Issues

County Government should do three things:

  1. Provide a healthy climate for business.
    • Simplify government permits and requirements.
    • Consolidate where possible the necessary "stops" for permitting.
    • Minimize fees.
  2. Promote Economic Development.
    • Ensure adequate infrastructure for potential development, i.e., Roads, Water Systems, Sewer Systems, trained work force.
    • Make available needed incentives.
    • Use community leaders and volunteers to help "sell" Spartanburg to Company prospects.
  3. Direct a County staff that is efficient and responsive as public servants to ensure public Health and Safety to all citizens.
    • Our local government employees must be experts in their field, i.e. knowledgeable and efficient.
    • The first impression of our community is many times made at a local government office. Our staff should be friendly, helpful, and part of the team to "sell" Spartanburg.
    • Provide a quality of life attractive to current and potential residents.

Spartanburg County has undergone a steady growth in recent years, and we need to not only keep up with this expansion, but to plan for the future. We need to continue to improve our infrastructure, particularly the roads and sewer systems, without putting additional burdens on the taxpayer. The money should come from a larger, broader and more diversified tax base.

One way to provide a healthy climate for business in the County is to offer tax and infrastructure incentives for new and expanding businesses. We need to look further at minimizing regulations. Some regulation is necessary, but not to the point of forcing companies and individuals to make their investments and create new jobs elsewhere.