Local, Politics, Simpsonville

From the Desk of the Mayor

L/R Rev. Dr. Mike Smith, Simpsonville United Methodist Church, and Lee Ledford, Scoutmaster Troop 700 with Mayor Shewmaker

That went fast. I was sworn in this past Tuesday at 6:15pm and banged the gavel to adjourn my first council meeting thirty minutes later. I hope I was at least a little bit organized but chairing my first meeting had me thinking hard about what I was supposed to say rather than being able to enjoy the moment. I’m sure by my next meeting I will be thinking more about what is being done rather than how to string words together. Even though I was a little nervous, I was really aware of the support of my fellow council members and the city staff. Thank you to everyone who came to the reception and gave me personal words of encouragement.

A lot is already happening. This week the Golden Strip mayors and city administrators are getting together to discuss common goals and interests. Three new mayors! It should be fun, and we definitely have a lot in common. I’m really looking forward to it.

Simpsonville has been the source of a lot of good news lately. The Warehouse at Vaughn’s is coming soon, and it sounds like a great place. Sidewall Pizza is now open in Burdette Central. And if you’ve been down South Main Street you have seen the new section of the Swamp Rabbit Trail coming together. It’s a lot to be excited about. The credit goes to the people who put these things together before I was elected but I want to do everything in my power to keep good things going.

What a wonderful privilege it is to be Mayor of Simpsonville. Thank you again for your votes. I’m totally new at this but let me tell you something special. I’ve been meeting a lot of the City staff as I settle into my new role and I just can’t say enough about the people who work for us. They’re proud of their work, they love this place, and it’s been my privilege to see the enthusiasm and care they have for our fair city.♦

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