Growth issues fuel debate in Republican primary

By Adam O'Daniel - Adam O'Daniel

E-Mail

Comments (0)

Text Size:

tool goes here

If elected to a second term, Smith said he'll work for a special tax district to pay for better fire service, especially in the Lake Wylie area, where he says paid, daytime staff is needed in addition to volunteers.

"These guys should not have to risk their lives away from their families, then worry about where the money is coming from, standing on the corner holding a boot," he said.

Stiles cites long ties to area

Bill Stiles, the Lake Wylie real estate broker, isn't using the harsh rhetoric about Smith -- he agrees with him in several areas, including Pennies for Progress and the Allison Creek plan -- but said he relates better to the public because of his lifelong ties to the area.

"I've seen where we've been and where we are now," said Stiles, who was raised in nearby Gastonia, N.C., but whose family roots run generations deep in the Bethel communty. "I'd like to be more available to the public."

Stiles, who lost to Perry Johnston in a contest for the same seat in 2004, said one of the first things he'd like to do, if elected, is organize a workshop for local contractors. He said small, local firms are qualified to do county work, but they often can't win county contracts -- required by state law to be awarded to a low bidder -- because they aren't educated on the bidding process. He said a workshop teaching businesses how to bid on a county project would make York County contractors more competitive with national firms.

"We can help educate the local contractors, and it will keep those tax dollars in York County, putting dollars and labor right back into our local economy," he said. "I think our local contractors should have an advantage."

Stiles is also an ardent supporter of a special tax district to generate money for better fire protection. He said the taxes would be offset when the rural fire departments get better insurance ratings thanks to newer equipment and more staff.

"Right now, our firefighters can't keep up with the growth," he said. "I'm not a big fan of new taxes, but that's one we need."

Stiles said he'll support another round of Pennies for Progress, but only after the roads already promised are completed or under way. He also wants to look at expanding recreation opportunities across the county. He said Lake Wylie and Clover residents need more ball fields and community center-type facilities. He suggests the county investigate allowing a private firm to manage fields and programs and sell advertising to generate revenue.

"We'd have to look at all the legal issues, but I think it's worth exploring," Stiles said. "I think the willingness is there to improve recreation. It's just a matter of finding the right pieces to the puzzle."

York County Council members serve two-year terms and are paid $14,664 annually.