Joe Clontz, candidate for District 4, Town Council

The economic growth of Pageland is at a stand still.  Town leadership has not made decisions that have allowed for our town to grow and prosper.  We must be proactive.  We need people in positions in our town who want to see our town become the great town many corporate citizens, merchants and residents deserve and expect.  I expect our town council members and mayor to make decisions that will allow our town to be “all it can be”.  We must be in a position to grow by working and planning together, as a team, for that growth.  Being satisfied with the status quo is no longer an option.

The four lane connection between Pageland and Monroe will contribute to our growth but we are not ready for that because of sewer capacity.  We can improve the sewer capacity by working with the Alligator sewer project which could install sewer lines through Pageland along highway 151.  A possibility could be to continue those lines along the by pass up to the NC state line.  Property is available for growth but lack of sewer capacity is preventing that growth.  I believe some annexing possibilities exist that could broaden our tax base and help keep our taxes low.  We also could spend some valuable time researching grants that could help with improvement expense where needed.

Keeping Pageland litter free, removing junk cars and trucks from residential areas, a recycling program, and looking for more economical ways to address water meter reading capabilities should be high on our town’s priority list.  Residents, corporate industries, the town beautification committee and the garden club give of their time to help make Pageland a better place to live and work.  I will always support beautification projects for our town.

During these stressful economic times we must bring our leadership together for the benefit of our town’s future.  If I am elected from district 4, I will work to achieve the goals I have outlined above.  I am ready, willing, and able for this task.

I have lived in Pageland for many years.  My wife, Amelia and I have two children who are married (Lisa and Joey).  We have three beautiful granddaughters, Lindsey, Claire and Jennifer.  I am retired from Springs Industries (Global) in Lancaster, SC where I was in management and had product scheduling and planning responsibilities for one of their largest sewing facilities.  I am an active member of First Baptist Church in Pageland.  I am not a politician but have a desire and a need to give back to my community.