2016 is certain to be both an exciting and challenging year for the City of Clinton. As we have closed the books on the old year and look to the new one in front of us, most people find it helpful to set a “New Year’s Resolution” or goals to help start the new year. As your mayor, I have also set forth a list of objectives I hope the city council and I will be able to achieve: 1. Continue to work on establishing new recreation facilities for our citizens. At our December council meeting, council voted unanimously to provide up to $70,000.00 for the development of Sterilite Park on land donated by Sterilite on Highway 72. This park has the potential for walking trails, public fishing and picnic areas for our citizens. Council is excited to work with the Laurens County Trails Association and other groups to make this project a reality. The city’s recreation committee continues to work on building the first city-owned recreation facility for athletics. 2. Visualize our industrial park. In order for our city to thrive and become an even better place to live, council has, and I feel sure, will continue to invest in economic development, making Clinton an attractive place for new businesses and industries to locate thus creating more jobs. In December, city council voted to hire an experienced economic development director to lead our effort to recruit new industry to our city. A key word in the previous sentence is the word “experienced.” Marvin Moss has many years of experience working in economic development. With Marvin on board, I feel confident the city will see great improvement in the area of economic development in 2016. 3. Explore all options for the removal of dead, dying and diseased trees throughout our city. These trees are both a danger to city power lines, homes, vehicles and people on our sidewalks and streets. It is crucial we investigate the possibility of removing dangerous trees before they cause a power outage, personal injury or property damage. 4. Continue to evaluate our relationship with the Piedmont Municipal Power Association (PMPA) and seek alternatives to provide our citizens with affordable, efficient power. The hot summer months are over but rest assured summer will be here before we know it. In order to avoid a repeat of last summer’s power bills, I am renewing my commitment to finding a way to bring this problem to a halt, and I hope other members of council will join me in this effort. 5. Completion of the Frontage road. After over a decade, the road, upon completion will connect Highway 72 near Fatz Café to Highway 56, still remains unfinished. I feel confident that 2016 will be the year this road is completed and ready for development I look forward to what’s in store for the City of Clinton in 2016 and look forward to working with our council, city manager, and staff to make Clinton a great place to live, work and play. But, we cannot do this without you and your support. 2016, Bring it on! (Bob McLean is mayor of Clinton.)
