The Pickens County Taxpayers Association has for 20 years been involved in our principal areas of work – property rights and just taxation – and related issues. We care about the people of this county and state and work to enhance the health, safety, welfare and education of all those who live, work and raise families here.
We are concerned about the Federal Refugee Resettlement Initiative and the increase in numbers of people in this program and the subsequent increase of cost to the Pickens County taxpayers for school, medical and welfare facilities.
In order to avoid a premature reaction to this important issue much research and discussion was conducted by the Pickens County Taxpayers Association Board. The results of our findings, and in the light of current events, along with the lack of credible examination and vetting of refugees by federal authorities are of paramount concern.
Therefore; we as an Association endorse the recent action of The Governor of South Carolina, Nikki Haley, that the U.S. State Department not resettle any Syrian refugees in South Carolina due to concerns of proper and through vetting.
Our Association endorses the position of the Pickens County Council. Their action was through a budget proviso that counties can participate or not in the Refugee Resettlement Program and their decision was not to participate.
Our Association will continue to work toward a safe and healthy place to live and work for our citizens.
Dan Winchester
Vice President
Pickens County Taxpayers Association