presented at a work session on April 12, 2010. They have now developed renderings of the William Aiken statue seated on a bench near the fountain. Attached is the suggested wording that will appear on the plaque. Some other suggested improvements include:
1. Remove the pavers in the immediate area around the fountain to provide more green space.
2. Enhance plantings around the fountain and arbor and add irrigation to these plantings.
3. Stain the exterior of the fountain a darker color.
4. Add an inner tier so a planter could be established inside the outside wall of the fountain.
5. Add benches around the fountain, one for the William Aiken statue and others for patrons to rest upon.
6. As funding becomes available, we plan to up light the festival area.
The estimates for the renovations would be approximately $10,000. The cost of the statue of William Aiken is estimated at $25,000. A corporation has agreed to pay for the cost of the statue up to $25,000 and would soon be recognized through a news release if Council accepts their donation. At the proper time a plaque would be placed near the statue recognizing William Aiken and their contribution.

APPROVAL AND MODIFICATION OF LOCAL SALES TAX MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING – At the April 26, 2010 City Council meeting, Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding that listed projects for the One Cent Sales Tax totaling $38.6 million. On June 14, 2010, the County appointed Local Option Sales Tax Committee voted not to include any LOST projects for agencies that are not a part of the City or the County. At that meeting they voted not to include the non-city projects originally in the City of Aiken’s Local Option Sales Tax Memorandum of Understanding. These included the SPCA ($1,000,000), the African-American Arts, History, and Cultural Center ($350,000), the Galaxi Teen Center ($500,000), and the YMCA ($400,000). Since they did not approve these projects, the City needs to re-allocate the funding from these projects by increasing the funding for projects already approved, adding new projects, or reconsidering some of the projects that you did not originally approve.

I have attached the original request for funding, what you approved at the April 26, 2010, meeting and a proposed budget for your consideration. The only new project that was added to this list was for a City Animal Control Shelter since the SPCA will be discontinuing operations at their current location. Additionally, the committee also stated that the City of Aiken will receive approximately $6 million in supplemental funding from the proposed Local Option Sales Tax. Therefore, we need to consider how these supplemental funds will be utilized. I would suggest that the City consider adding funding in the amount of $3.5 million for a recreational center originally proposed for Eustis Park. This center can be used for seniors during the day and allow for community and youth activities during the late afternoon and evening hours. The additional $2.5 million can be used to increase the funding for Priority 10 Water/Sewer Infrastructure, No. 19 Hitchcock Woods Storm Drainage, or No. 31 Powderhouse Road Connector.

SPECIAL NOTE: If you want a copy of the chart which reflects the amounts originally requested, subsequently approved by City Council in April, and the new amounts recommended by Staff, please email me (Dick Dewar) at fastwalk1@gforcecable.com and I will send it to you and add you to my periodic City Council updates.

FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE ANNEXATION AND CONCEPT PLAN FOR WOODSIDE PROFESSIONAL SUITES – Woodside Development, LP is requesting annexation of 2.25 acres of a total 3.88 acre tract, , 350 feet north of the Woodside entrance on Silver Bluff Road. In addition, they are requesting approval of a Concept Plan which would allow a maximum of four professional/medical buildings totaling 16,000 square feet to be built on the 3.88 acre property. The 1.63 acre portion which is already in the City was annexed as part of the first phase of Woodside in 1985 and is zoned as part of the Planned Residential zoning for the entire Woodside development. Under the PR zone 5% of this property can be used for commercial development of which only slightly over 3% has been used for this portion to date. The area just to the north of this development is currently occupied by Harbor Chase Assisted Living Center (formerly Eden Gardens) and a cross easement with this development is one of the conditions for approval of this annexation and Concept Plan.
Silver Bluff Road is planned to be widened in the next couple of years to a three lane section in front of this location which will provide some additional capacity and safety for individuals entering and leaving this location. For this reason a single access driveway is provided and turn lanes are not warranted due to the continuous center lane which will serve as the southbound left turn lane.

The Planning Commission unanimously approved the annexation and Concept Plan with the following conditions:
1. that the development comply with the submitted concept plan, building elevations, signage plan, and narrative;
2. that prior to annexation becoming effective, a plat combining the lots be approved by the City and recorded at the RMC office;
3. that minor changes to the buildings and site, including tree preservation, be approved by the Planning Director;
4. that the proposed driveway access to Silver Bluff Road be allowed;
5. that prior to approval of the site/landscape plan, an easement be granted and recorded with the RMC to allow the property to the north occupied by a nursing home to connect to the subject property;
6. that there be a note added to the Concept Plan that the project will comply with the Planned Commercial provisions at 4.3.8 which includes the lighting provisions;
7. that the signage comply with the signage plan submitted as part of the Concept Plan and that the Planning Director have the authority to approve minor changes in the signage;
8. that the owner execute an agreement listing the conditions of approval and that the agreement be recorded by the City at the RMC office within 90 days of approval by City Council

FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE CONCERNING ACCESSORY BUILDINGS – This past spring, City Council discussed the current side and rear yard setbacks for accessory buildings. In 2005 the Planning Commission reviewed the then current accessory building regulations and recommended that accessory buildings could be allowed 3 feet from the property line instead of the current 10 feet. However, after several meetings Council voted not to approve the 3 foot side and rear yard setbacks but to leave it at 10 feet. Two of the concerns brought to Council by staff this past spring concerned reducing the side and rear yard setbacks for buildings that could store combustible materials and locations where buried utility lines were located. We feel that each of these concerns could be dealt with on a staff level should Council decide to reduce the setback distance.
At the March 8, 2010, City Council meeting Council asked the Planning Commission to develop amendments to the Zoning Ordinance that would allow the Planning Director to waive the requirements for an accessory building to be at least 10 feet from the side and rear property line. There already are precedents in the Zoning Ordinance which allows the City Engineer, the Planning Director, or City Manager to allow administrative waivers. The proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinance regarding accessory building setbacks would allow the Planning Director the ability to have an administrative waiver to reduce the setback.

When an application is filed prior to receiving any waivers, the Planning Department will mail a letter to the owners of each of the lots directly contiguous to the subject lot. Once the letters have been mailed, the request cannot be approved for at least 15 days to allow time for the neighbors to comment should they desire. In addition the Planning Director will also receive input prior to approval from the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Public Works/Engineering to address their concerns.

At the June 15, 2010, Planning Commission meeting, they unanimously approved amending the Zoning Ordinance which allows the Planning Director to reduce the side and rear yard setback for an accessory building if the applicant can demonstrate that there is no other reasonable place for the building that would meet the required setback and can justify the request based on one or more of the following:

1. The size, shape and/or topography of the property would make it difficult to comply.
2. Compliance would substantially affect the usability of the property.
3. The location of other structures on the property would make it difficult to comply.
4. The location of vegetation would make it difficult to comply.
5. The proposed location would allow preservation of valuable vegetation.
6. The area of the reduced setback is adjacent to land that will not be developed.

When an application is filed prior to receiving any waivers, the Planning Department will mail a letter to the owners of each of the lots directly contiguous to the subject lot. Once the letters have been mailed the request cannot be approved for at least 15 days to allow time for the neighbors to comment should they desire. In addition the Planning Director will also receive input prior to approval from the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Public Works/Engineering to address their concerns.

FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE REVISING RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR TRESPASS NOTICE – Unfortunately due to the behavior of certain individuals, the City has had to place them on trespass notice, therefore restricting them from certain city buildings or certain properties. These notices could involve individuals who had acted unruly, made threats or gotten into altercations with the public or city staff. Trespass notices have been issued by Public Safety in the past for H. O. Weeks, Virginia Acres, Smith-Hazel, Municipal Building, Public Safety, etc. Most of the time the trespass notice is for a set period of time and when that time expires, the individual is allowed back on the property if they follow the rules and regulations and conduct themselves in a proper manner. We have attached the Building Rules which our Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department use for their facilities. This is one of the tools that helps us maintain a safe environment at their facilities.

We recently discovered that the South Carolina Trespassing statute that the City has used over the years may not apply to public places. In order for the City to place individuals on trespass notice for city facilities, it is necessary to revise our City Code concerning rules and regulations for public parks and public facilities. Therefore, to assist us in maintaining the preservation of health, peace, and safety in our public facilities, we recommend that Council approve the attached trespass ordinance.

SECOND READING AND PUBLIC READING OF AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF AIKEN TO CONVEY CERTAIN PROPERTY IN CROSLAND PARK TO THE AIKEN CORPORATION – As part of our ongoing Northside Revitalization Project, we are continuing to renovate homes in Crosland Park. As you are aware, the Award-Winning Crosland Park work represents a coalition of public, private, and nonprofit organizations coming together to make this neighborhood a better place to live.

NAME THE PARK- Assistant City Manager Richard Pearce has provided a list of names suggested for the green space area beside the Center for African American History, Art, and Culture at the corner of York Street and Richland Avenue. These names were submitted by citizens at our city website as part of the on-line survey you requested us to conduct. The results are completely unscientific.

Names Suggested for Green Space at Corner of York Street and Richland Avenue

Aiken at Play
Aiken Adventure Park
Aiken’s Heart Park
Aiken United Park
Alfred Holmes Park
Celebrate Aiken! Park
Cleve Walker Park
Commerce Park
Equine Memorial Park
Equestrian Way Park
Giddy Up Park
Heritage Park
King Pin Park
Juan Valdez Park
Lillie Belle Allen Memorial Park
Little Village Park
Metropolis Park
Ola Hit Park
Palmetto Park
Park of Aiken
Steeplechase Park
The Courtyard
York Street Park
Yorrich Park

BUSINESS INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY EXPO - Saturday, July 17 is the Business Innovation and Technology Expo at the USCA Convocation Center from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This Expo is part of our Celebrate Aiken Third Quarter: Business, Innovation, and Technology. Many local companies have signed up for table space at this free event. We will share a complete list with you once the registration period is completed

REPUBLICAN PRIMARY RUNOFF TOMORROW June 22nd

2010-06-21T21:07:00.000-04:00

Yes- this very important election will take place tomorrow June 22^nd from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Pundits are predicting a very low turnout of 10% which is less than half of the turnout we had for the Primary on June 8^th.

This election will most likely decide who will be the next Governor of South Carolina. We must not let 10% of the electorate decide such an important question. Please make sure your preferences are registered by voting tomorrow. If you voted in the Republican primary you must vote again to ensure that your candidates are elected. If you voted in the Democrat primary you cannot vote in the runoff but if you did not vote at all on June 8^th in either primary you are eligible.

I am still being asked who I endorse so once again I give you Dick’s Picks.

GOVERNOR NIKKI HALEY

LT.GOVERNOR KEN ARD

ATTORNEY GEN. ALAN WILSON

EDUCATION SUPT. MICK ZAIS

3^RD CONG. DIST. JEFF DUNCAN

PLEASE VOTE AND CALL YOUR FRIENDS TO REMIND THEM TO VOTE!

Republican Rally in the Alley

2010-06-20T18:35:00.003-04:00

Donna and I attended the Ice Cream Social at the Municipal Building in the Alley this afternoon featuring the Republican Primary Run-Off candidates. All the candidates were there except for Richard Cash who does not attend campaign events on Sunday. The rally was a great success with more than 300 in attendance.

UPDATE: Congressman Joe Wilson was the moderator of the program and gave a stellar performance and in an unexpected appearance Attorney General Henry McMasters announced his support for Nikki Haley and introduced her to an enthusiastic audience.

A straw poll was taken and 115 voted. The results are as follows:

GOVERNOR   Gresham Barrett 27 23%
   Nikki Haley 88 77%

LT. GOVERNOR Ken Ard 59 51%
   Bill Connor 56 49%

EDUCATION SUPT. Elizabeth Moffly 27 23%
   Mick Zais 88 77%

ATTORNEY GEN. Leighton Lord 22 19%
   Alan Wilson 94 81%

3RD CONG. DIST. Richard Cash 11 11%
   Jeff Duncan 93 89%

For those of you who have yet voted in the Primary run-off absentee voting will be available on Monday June 21 at the County Elections Commission from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The run-off election will be on Tuesday June 22  from 7:00 am to 7:00 PM.

PLEASE NOTE Voters who did not vote in either the Republican or the Democrat Primary on June 8th are eligible to vote in the run-off.

WE URGE EVERYONE TO VOTE IN THIS VERY IMPORTANT ELECTION.

Barrett, Haley have final scheduled SC gov debates -

2010-06-17T10:49:00.001-04:00

There will be two debates between Nikki Haley and Gresaham Barrett this evening. It should be very interesting.Follow the link to get the details for hearing and watching the debates.

Barrett, Haley have final scheduled SC gov debates - WBTV 3 News, Weather, Sports, and Traffic for Charlotte, NC-

South Carolina GOP breaks ranks on Nikki Haley

2010-06-17T10:47:00.000-04:00

Interesting story by Kasie Hunt of Politico.com on the sickening antics of the Barrett campaign and the Good Old Boy faction in the Republican Party. For them it is business as usual and they are as good at Sanford/Haley bashing as some Democrats are at Bush bashing. The ruling establishment of good old boys and the many RINOS amongst them are scared to death of Nikki Haley. My goodness they might actually have to change their ways!

South Carolina GOP breaks ranks on Nikki Haley - Kasie Hunt - POLITICO.com

Election 2010: South Carolina Governor

2010-06-14T17:08:00.002-04:00

Here is the latest poll from RASMUSSEN REPORTS on the Governor's race. As expected Nikki Haley does much better than Gresham Barrett against the Democrat candidate.

UPDATES-

There is an interesting story about Nikki Haley and South Carolina politics in Time Magazine that is well worth reading.

The New York Times also has a very informative article today.

PLEASE READ the following press release and plan on being at the rally this coming Sunday. It will be informative and a lot of fun!

For Immediate Release

Ice Cream Social &

Run-Off Candidate Rally

Sunday, June 20th from 2 – 4pm in The Alley

City of Aiken Municipal Building (Indoors incase of rain)

Salute the Founding Fathers by attending a Founding Fathers - Father’s Day Ice Cream Social and Candidate Rally with US Representative

Joe Wilson as the Master of Ceremonies, a Father’s Day tribute from US Senator Jim DeMint and hear stump speeches and meet the candidates.

As of Monday, June 13th at 4pm the following candidates will be present:

Nikki Haley for Governor

Ken Ard for Lt. Governor

Bill Connor for Lt. Governor

Leighton Lord for Attorney General

Alan Wilson for Attorney General

Elizabeth Moffly for Superintendent of Education

Mick Zais for Superintendent of Education

Jeff Duncan for US Congress, 3rd District

… others have yet to confirm.

Bring your whole family, your appetite and your chair, to The Alley for an Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social and Political Candidate Rally on

Father’s Day June 20th from 2 until 4pm.

Kids can treat Dad to some free Ice Cream and meet the future leaders of our State, photo opportunities will abound!

Free Public Event

For more information contact:

Sunny & Claude O’Donovan: 803-641-2085 or

Aiken County Republican Women: 803-215-8232

Transparency in Goverment

2010-06-13T10:57:00.001-04:00

There is a shocking lack of transparency practiced by our lawmakers in Washington. SC lawmakers are just as bad. Nikki Haley has made progress in requiring roll call votes at some cost to her committee assignments. We haven't heard anything from Gresham Barrett on this subject. Perhaps because the good old boy establishment that supports him doesn't want transparency. It would seriously cramp their style.

Senator Jim DeMint did a YouTube video on the subject last week and The American Thinker made some excellent comments. Follow this link:American Thinker Blog: DeMint On The Senate's 'Secret Bills'

GRESHAM BARRETT’S “DIFFERENCE” NUMBER 2

2010-06-12T13:31:00.002-04:00

This will be the last time we respond to the Barrett campaign’s “honest differences” emails unless they send out something that really differentiates the candidates. The charge that Nikki Haley voted to accept the Obama stimulus was first made by the Barrett campaign last month. The misleading accusation was thoroughly debunked with the following letter from Marianne Pecoraro published June 1, 2010 in the Aiken Standard:

"Earlier this month, I attended the Aiken County Republican debate, which three of the gubernatorial candidates attended. I was happy to see that the mood among them was congenial and respectful. Each candidate explained his/her positions, and in the end it was clear that voters have very distinct choices.

Unfortunately, that positive feeling was not to last. As Nikki Haley has risen in the polls and become more of a threat to her opponents, so have the attacks against her. This week, one of her opponents launched a media campaign claiming that Nikki Haley voted for South Carolina to accept Obama stimulus funds.

I support Nikki Haley’s campaign and think she is the best candidate for governor, but was concerned. Yesterday I poured through SC House journals, a laborious and confusing task. I was finally able to conclude that the vote on which her opponent based his accusation was a procedural vote when the issue was first brought to the floor in March and which was inconsequential to any outcome.

The actual vote to accept the stimulus came to the floor on May 12 and Nikki Haley voted against it. Subsequently, the SC House voted on the state budget which included acceptance of the stimulus funds. Nikki Haley also voted against the budget, in essence a second vote against the stimulus. She was in favor of the alternative budget proposed by Sens. Tom Davis and Greg Ryberg, which totally funded state government with no stimulus dollars. Even further, the budget bill came to the floor only two hours before it was to be voted on, and Nikki Haley proposed a 24-hour waiting period before the vote so legislators could understand what was in it, although this proposal failed.

This accusation is being made by an experienced legislator. Did he misunderstand the events logged in the House Journal, or more likely think that voters would not understand the arcane and complex legislative rules and could be misled? This itself is a reason voters are tired of political games, career politicians and political insiders. Instead we need to elect people who will fight for openness and transparency in government. Nikki Haley is one of these people, and I urge people to vote for her on June 8."

As I read Marianne's letter again I realized that there was a real difference between the two candidates on the stimulus issue. Gresham's vote was an easy call. He was voting the way House leadership directed, and it was also the right thing to do. However, when the stimulus came to the state, the SC GOP leadership was determined to use it for current expenses rather than debt reduction, which was the wrong thing to do. Nikki displayed her unfailing courage and will to do the right thing by voting against the stimulus and the budget in opposition to her leadership.

Please pass this email on to your friends and encourage them to vote for Nikki Haley in the June 22^nd Primary.

Gresham Barrett Highlights Honest Differences

2010-06-11T18:11:00.000-04:00

The Gresham Barrett Press Office has announced:

Beginning today, our campaign will highlight an honest issue difference each morning between Gresham Barrett and Nikki Haley. Today’s issue is: Protecting Life.

If today's "difference" is the best they can do we the people will not learn very much. The first morning release contains links from prolife groups that rate his prolife record in Congress at 100% and then compares that to two votes Nikki Haley made on a very arcane issue concerning an amendment to an SC law requiring 24 hour notification before an abortion. Somehow they forgot to mention that LIFEPAC which is the SC Citizens for Life PAC said:

“In the statewide Republican Primary Elections, LIFEPAC, the statewide political action committee of South Carolina Citizens for Life, is pleased with the contenders’ pro-life surveys, voting records, and other credentials. If you want more information about the candidates on other issues, to link to their websites, or for contact information, see www.scvotes.org”.

Presumably this is only the first of many misleading or out of context charges that will be made under the heading of honest differences by the Barrett campaign. These pathetic claims are not worthy of a man that most of us including myself have supported and voted for during the years he has been in congress.

I chose to support Nikki Haley from the very beginning of this campaign. She has demonstrated her leadership abilities and backbone in bucking the too long entrenched establishment in the South Carolina House and Senate. South Carolina government desperately needs changing and I believe she is the only candidate who can bring it about.

Please vote for Nikki Haley in the runoff on June 22^nd.

City Council Update from Dick Dewar

2010-06-11T15:57:00.002-04:00

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING - Tuesday, June 15, 2010 the Planning Commission meets at 5:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers to conduct a public meeting regarding tree pruning. Liz Galland and Frances Waite from the South Carolina Forestry Commission are scheduled to talk. Also to be discussed are proposed amendments regarding accessory building setbacks.

SMALL BUSINESS MEETING - Monday, June 21, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. City Council will hold the special meeting scheduled by Council continuing to address issues affecting small businesses in Aiken.

BUSINESS INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY EXPO - Saturday, July 17 is the Business Innovation and Technology Expo at the USCA Convocation Center from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This Expo is part of our Celebrate Aiken Third Quarter: Business, Innovation, and Technology. Many local companies have signed up for table space at this free event. We will share a complete list with you once the registration period is completed.

BIO-RETENTION PROJECT UPDATE - Work continues in the parkways and their adjacent parking spaces with our stormwater abatement project. The next phase of construction will see the installation of engineered soil [reconditioned soil made from the dirt previously removed] to refill the existing bioswales within 6” to 12” of their rim. After this engineered soil is put in place, native plant material will then be installed. We anticipate this work will be done by the end of August.

BIO-RETENTION PROJECT RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION - The Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES) has recognized our city bio-retention project – The Sand River Headwaters Green Infrastructure Project – for inclusion in a pilot program to develop an international rating system for sustainable landscape installations, whether done with or without buildings. This recognition could be potentially helpful as we see other grant money to expand our stormwater abatement infrastructure.

AIKEN’S TOMORROW PROJECT - The public meetings and online survey segments of our Strategic Plan Update – Aiken’s Tomorrow: Local Acts/Global Impacts is completed. Over the summer, the data obtained so far will be analyzed. We anticipate providing you with a preliminary report after the Labor Day holiday.

APPROVAL OF WORK ON NEWBERRY STREET FOUNTAIN – A couple of months ago, City Council heard a report from the Aiken Arts Commission concerning the fountain on Newberry Street. A sub-committee was developed and after receiving their recommendation the Arts Commission asked Commissioners Lattimore and Thomas to present a plan to City Council. This plan was presented at a work session on April 12, 2010. They have now developed renderings of the William Aiken statue seated on a bench near the fountain. Attached is the suggested wording that will appear on the plaque. Some other suggested improvements include:

1. Remove the pavers in the immediate area around the fountain to provide more green space.
2. Enhance plantings around the fountain and arbor and add irrigation to these plantings.
3. Stain the exterior of the fountain a darker color.
4. Add an inner tier so a planter could be established inside the outside wall of the fountain.
5. Add benches around the fountain, one for the William Aiken statue and others for patrons to rest upon.
6. As funding becomes available, we plan to up light the festival area.

The estimates for the renovations would be approximately $10,000. The cost of the statue of William Aiken is estimated at $25,000. A corporation has agreed to pay for the cost of the statue up to $25,000 and would soon be recognized through a news release if Council accepts their donation. At the proper time a plaque would be placed near the statue recognizing William Aiken and their contribution.

ESTABLISHMENT OF SENIOR TASK FORCE – At our last City Council meeting, Scott Murphy, Director of the Council on Aging, discussed with City Council several financial concerns they are facing in serving the seniors within our community.

Council asked staff to develop a list of possible agencies that could meet and determine whether an umbrella organization for seniors is needed. A few years ago, Council developed a similar organization, the Arts Commission, based on recommendations from a Task Force headed by Bill Reynolds. They solicited information from several organizations and then developed a mission statement for the organization. I have attached the Aiken Arts Task Force's mission, task, and suggested process for City Council's review.

We suggest possible representatives for the Task Force from organizations like the Lower Savannah Council of Governments, Council on Aging, United Way, County of Aiken, USC Aiken, AARP, City of Aiken, Aiken Regional Medical Centers, and someone representing the assisted living facilities in our community. There may also be others that you would like to consider for the Task Force to begin this process.

We also suggest that the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department oversee the Task Force during this initial process.

The Task Force would meet one to two times a month over the next several months and report back to City Council on how we can best represent the interests of the entire senior community.

DEEDS FOR CROSLAND PARK LOTS TO AIKEN CORPORATION – As part of our ongoing Northside Revitalization Project, we are continuing to renovate homes in Crosland Park. As you are aware, the Award-Winning Crosland Park work represents a coalition of public, private, and nonprofit organizations coming together to make this neighborhood a better place to live.

Aiken Corporation was provided funds for the City to option dozens of houses in this neighborhood. Our goal is to renovate these optioned homes in the next phases of this effort.
In addition, the Executive Board of Aiken Corporation has voted to renovate four houses in Crosland Park. After our Neighborhood Division staff's review of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and its Home Investment Partnerships Program funding opportunities to best leverage grant money and have an impact throughout this subdivision, it will be best for us to convey four houses to Aiken Corporation so that they are titled in the nonprofit's name. In addition, under ARRA funding parameters, it will also be beneficial for the city to accept back three properties that were previously conveyed to Aiken Corporation. This conveyance will allow Workplace Investment Act, Community Development Block Grant, and ARRA funds to be used when renovating these homes.

Staff Attorney Ben Moore has prepared the necessary deeds, ordinance, and resolution to accomplish this land swap. We believe this exchange will result in the maximum return on the grant funds awarded to the City of Aiken and the Aiken Corporation for these houses.

GEORGE’S POND PROPERTY PURCHASE – In the early 1990s, local media covered the significant flooding experienced in the Powderhouse Road and College Acres area. Since that time, we have been exploring best practices to abate this storm water runoff. Since last fall, we have been in discussions with John and Ruth George about the City's potential purchase of a 5.35 acre parcel from a tract of land they own in order to construct a detention pond. This detention pond would be built at the George's Pond location to applicable standards. Since it is visible to Whiskey Road businesses, we will ensure a tasteful installation through the planting of appropriate material and a wood chip base walking trail.

We believe this installation, with a basic spray fountain feature, will alleviate storm water pooling on Whiskey Road and Powderhouse Roads and ensure that College Acres will not be flooded again. Our investigation of this situation points to this regional detention pond as the best method to handle water runoff in this area. It will provide a drainage basin area of approximately 300 acres.

As you will see in Larry's (Larry Morris, Public Works Director) attached memo, we anticipate future developers to reimburse the City for our costs on a prorata basis if their development will utilize this regional detention pond. The Georges are reserving the right to utilize this detention pond if they develop the remainder of their adjacent tract, which totals about 6.36 acres.
We have had this property appraised. The 5.35 acres was appraised for $321,000. The Georges have indicated they will accept this amount.

REQUEST FROM RUSS FERRARA TO DISCUSS WHISKEY ROAD – At the last meeting, Russ Ferrara gave City Council a memo raising concerns about our annexation of Whiskey Road several years ago. As many of you will recall, Public Safety had several concerns about the traffic management and traffic enforcement on Whiskey Road which was in the County from Pine Log Road South to Talatha Church Road.

Council then asked staff to proceed with the annexation of this portion of Whiskey Road. After the second reading and approval of this annexation, paper work concerning Council's action was sent to several different agencies as per the state law. Several months later the South Carolina Department of Transportation challenged the annexation. However, the statutory time had passed and Judge Early ordered the annexation as formally binding. We have attached a copy of this order from Judge Early.

Ben Moore should be able to answer any questions concerning this order. Gary Smith and Richard Pearce are also very familiar with this action should you desire their input.

SCHEDULE FOR COUNCIL MEETINGS IN JULY AND AUGUST 2010 – As we approach summer, Council typically does not schedule a second meeting in July and August so individuals can plan vacations. We are again suggesting that we cancel these meetings and hold Council meetings on Monday, July 12 and August 9 only. If some important issue comes up, we can always schedule a second meeting during this time.

REPUBLICAN PRIMARY RUN-OFF IN GOVERNOR’S RACE-

2010-06-10T10:39:00.000-04:00

Nikki Haley was supported by 49% of the voters in Tuesday primary. She was just one point short of an outright win. Gresham Barrett received only 22% and came in as a distant second in a field of four. As a consequence of this we are headed to a run-off on June 22^nd.

The Augusta Chronicle has an interesting editorial concerning Nikki Haley’s race so far and the Washington Post gives us an interesting observation concerning Gresham Barrett’s efforts for the run-off. Please take the time to read both.

Traditionally, run-off elections have a lower turnout than occurs in the original election.

I urge everyone to vote their choices again in the run-off election on June 22^nd and to remind their friends and neighbors to do the same.

Public Policy Poll before The Primary

2010-06-07T08:29:00.001-04:00

Public Policy Polling has released it's latest poll and it certainly contains good news for Nikki Haley. Please be sure to vote tomorrow. The following is from the Public Policy Polling website:

Nikki Haley hasn't suffered any damage whatsoever after accusations of multiple extramarital affairs and is headed for an easy first place finish in Tuesday's Republican primary for Governor of South Carolina.. Haley has a 20 point lead, getting 43% of the vote. Gresham Barrett looks like the favorite for the second runoff spot. He's at 23%, followed by Henry McMaster at 16%, and Andre Bauer at 12%. More

PLEASE VOTE FOR NIKKI HALEY ON JUNE 8th AND IN THE RUN-OFF ON JUNE 22nd .

Men Behaving Badly

2010-06-04T11:53:00.000-04:00

Marianne Pecoraro said:

Having met Nikki Haley, I cannot help but think of Andrew Jackson's wise observation that“One man with courage makes a majority.” The recent antics in the gubernatorial campaign are so far outside the scope of normal or acceptable behavior that it is heard to believe we let our "leaders" get away with this. If these people get away with using their lies to deprive us of our right to choose our government, then we all lose. In the midst of this mess, we observe one woman with courage. Let us help her make that majority by voting for her, and making sure all our friends do.

RALLY IN THE ALLEY FOR NIKKI HALEY

2010-06-03T19:59:00.000-04:00

YOU ARE INVITED

Saturday, June 5th

THE ALLEY

11:30am – 12:30pm

to meet

NIKKI HALEY

Leading Candidate for Governor

Proven fiscal conservative

Friend to business and champion of small business

Leader for accountability and transparency

Committed to reforming education

Free BBQ and Drink

Dirty Politics Carolina Style

2010-06-03T10:58:00.003-04:00

I could say a lot but Nikki Haley has said it better. Watch the video.

Nikki Haley Speaks Out on Allegations

2010-05-30T15:15:00.001-04:00