Reproduced from The
Post and Courier, Charleston, SC (used with permission)
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James Island voters weigh independenceMonday, May 20, 2002 Tuesday referendum to decide if new town will be created out of unincorporated areasBY JASON HARDIN Of The Post and Courier Staff Tomorrow night, a new town of James Island will exist. Or, it won't. That's the essential decision voters in most of the unincorporated parts of the island will make during a referendum Tuesday, ending an effort that began five years ago when the first town of James Island was dissolved. Town backers say the vote represents their last, best chance to seize control over their own destiny. "I have come to the conclusion that we have sold our heritage for too little for too long and now is the time to vote for us," said Trent Kernodle, an attorney who is assisting the incorporation effort. "It's time we voted for ourselves rather than letting them decide things for us." Opponents, though, say voters might not know what they could be getting into. They speculate that a town ultimately would have to dramatically raise taxes - something supporters deny - and question why adding another level of government makes sense. "I can't help but feel that this island's been led down a primrose path," said Patterson Smith, who organized an anti-incorporation group. The referendum asks voters a number of questions in addition to whether they want a town. They also will decide whether elections would be partisan or nonpartisan; the length of terms for office holders and how they should be elected; and what form of government it should have. Finally, they would choose whether it would be called the town of James Island, the city of James Island or something else. But the issue everyone is focused on is whether a new municipality should be created at all. Supporters say a town would help control growth on the island and give residents more say in regional affairs. They envision a relatively small town government that would continue to rely on the James Island Public Service District and Charleston County for most services. They also say a town would be eligible to receive a cut of revenues, such as local sales taxes, that other municipalities in Charleston County use to lessen property tax burdens. Chiefly, they argue that by taking control of their own affairs, they can protect their quality of life from unwanted changes. But opponents argue that risks outweigh any potential benefits. They say that a town would have to provide new services or pay additional money for services it now receives from Charleston County. They also ask how a town of 20,000-plus people can get by without its own police department, calling that an essential municipal service. Supporters envision hiring a public safety officer and continuing to rely on the Charleston County Sheriff's Office. Opponents also question whether town proponents are motivated by anti-city-of-Charleston feelings, noting the "Just Say No To Joe!" - Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. - bumper stickers sported by some supporters' cars. Smith said the town, because it would be made up chiefly of residential property, not higher-valued commercial property, would have a weak tax base. He estimates that as a town adds services, residents could see their total tax bill more than double. "It's going to be a high-tax town," he said. "There's no question in my mind about it." If a town is formed, a vote for mayor and council would be held on June 18. Two candidates have filed for mayor, and 12 have filed to run for council. Jason Hardin covers the city of Charleston. Contact him at 937-5549 or at jhardin@postandcourier.com.
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Reproduced from The
Post and Courier, Charleston, SC (used with permission)
Return to Kernodle, Taylor & Root home page
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