Some exciting discussions in Hartsville

Generally, mayor and city council positions do not generate a great deal of discussion. Someone might say, "I wonder who is going to run?" but then the discussion usually trails off to sports, food or something else. Since it was announced that Mayor Holt is going to be a Family Court judge and not in the running for Mayor, there has been a noticeable increase in discussion about who might be interested in becoming the next mayor.

From a community building, community thinking point of view that is a great discussion to be hearing. Hartsville is (and maybe has been) in a precarious position as a community. Like all municipalities there is a severe pressure on city finances with a budget that is not keeping up with expectations. Unlike ALL municipalities, Hartsville is and has been declining in population, which is not a healthy trend. Also unlike some municipalities there is a significant number of people within the city who have a vision of making Hartsville one of the best places anywhere in which to live. There is that group, many of whom have worked hard for years helping to make things happen, who believe Hartsville offers "something" as a community they do not see or hear about in lots of other communities. So, it is with more than a little excitement that I view these discussions about who might want to run for Mayor.

One of the most exciting parts of the discussion are the names of younger citizens that are emerging from this discussion. Some have been involved in working on committees and working with organizations like the Chamber and Downtown Development to help make the city better and now want to get more deeply involved. Some are newer to the idea of politics but have the feeling they can be among those who can make a difference. There is also discussion about others who have worked hard inside the city for much of their career who now know they can put that experience to use in moving the city forward. The whole idea of people having a vision for this great community we call Hartsville is exciting. The comprehensive plan that was adopted months ago supplies one of the few visions for Hartsville that has been articulated. It will be great hearing from those considering running for Mayor what they see for our community. It will be interesting hearing the growth philosophies or what we call in the grant making business "theories of change" that the people thinking of running for Mayor will be identifying. One thing I discuss, maybe ad nauseum in my observations of Hartsville, is a quote from a former boss and former Chairman of Sonoco -- "When you stop getting better, you stop being good." We have to find ways to continue moving forward, even in times of tough budgets.

We need to find ways to get people to buy into the vision of a forward-looking community that will be inclusive as we strive to become a 21st century living community that has people waiting in line for the opportunity of living and raising famlies in this community. We identify this community as "Hartsville - The Art of Good Living" and we call on residents and visitors alike to "Expect Pleasant Surprises." We need leaders who will continue to work to bring together all of the community capital with which we are blessed to make Hartsville one of the best places in the world in which to live. For some it is now -- but not for everyone.

Filing for the next city election is not until August but it sure feels good to hear the energizing discussion taking place already.