$10,250: the amount the FD requested for one of their wants in 2016: the Fire Safety House.  We exceeded this goal with a #OneSimpsonville effort that included the city, businesses, citizens, and especially Modern Woodmen of America. City Tax $$ spent: $0.00.

$13,466.36: amount raised via the Raise the Roof Fundraiser for a shelter at the Tater Shed Amphitheater.  Also a #OneSimpsonville effort by citizens, businesses, and the city. City tax $$: $0.00.

$10,000: proposed donation from private donor for additional cost of the shelter at the Tater Shed Amphiteater. City tax dollars that will be used for this project: $0.00.

$280,000: Grant funding earned by the City of Simpsonville towards the Swamp Rabbit Trail (thanks, Steve Moore!).  Granted based on a vision, a plan, hard work, and the #OneSimpsonville spirit.  City tax dollars proposed for use in first stretch of SRT: $0.00.

$20,000: Goal for Sensory Playground Equipment. Goal exceeded. City tax contribution: $0.00.

That’s just what I remember off the top of my head. It leaves a lot out. It totals OVER $593,716. For the record, that’s a 1/4 of the proposed initial cost of the Arts Center that some candidates keep claiming we will have to raid the city coffers to fund.And most of that was done in just around a year.

We accomplished all that because we had vision–a Council majority committed to that vision and finding ways to make it happen. And because YOU, your citizens, want these types of projects to be a priority to improve our quality of life here in Simpsonville.  I will work to make sure we continue in this direction. Some candidates have indicated they will too.  Others have said NO. They claim it can’t be done. It’s up to YOU to decide on November 7th who you want working for YOU. Those who say WE CAN. And work to ensure WE WILL. Or those who say WE CAN’T.  Choose wisely.