Dramatic changes are facing the Town of Mt Pleasant as residents will replace half of the current council members during the general election on November 3rd.  It would be difficult for most people to remember a time when so many new faces will be a part of our local government.  Experience will, therefore, be a vital commodity.  I have that experience as I have worked with all three Mayoral candidates as well as the incumbent council members as a Department Manager for the Town.  There is a full field of willing candidates but mine are the only credentials that possess 15 years of active government work.  I believe my knowledge, experience and altruistic desire to serve make me the best qualified person to lend continuity and stability to the council.

I was born and raised in the local area, attended local schools and graduated from The Citadel.  I served 26 years on active duty in the US Army, earned an MBA from Loyola University and retired as a Colonel.  My wife Beth and I have two daughters and three grandchildren.  Upon returning home I worked for the Town of Mt Pleasant as the Deputy then Director of the Recreation Department for the past 15 years.  During my tenure our Department was cited as the “Best Recreation Department” in the State of South Carolina for the first time in 2001 and retained that designation throughout my employment.  I was named “Professional of the Year” by the South Carolina Recreation and Parks Association for 2008.

Although I have never been a political activist or run for elected office I am doing so because of my strong interest in continuing to serve our community in a different capacity and I now have the time to devote to this effort.  During 15 years as the Deputy and Director of one of the Town’s Departments, I had the privilege of working at the core of our local government.  I interacted with elected officials on a regular basis in the conduct of the Town’s business.

Traffic congestion remains one of our biggest issues.  I want to continue the on-going plans and efforts to mitigate these problems with creative thinking, wise use of limited resources and common sense solutions.
 

I am a strong advocate of maintaining and expanding the myriad of programs offered, to all ages, through our Town Recreation Department.  Programs for children provide entertaining, healthy and active outlets for energy that result in social development, productive citizens and reduced juvenile delinquency.  Our Senior Center has enjoyed tremendous success with approximately 2000 members.  This success mandates expansion of facilities as well as programs for this vital segment of our population.

I served on the Greenbelt Advisory Board which provided me with further appreciation of the need to preserve as much green space as possible.  I strongly want to protect and preserve our Town’s natural beauty as a crucial element for future generations to enjoy.

For several decades, growth in Mt Pleasant surged ahead of the ability of existing infrastructure to support it. This problem coupled with the downturn in our economy is threatening stagnation within our community.  I believe we need to stimulate growth in order to remain a vibrant, progressive community that will remain an attractive and desirable place to live and raise a family.

As a Department Manager on the staff I gained an understanding and background about much of the on-going activities of the Town.  This insight will enable me to contribute immediately and provide an element of continuity.  I have a long history of public service and I pledge to continue working hard for all of our citizens in order to maintain the quality of life we desire.

I expect this campaign to be a tough one and I need your help.  Therefore, I am writing to request two things:  first, to ask you to consider making a donation to my campaign and second, for your vote on November 3rd.   I appreciate the difficult economic environment which makes your support even more critical to getting my message out.

Thank you for your interest in my website.  Please feel free to communicate with me concerning any questions or issues that you would like addressed.

Contributions or contact may be made to the following:

                                           Ted W. Summerford
                                           1070 Loyalist Lane (Snee Farm)
                                           Mt. Pleasant, S.C.   29464

                                           Phone:  843-881-1632
                                           Cel:  843-991-5204
                                           Email:  tws1070@comcast.net

Ted W. Summerford
1070 Loyalist Lane (Snee Farm)
Mt. Pleasant, S.C.   29464
Phone:  843-881-1632 Cell:  843-991-5204
Email:  tws1070@comcast.net

This site last modified on: Tuesday, October 20, 2009

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