BLYTHEWOOD, S.C. — Municipal Election Day is a week away, with several local seats up for grabs, including the Blythewood Mayor seat.
The decision is between incumbent Bryan Franklin and current town council member Sloan J. Griffin.
We asked them what they plan to do if they win on Tuesday. Both said they are focused on growth.
Franklin: “Infrastructure improvement, obviously. We have the same two-lane roads in Blythewood that I had when I was growing up here in the 1970s. Well, the population here has increased. So, infrastructure improvements, widening roads, making sure new schools have appropriate turnouts, working with the school boards to make sure that happens, and then providing recreational opportunities.”
Griffin: “We need to make sure we keep our ruralness while we embrace some of these changes like a SCOUT Motors. We don’t need to build up too much. We need to slow down growth. We need to assess where we are with our infrastructure, with our roads, public safety, monitor crime, that we work with Richland County Sheriff’s Department.”
The biggest change coming to Blythewood is SCOUT motors, so we asked if they support it.
Franklin: “I do, I want to make sure the opportunity for 4,000 jobs ... 4,000 high-paying jobs is a tremendous opportunity. Having said that though, we are concerned about environmental protection, and that it’s done safely and make sure there is no noise pollution and things that would inconvenience those of us who grew up here when it was quite rural.”
Griffin: “SCOUT Motors, I believe will in the end, will be able to bring good things in, some good paying jobs that will enhance some family, but I don’t work for SCOUT, I work for the people of Blythewood, and if those citizens have issues, it is my duty to make sure that they are fully getting those answers.”
Early voting for the municipal election ends on Friday. Election day is Tuesday, November 7.