Shawn Pinkston wants to be an engaged and effective leader for District 1

I am running for City Council because District 1 has not received the type of engaged and effective leadership we deserve. Unfortunately, the City has been reactive rather than proactive in addressing the needs of our community. There are multiple projects the City promised that were premised on the new taxes the City would receive from the annexation of Daniel Island. In other words, our taxes would pay for these projects - the money would not come from other parts of the City’s budget. Yet the City has selectively chosen which promises to fulfill while we have continued to pay our taxes. This is simply unacceptable and it will take leadership from our next Council member to hold the City accountable for these promises.
Among those promises was a Community Center with an indoor pool and indoor gym. It was promised in 1995, 1998, and again in 2000. There has been a void in leadership on City Council regarding this project and we are no closer to having a Community Center today than we were 20 years ago. In January 2012, the incoming DINA President said his top priority was to find space for a new community center. City Council was made aware of this priority time and again. Three years later the City still has not located the space, has not approved a design, and has not set aside funding for this important project, despite our community leaders loudly making it known this was a top priority. It will take leadership and a willingness to fight for this project to make it a reality.

Another top priority will be traffic congestion on Daniel Island and Clements Ferry Road, as well as throughout Charleston. Again, this was an issue raised at a community meeting years ago and no comprehensive traffic study has been undertaken. After more than 40 accidents at the intersection of Daniel Island Drive and Seven Farms Drive, enhancements are finally being made. Residents at Beresford Creek Landing have been clamoring for a traffic light for years, yet still have nothing to show for it. Where has the leadership from the City been on these issues?

Freedom Park (behind Daniel Island School) has long been the center of recreation on Daniel Island. For the past eight years, our children have used it during recess, our little leaguers have used it for practice and games, and our fellow residents have used the tennis and basketball courts. Yet a port-a-pot has been the only “restroom” facility. City Council still has not approved a plan to fund this project. Why has it taken so long for this issue to be addressed?

It’s time for a new voice, someone who’s on your side to work to deliver for Daniel Island. As you enter the voting booth on November 3rd, ask yourself a simple question: Are we closer to having the promised projects fulfilled today than we were eight years ago? If you agree the answer is no, then I ask for your support and your vote on November 3rd.

Daniel Island Publishing

225 Seven Farms Drive
Unit 108
Daniel Island, SC 29492 

Office Number: 843-856-1999
Fax Number: 843-856-8555

 

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