Issues

Education

In today’s knowledge-based economy, it is vital to recognize that learning is a lifelong pursuit. While every citizen needs to have a basic education, the days are gone when one would join the work force after obtaining a diploma and continue in the same career until retirement. It is vital that we ensure both that our children receive a good educational foundation and that our workforce has access to updated training opportunities throughout life.

In Kershaw County, we are fortunate to have an exceptionally good public school system. Not only does it provide our students with a well-rounded and practical education to prepare them for life, but it is innovative in its approach.

Whenever I have an opportunity to discuss the educational system with persons from other parts of South Carolina, or from outside the state, I proudly point to Kershaw County’s leadership in incorporating computer technology in its approach to learning. Whereas other school districts have followed suit, our school system was the first in the state to ensure that every student would receive a laptop computer in the 9th grade, to use throughout more ...

Economic Development

In today’s global economy, one of the most important characteristics a community can claim is diversity. The time when agriculture, manufacturing, or even technology alone could sustain the local economy is fading away. In Kershaw County, we are exceptionally fortunate that our natural resources, small towns, schools, farms, industries, and small businesses all contribute to the economic diversity that allows us to enjoy a high quality of life.

For a long time, Kershaw County has been primarily rural in character. Nevertheless, change is certain, and we are living through a period of transition to a more urbanized lifestyle. In order to accommodate this transformation in the best way possible, our efforts must be directed toward positioning this county to take advantage of the opportunities we are given. Thus we will ensure that future generations will enjoy a quality of life as good or better than our own.

That means that we must recognize how I-20 will continue to bring growth to the area, as industries look for new locations and as more workers seek homes away from large cities. Rather than merely serve as a bedroom community for other cities, or to provide jobs for those who live elsewhere, we must seek a balance that will encourage people to choose Kershaw County as more ...

Environment

One of the greatest challenges each generation faces is how to balance the needs of daily life against the demands of an unknown future. Nowhere is that more apparent than in the stewardship of natural resources. It’s especially important to protect those elements of the environment that contribute to the economy of an area. Fortunately, Kershaw County has a rich natural heritage and a promising future.

The Wateree River has served residents of this area in many ways through the years. Always a source of water and fish for sustenance, the Wateree and its tributaries also provided a transportation route for travelers and goods, power or water for mills and industries, and recreational diversions for persons of all ages. As this region continues to grow, more demands will be placed on the river as competing users require more water. It is important that we are proactive in developing and implementing sustainable practices that will ensure an ample supply of fresh, safe water both now and in the future.

Recreation is an activity that nourishes both body and soul, and Kershaw County offers a wide range of choices. Forests abound for hunters. Lakes, ponds, and rivers provide a variety of opportunities for those who enjoy fishing, swimming, or boating. A canoe trip down Pine Tree Creek creates a magical experience that can’t be captured in mere words. Goodale State Park, Historic Camden, Lake Wateree, the Savage Heritage Preserve, and the many privately and corporately owned tracts of land set in pines, preserved for pasture, or conserved for wildlife and hunting are critical to Kershaw County’s ability to sustain a balance between the demands of modern life and our natural heritage.

Small farms and crossroads communities contribute to a much-desired rural ambiance that has been obliterated in other parts of the state. Many of these farms have been lovingly tended by generations of the same families. We face the challenge of developing ways to support those who strive to keep these farms productive in the face of mounting pressure to develop the land for other purposes.

In addition to its citizens, Kershaw County has many partners in the protection of its natural and historical areas. Among these are the South Carolina Heritage Trust; Ducks Unlimited; Palmetto Conservation Foundation; SC Dept. of Parks, Recreation & Tourism; and SC Dept. of Natural Resources. Obviously it is not only Kershaw County’s citizens who recognize what a special place this is.

Looking into the future, I see promising opportunities for Kershaw County if we plan appropriately with the interests of the entire community in mind. Generations to come will appreciate our dedication to preserving for them the qualities of our home that we value now.

Thanks for reading this note. Now I hope you’ll take a break from the computer, go outside, and enjoy the many wonders our County has to offer!