Dist. 2 candidates sound off on issues

It’s the most local elected office Lake Wylie has, and it’s up for election. Allison Love and Doug Meyer-Cuno both want the York County Council Dist. 2 seat. Voters will decide between them in the June 14 primary.

Here’s a look at where both candidates stand on several hot topic issues heading into the election:

Question. Should Council pass the Lake Wylie overlay it’s considering, and what should be included if they do?

Love: “Yes! If they had passed it in 2014 when we first brought it before them we would be a lot further along in solving the issues faced by Lake Wylie. The area from the bridge to Little Allison Creek and the area along Pole Branch Road should be included in the overlay. We have a 50-foot buffer to protect the immediate lake shore (residential yards) and we need an approximate one mile buffer to insure that lake quality is not affected by major runoff of mud, etc., due to the clear-cutting of trees by large developers. There is a place for condos, townhomes, apartments, etc. The shore of our lake is not that place!”

Meyer-Cuno: “We have 4,500 homes that will be built in Dist. 2 over the next three to four years; it is essential we take proactive measures to protect our long-term economic viability and quality of life. I would like to see a comprehensive plan approved rather than the current proposed overlay. In its current state, the overlay did receive a first reading approval by four Council members, however, it likely will not pass the second reading. In my opinion, a comprehensive strategic plan which focuses on the overall growth for the Lake Wylie area and York County would include a watershed to protect the lake. It may include possible zoning restrictions within a specified radius of the lake which would limit housing density. Green spaces are necessary to secure our quality of life, preserve the lake, and allow for reasonable commercial development and business development. Business development should be created within the framework of a comprehensive plan as the economic driver.”

Q. What specific steps should the county take to manage residential growth countywide?

Love: “Step one is having an updated comprehensive land use plan. As a committee member for over a year, my biggest concern is that the suggestions we have made, even after being accepted by Council and the planning commission, will not be adhered to. Granting variances from our zoning and ordinance standards on an individual basis weakens our position as a county.”

Meyer-Cuno: “Currently, for every residential tax dollar we raise York County spends $1.45 in services. For every commercial/business tax dollar we raise York County spends 30 cents in services. In order to be economically sustainable long-term, the dynamics must change. We are upside down right now. A strategic York County Comprehensive Plan ought to be created by the county staff and County Council. We should create a vision for our future with a 10- to 25-year plan.

It should try to create zoning ordinances in specific areas that outline business corridors, residential communities, and mix use developments similar to Ayrsley on Hwy. 485 and Hwy. 49 or Ballantyne.”

Q. Should Council terms be extended past two years? Should term limits be instituted?

Love: “I think four years rather than two would benefit the people that live in York County. It can take 10 years to get road construction started on a road already approved by Pennies for Progress. This lets me know how slow things move in government and two-year terms limit what an individual can accomplish. Regarding term limits, as long as we have good people in the community that want to serve, term limits will be a good thing and if term limits are enacted, then four-year terms will be must.”

Meyer-Cuno: “I really don’t have an opinion on extending terms to four years. On one side, four years allows for more continuity, perhaps better planning, and more stable tribal knowledge between Council members. On the other hand, two years is not unusual and seems to work reasonably well. The voters should decide. I am for term limits, eight years is enough for a person to hold a Council seat.”

Q. How would you address a lack of public transportation in York County?

Love: “I am not sure that I would address this at this time. Anytime we spend the people’s money we must be sure that the money is spent efficiently and public transportation may not meet that criteria at this time.”

Meyer-Cuno: “I believe the density level needs to be around 35 people per acre to support public transit. It is my understanding our density is 5 people or less per acre. Public transit at this time isn’t viable or economically sustainable. I would not support it at this time.”

Q. How do you propose encouraging or bringing industry this area, apart from fast food chains and small retail?

Love: “My role as a Council member would be to work with fellow district representatives to make our area attractive. This includes infrastructure, like water and sewer being available and affordable. Small businesses attract people. People attract industry. Industry creates jobs which leads to more revenue that allows us to improve infrastructure. It’s a cycle and Council can aid in getting it started.”

Meyer-Cuno: “I currently serve as the vice chair of York County Economic Development Board. This is one of my passions. It is important to recognize our strength and weaknesses. We must create business corridors with specific industries in mind. We should focus on medical services, call centers and perhaps service centers. Today 62 percent of our workforce commutes to North Carolina every day.

This is not a sustainable economic model. Since we are historically a farming community, I would suggest we encourage industrial agricultural businesses. This could include small farm-to-table businesses focusing on supplying vegetables, herbs, spices, and other crops to the restaurant industry. Tega Hill in Fort Mill is a great example of a successful hydroponic farm.”

Q. What regulations need fixing or nixing to make York County more business friendly?

Love: “I support quality economic development. Any business seeking to grow must consider costs and those costs must not be prohibitive. Business property taxes can be ‘fairer and flatter,’ but we need to be careful about picking winners and losers based on regulations. Everyone with a dream and the willingness to work hard should have an opportunity in York County.

Our quality of life is great here and we need to create an economy that is as attractive for businesses to call home as it is for families.”

Meyer-Cuno: “I would continue to use the “Fee in Lieu” tool to promote capital investment for new and existing companies. South Carolina’s Job Development Credit is also an excellent tool to incentivize companies who move to York County and grow their number of employees with a salary base of $35,000 or greater. If a company doesn’t meet the agreed to employment base, then the credit is nullified.”

Q. Should Lake Wylie incorporate? Why or why not?

Love: “Absolutely not. It will result in higher taxes and possibly weakened and more expensive fire and police services. Many people, like myself, moved here because we love the area and although we are frustrated with traffic and high density issues, incorporation will not fix these problems. I am concerned that impact fees will be considered as a form of revenue and that is not attractive to restaurants and businesses that may consider coming to our area. I also feel that the people in rural areas of Clover will lose much of their quality of life by being part of the town of Lake Wylie. I believe an overlay will benefit all of Lake Wylie and I urge everyone to get behind the overlay currently being considered by Council.”

Meyer-Cuno: “First of all, the County Council has no influence or impact on incorporation. There must be a citizens’ referendum and if that passed it would require something like 65 percent of citizens to vote for it.

I am not for incorporation or against. It seems reasonable to expect your political leaders to fully understand such a complex issue before offering an opinion. Once the committee has vetted the process, has a finalized land mass, states the number of people impacted, the cost to the property taxpayer, and lists the services which would be provided, I would then be ready to make an informed decision. Until then, this is a non-issue.”

Q. As only one voice on a seven-member Council, how do your skills make you the best representative for this area?

Love: “I get along with people. I am a team player. Mutual respect is critical and I would never speak publicly about anyone’s shortcomings or differences of opinion. That breeds ill-will and makes it difficult to accomplish goals for our district.

Team effort goes a very long way toward accomplishing our goals for Dist. 2. I am strong-willed and can present a case that my fellow Council members will understand and agree with. Being on the York County Zoning Board of Appeals has prepared me in many ways for a seat on our Council.

I identify with the people of Dist. 2., from River Hills to the county farms. I value our diversity and look forward to meeting everyone! I hope to raise the bar for York County Council.”

Meyer-Cuno: “I have spent the past six months meeting with numerous groups, met with the fire department, sat in on Carolina Water meetings, recreation and overlay meetings, and other countless events. Over the past several years I have addressed the Council multiple times. Thus, I feel I know Dist. 2 well and have developed solid relationships with the current Council. It is imperative the Council person builds relationships with the other members.

Divisive tactics are short term tools that don’t provide long term strategic success. Trust, credibility, and “say what you do and do what you say” really mean something. I believe these are true leadership tenants and are the foundation of building respect between people of different views. In order to exert influence among other Council members, one has to fully vet an issue, understand the facts as well as the other person’s perspective, and eventually create a win-win solution. I started a business from scratch, I believe my leadership experience, business skills, and my ability to communicate with all people are characteristics that will serve me well as a councilman. Hopefully, the citizens of York County feel the same way.”

This story was originally published June 8, 2016 at 10:55 AM with the headline "Dist. 2 candidates sound off on issues."