Delcioppo weighs in on District 1 race, supports Gregg

True leadership is a willingness to learn, to collaborate, and to put the interest of those you represent over your own. It is knowing that sacrifices and compromises are inevitable to bring about the most appropriate solution. It is remaining steadfast, present, discerning, and conscientious in making decisions, drawing on past experiences while also having a clear image of the desired future.  

 

Leaders are called upon to make quick decisions and pulled in every direction at the same time. They must obtain knowledge on a variety of issues and be ready, without warning, to answer tough questions. Around the clock, they feel a weight of responsibility for your happiness and quality of life. They want nothing more than for everyone they serve to feel at ease and struggle with the reality this is never attainable.  

 

It is a lot to ask for in any leader, especially those who are elected or seeking to be. Yet, someone with the right intentions and a true heart for service will take on these roles and responsibilities and perform them to the best of their ability and in your best interest.  

 

As I have studied the five City Council candidates for District One, one resonates with me as embodying all described above: Boyd Gregg.  

 

Before Boyd even filed as an official candidate, he reached out to me, and has regularly since.  That initial phone call was not simply an announcement and a “I hope you’ll consider me,” as many tend to be. It was a phone call that was an actual conversation. Boyd asked a lot of questions. He wanted better to understand certain issues and why and how some things are the way they are. He wanted to know the good — and the bad — of being a city councilmember.  

 

We have subsequently had many conversations based on questions and comments you bring to him. He wants to understand deeper and more fully the issues you face. He has a willingness to learn. He has connected with fellow city councilmembers, getting to know them, their personalities, and how they interact with each other, so as to be more effective and collaborative, knowing this is key to delivering results.  

 

He is not making assumptions or jumping on a political bandwagon. He gets it: This is a nonpartisan position and there’s no room for the (D) and (R) back and forth when it comes to ensuring police and fire arrive quickly, your roads and bridges are safe, our flooding is mitigated, our cost of living and affordable housing are kept under control, and our zoning and stormwater are reflective of a sustainable Charleston.  

 

In addition to these personality traits, Boyd brings invaluable experience as an engineer. This incredible skill set would be an asset to the City Council, especially as we tackle infrastructure and flooding. Boyd designs and builds infrastructure, including pump stations and drainage systems for municipalities across the country, including previous work in Charleston. This insight will help residents and his colleagues on the Council better understand the inner workings and complexities of such projects, including their seemingly endless timeframes and how to control costs. 

 

We as residents of District 1 are called to make a decision on Tuesday, Jan. 11. Our decision needs to be someone who reflects our values and priorities. That person, for me, is Boyd Gregg.