As we head into the finish line today on this important race, the question comes down to this: Which of the two candidates offers a vision for a vibrant downtown that is friendly to small business; a vision that protects the crown jewels of our parkways, trees, and historic structures; a vision for thoughtful, deliberate, well-planned growth; a vision of a City government that listens and responds to the people it serves; a vision that understands the importance of openness, honesty, and humility in earning the people’s trust?

Bob Gilbert: Put an End to Costly and Inept Misadventures

If a citizen thinks it would be a good thing to continue the dominance of the Aiken political machine, he/she might not want to vote for Teddy Milner.  If, on the other hand, that citizen thinks that it would be beneficial to put an end to the current city administration’s arrogance, mendacity, malfeasance, and maladroitness, then that person would want to vote for Teddy Milner.  The reign of the incumbent has been marked by costly and inept misadventures in the acquisition and sale of properties, and has fostered an atmosphere of acrimony and secrecy in the public square.  

Bob Gilbert
Aiken SC

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Valerie Wrobel: Taxpayers First

I support Teddy Milner and ask all everyone to vote for her tomorrow, August 22, as Aiken’s new Mayor.  

Our beautiful city is in danger with our current Mayor.  I believe Mayor Osbon started out well and had the best of intentions, but I also believe he has been led astray by a local “good ole boy” network. His decisions over the last couple of years benefit the developers and investors far more than the tax-paying citizens of Aiken.

For example, the City made the decision to sell a right-of-way property for $1 dollar to a firm represented by the city attorney’s law partner, Bear Mountain Realty. The company wants to build a warehouse. Any developer would have quickly paid $50,000 or $100,000 for that needed right-of-way, but no, our city leaders gave it to him for a dollar by arguing about all the money we will make on water and sewer bills will surely be a benefit.  

This is rubbish; we could have had a payment for the right of way AND the funds from the water/sewer bills, but no, let’s help out one of the good ole boys!  Makes one wonder about the motivation? What unspoken rewards are there for all who get these dubious proposals approved? This is just one example, but it’s infuriating and not good for Aiken!

The current Mayor was also in favor of giving away a part of Newberry Street to the city attorney’s law partner(s) & investors. This was not a good idea. There have been way too many conflicts of interest where the citizens have to question over and over again who our city leaders work for. Is it tax-paying citizens or the small group of developers who seem to have their hands in the city coffers? 

The “mass home developments” – where up to 8 homes are on an acre of land are good for no one but the initial developers and builders; they are not good for our area, and not good to suddenly cram 1000 extra students into a school district, etc. 

 One solution if more housing is needed – put them on larger tracts so they can have a private well and a private septic system.  This cost the city taxpayer NOTHING.  The communities will have room for trees and privacy and ultimately hold their value, so it is a sound investment for a young family, for instance.  Need housing for retirees or horse people? Create developments with at least 5-8 acres so there is room for horses!  This type of development would be good for Aiken in the long term.  This mass housing is a scam and destined to be detrimental; as mentioned, it’s only good and profitable for the initial developers and builders, period! 

I could go on and on, but my letter would be ten pages long, so I beg you, please read and investigate before you go to the polls tomorrow, and I feel confident you will surmise that we need a change; we need new leadership, we need a new Mayor for the city of Aiken SC.

Respectfully,
Valerie Wrobel
Aiken, SC

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Don Moniak: Support Preparedness and Improved Governance.

Last Thursday night I attended the Schofield Community Association’s Mayoral forum at the Smith-Hazel center.

The agenda for the forum started with two-minute introductory statements, was followed by a Q and A session involving twelve questions prepared by the neighborhood Association, and ending with audience questions and answers.

The neighborhood Assocation had submitted their questions to the Candidates. Teddy Milner arrived prepared to answer each question, and read her answers in full, stating she did not want to omit anything.

Her answers consistently contained the theme of more citizen involvement in their government, more openness from their government, and better governance. The answers were focused, direct, and marked by a refreshing brevity.

In terms of better governance, Ms. Milner simply stated she would better conduct public meetings, and expressed her support for an in-house City attorney to avoid even the appearance of conflict of interests. Mayor Osbon has not commented to date on this issue, and appears content with the status quo.

In terms of more openness, Ms. Milner committed to avoiding closed-door, Executive Sessions that characterize the approach of today’s City Council. There is no mandate in state Open Meetings law to meet behind closed doors, the law says “may meet,” not “shall meet.”

Most importantly, Ms. Milner maintained her poise and projected confidence in undertaking the task of representing the City and being the Presiding Officer at City Council meetings.

The latter role is often undervalued and overlooked. The Mayor’s primary duty is to lead the legislative process. Public meetings are dominated by the passage, or rejection, of city ordinances. Meetings should not be treated as a necessary means to rubber stamping pre-conceived decisions. They should be a genuine means to gather and consider information on any proposal, any issue, and any proposed law.

At the current time, this does not happen. Decisions are often made long before they reach Council. This is particularly true of projects involving the Aiken Corporation, such as the decision to forgive a $245,000 loan in exchange for Aiken Corporation paying $45,000 to purchase a property for the sole purpose of bridging the gap that otherwise prevented annexation of the new Aiken Steeplechase Foundation property.

While there is a provision in City code to appoint temporary, independent committees strictly to conduct informational public hearings, this option is not pursued and not on the table with the current administration.

Teddy Milner committed to using this option or others like it. That is a commitment to solicit and utilize the deep expertise and knowledge that the City of Aiken and Aiken County as a whole is fortunate to have. The City of Aiken should never be ignoring citizens who come forth and offer their knowledge and expertise to address problems like broken water mains and rusty water.

Don Moniak
Aiken County, 29801