BELOW IS 2 OF THE MORE IMPORTANT QUESTIONS PRESENTED TO THE 5 CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR OFFICE OF COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT SEAT 26, PREVIOUSLY HELD BY THE LATE DAN RAWLS. THE SPECIAL ELECTION RESULT WILL DETERMINE WHO WILL FINISH THE UNEXPIRED TERM OF MR. RAWLS; WHICH ENDS DECEMBER 31ST, 2014.          THE WINNER OF THE GENERAL ELECTION, HELD NOVEMBER 4TH, 2014, WILL HOLD THE OFFICE OF COUNCILMAN FOR DISTRICT 26 FOR THE FOLLOWING 4 YEARS. THIS TERM BEGINS IN JANUARY 2015.

THE SOURCE OF THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS: bikewalkgreenville.org/district-26-candidate-questions/

    As the Greenville Spinners‘ Advocacy Chair, I received responses from all five candidates which are presented below for your consideration....

1. County Council has created the Roads Commission – and they will be presenting their findings in April.  Do you support Council moving forward with a sales tax referendum for roads for the November 2014 ballot?

Todd W Frederick provided a lengthy response at his website. The first paragraph is also reprinted here:

Thank you for your interest in bicyclists’ safety in Greenville County. As far as my involvement in cycling, in my younger years, I did a lot of it. My wife and I had gotten in to cycling for exercise last year. We at first enjoyed the SRT but found that due to its over crowdedness at times,  we (at times) would be practically ran over by some enthusiasts who were trying to set a new record in reaching TR from downtown. Even on days when it was less crowded, we had the concern of safety from possible muggers. I believe due to the depravity of society to which Gv (and other counties) have slouched down to, I had to make sure I had my 9mm on me when we went riding the SRT. (I have a CWP.) [Please go to twf4cc26.com - Road Improvements to see Mr. Frederick's complete anwers.]

Lynn Ballard: Yes, if that is what Council decides is the best method for funding road improvements.  I firmly believe that any such tax increase should be as a result of a referendum voted on by the people who will be directly affected.

Windell Rodgers: I do support Council moving forward with a sales tax referendum for safer Greenville County roads.  I support and believe that most citizens have watch our roads and bridges continue to deteriorate and sales tax is at least a way to make improvements tour roads.

Buddy Dyer: Generally speaking don’t favor additional taxes on our residents, but if we must raise much needed revenue, I do prefer carefully defined user tax of which the gas tax would be. If the surrounding communities and states have a similar tax then we should carefully consider this tax or we will pay for our neighbor’s improvements and they will have a better infrastructure. If the public rejects this tax then I hope we all realize that we will need to accept the infrastructure we have in place now.

Ed Poore: I understand the plight of the bicyclists and I am in sympathy with their desire to have safe passage on the streets and roads.  I have not been privy to council’s discussion nor the commission’s study of recommended projects and how to finance them.

I will abide by the will of the people if the question concerning raising the sales tax for projects is placed on the ballot.

Lynn Ballard: Yes, if that is what Council decides is the best method for funding road improvements.  I firmly believe that any such tax increase should be as a result of a referendum voted on by the people who will be directly affected.

Windell Rodgers: I do support Council moving forward with a sales tax referendum for safer Greenville County roads.  I support and believe that most citizens have watch our roads and bridges continue to deteriorate and sales tax is at least a way to make improvements tour roads.

Buddy Dyer: Generally speaking don’t favor additional taxes on our residents, but if we must raise much needed revenue, I do prefer carefully defined user tax of which the gas tax would be. If the surrounding communities and states have a similar tax then we should carefully consider this tax or we will pay for our neighbor’s improvements and they will have a better infrastructure. If the public rejects this tax then I hope we all realize that we will need to accept the infrastructure we have in place now.

Ed Poore: I understand the plight of the bicyclists and I am in sympathy with their desire to have safe passage on the streets and roads.  I have not been privy to council’s discussion nor the commission’s study of recommended projects and how to finance them. I will abide by the will of the people if the question concerning raising the sales tax for projects is placed on the ballot.

5. Do you support county funding to expand the Swamp Rabbit Trail?  If so, where will finding come from?  If not, why not?

Lynn Ballard: At this point I cannot give you an adequate answer to this question.  I have not yet studied the County Budget or fund allocations within the Budget.  I support the Swamp Rabbit Trail and think it has added a great deal to making Greenville County an attractive destination to visit and live.  As Greenville County grows I support the expansion of the Swamp Rabbit Trail and as each expansion takes place the funding issue will be addressed at that time.

Windell Rodgers:  I “can” support county funding for the Swamp Rabbit Trail.  However, I am concerned as I am above in

just the idea of funding the Swamp Rabbit Trail.  I have to ask questions and know the usage of the trail as it relates to usage and of course safety.  The trail as we have learned does not always function as intended.  It has been good for the economy is “some” areas and has created traffic.  However I am certain that some parts are barely used.  When we consider underused portions we have to consider the potential for incidences of crime and crime prevention.  These concerns will again create additional costs that at this time are nor a priority for me.

Buddy Dyer: I think we all should all be proud of the efforts to build the Swamp Rabbit Trail. I do not cycle or walk the trail but I certainly recognize the importance of having these recreational sites for our residents. Realize also that the trail is more convenient to the northern part of the county and the southern end of the county, as far as I know; District 26 area doesn’t have the adequate right of ways to build a good trail. As far as expanding the trail we should move forward but we have to consider how important adequate and safe roads and bridges are to our commuters, businesses therefore jobs and economic development.

          AFTER READING THE ARTICLE, YOU CAN ANSWER THIS POP QUIZ: WHICH OF THE CANDIDATES

            RUNNING FOR Gv CC 26 IS FOR RAISING TAXES? (HERE'S A HINT: IT'S NOT TODD W. FREDERICK).