PICKENS COUNTY — The School District of Pickens County held a rare mid-week meeting recently and the newest members of the Pickens County Council were on hand to be introduced and meet members of the board.

The meeting, held at Tri-County Technical College’s Easley campus, was a breakfast/mixer followed by a board meeting and retreat for SDPC board members and administration. County Council was invited to participate, new and sitting members and all four new seat holders attended.

Roy Costner, Chris Bowers, Carl Hudson, and Wes Hendricks were all afforded an opportunity to introduce themselves to members of the school board and administration.

Chair Judy Edwards commented in her opening remarks the custom should be kept in place moving forward as should be a meeting with the legislative delegation on a regular basis.

The new board members saw it as an opportunity to prepare for their first term as council members and benefit the community.

“In looking forward to joining council this is one of the ways we have of showing the community we are united for them before we even begin serving,” Costner of Liberty said at the July 27 event. “This is a great opportunity to build relationships not only with the school district but also with one another. We’re all from different backgrounds but we all have a passion for the community we live in and our students. I’m excited to begin.”

Hudson reiterated Costner’s message of different backgrounds but stressed those differences didn’t have to lead to indecision.

“We do come from different backgrounds but that also means we bring different ideas and thoughts to the table too,” Hudson said. “Being in a group of differing background doesn’t make decision any more difficult and it has been recognized that a group makes better decisions than an individual because of the need to discuss and compromise. We have a lot of respect for one another and that is going to make a difference.”

Hendricks was optimistic as well about the newcomers’ future on council.

“This is not only an exceptional community but a great group to be working with,” he said. “The future is bright working together and with focus. As long as we communicate well with the community and keep them informed,the future is bright.”

Bowers agreed with Hendricks on the need for clear communication with the community from council chambers as well.

“Communication is essential, especially in today’s social media,” Bowers said. “With so much available people feel left out at this level because the communication just isn’t there. It will be up to us as a group, as county council, to fix this and get the information to the people we represent.”

Although the general election isn’t until November, the newest members of Pickens County Council have no opposition and are awaiting their January 2017 swearing in to go to work.

The newest members of Pickens County Council were invited to attend a breakfast gathering of the School District of Pickens County board where they were introduced. Although not set to take office until January 2017, Roy Costner, Carl Hudson, Wes Hendricks, and Carl Hudson enjoyed a good Southern meal along with an opportunity to chat on the issues.
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_DSC_0083.jpgThe newest members of Pickens County Council were invited to attend a breakfast gathering of the School District of Pickens County board where they were introduced. Although not set to take office until January 2017, Roy Costner, Carl Hudson, Wes Hendricks, and Carl Hudson enjoyed a good Southern meal along with an opportunity to chat on the issues. D. C. Moody | The Pickens Sentinel

By D. C. Moody

dmoody@civitasmedia.com

Reach D. C. Moody at 864-855-0355.