Reproduced from The
Post and Courier, Charleston, SC (used with permission)
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James Is. alliance plans next step to form town
By: DENESHIA GRAHAM Of The Post and Courier Staff
Originally Published on: 9/20/01
Page: WA 1
Another step toward town incorporation is near completion as the James Island Alliance for Self Government wraps up its petition-signing process.
An estimated 3,000 signatures have been gathered from residents of the island's unincorporated area, according to Trent Kernodle, attorney for the alliance and the James Island Public Service District, which are working in cooperation.
The signatures, about 50 percent more than the minimum number needed, will be sent to Secretary of State Jim Miles in Columbia along with other necessary materials, such as a feasibility study about how services will be provided to residents in the event of incorporation.
Voters in the unincorporated part of James Island agreed to form a town eight years ago, but the city of Charleston sued. The case went to the S.C. Supreme Court, which ruled the town was formed illegally and dissolved it. Since that ruling, state law has changed, and James Islanders are trying again.
According to Kernodle, the PSD said it would continue providing fire, sewer and sanitation services if the town were incorporated. Also, he said, Charleston County has agreed to continue providing police protection.
"The essential services are covered," Kernodle said.
State law says a petition must be signed by at least 15 percent of the registered voters in a proposed area in order to put incorporation on a ballot. Because there are more than 13,000 voters in James Island's proposed municipality, about 2,000 names are needed.
Mary Clark is a member of the alliance and an advocate for town incorporation.
"So far, we have people rushing to sign," said Clark.
However, she admits to encountering dissent. About two or three people out of every 50 want the island to remain as it is, she said.
Both she and Kernodle said that the process toward incorporation is intended to let residents decide if they want their own town or to be annexed into the city of Charleston.
"The people should have a choice," Clark said.
"It's positive either way it goes," Kernodle said.
If people want incorporation, he said, they will start their own town with their own local government. If they do not, he said, the alliance will know that it does not have the people's support and can abandon the effort.
If approved by the secretary of state, James Island can proceed with a referendum for residents to decide on incorporation.
If incorporation were to win out, voters in subsequent elections would choose the type of government and their town officials.
Clark said organizers hope to hold a referendum by the end of the year.
An informational meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 1 at James Island High School.
Residents can ask questions and voice concerns about the incorporation effort.
Reproduced from The
Post and Courier, Charleston, SC (used with permission)
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