Mayor Presents State of the City address (By Philip Dunson, Published March 09, 2011)

HARTSVILLE–Mayor Mel Pennington addressed an audience of 329 people Monday on a wide range of topics, including achievements in education, crime, the economy and a potential city-wide recycling initiative in what was said to be Hartsville’s first ever State of the City address.

Throughout the 15-minute speech given inside the Watson Theatre of Coker College’s Elizabeth Boatwright Coker Performing Arts Center, the first-term mayor cited the community’s resiliency and compassion and urged its citizens to look toward the future.

“The state of the city is in progress,” said Pennington, dressed in Navy Blue suit and customary bow tie. “We are changing for the better, and though we have a lot of needs, we have an amazing amount of resources.  We should never get discouraged. …Despite any and all of our differences we agree that Hartsville can be improved—we don’t give up on this city.  By moving forward, together, towards that collective vision of a better Hartsville we can exceed the limits of our own expectations.”

Pennington, who was welcomed with a standing ovation after being introduced, referred to U.S. Constitution when explaining the reason for holding the address. He cited the president being required to give information to Congress in regards to the State of the Union and said this should also be true on a local level.

“I am an advocate of accountability and transparency of government,” said Pennington. “I was elected to lead and that gives me a responsibility to communicate the city’s agenda, to be open about its operations. I owe the community and I have an obligation to address concerns.”

The mayor went on to explain that the city has had a most eventful first few months of the year. In 2011 the city and its residents have already had to endure a highly publicized assault at a downtown business in which a person was assaulted and the store set on fire; the retirement of long-time Police Chief Tim Kemp; and a fire that severely damaged the Agrium Rainbow Operation fertilizer plant on Valentine’s Day.

“In the first few weeks of 2011 we have faced incredible challenges, but those challenges revealed our strength—our faith—in each other and in our community,” said Pennington. “We have seen tragedies and disasters, both natural and unnatural, and we have rallied to provide shelter, aid and compassion for our neighbors.  In the first few weeks of the New Year I have witnessed an outpouring of love, people banding together during trials, quite literally, by fire, and like gold it has only made our values stronger.”

Pennington then addressed several areas in detail in which he said the city is working towards improving, including beautification and technology.

He cited the City Council passing a nuisance ordinance that will prevent property owners from allowing their yards to grow wild with a gross amount of weeds, bushes and undergrowth.  He said the city has over 75 condemned houses slated for demolition starting in this summer and received $400,000 in grant money from the EPA for the revitalization of former industrial and commercial sites.

“Unkempt lots and abandoned buildings create fire hazards, provide venues for crime, and lessen the value of our homes,” said Pennington. “They are public eyesores and infringe on rights of others to have a safe and beautiful community.”

Pennington then said that he had met with Sonoco officials to discuss the creation of a city wide recycling initiative “to keep Hartsville beautiful for our children and our children’s children.”

“We also need to think of beautification in a broader sense, and do more to help the environment,” he said.

In the area of technology, Pennington said the city has explored the creation of a city-wide fiber opticnetwork.

“We have sought government grants to fund the implementation of an infrastructure that would allow the city to provide fast internet access, high-definition cable and a dependable phone service to our own citizens,”Pennington said.

He said city’s finance department has implemented online bill pay which provides a faster, easier, way to pay our utilities. Pennington then cited a $1.5 million grant the city recently received for digital water meters that can be checked wirelessly, increasing efficiency and saving the city money. He also mentioned the implementation of Nixle, an online public safety system that allows citizens to receive emergency notices from the city via email or text message.

The mayor recognized Darlington County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Jerry Thompson, who is presently serving as the city’s interim police chief.

“Under his direction we have seen a greater police presence, including regular door-to-door patrols downtown, increased patrols around the city and checkpoints throughout,” Pennington said. “Our police department is working tirelessly to ensure that Hartsville is made safe.”

Pennington then said that he believes there may be a correlation between increases in criminal behavior and increases in unemployment.

“Many out of work often feel the pressure to turn towards a life of crime, and though it makes their actions no less condemnable we need to understand,” Pennington said.

On the subject of education, Pennington made reference to the recently announced PULSE initiative funded by $5 million from Sonoco. The initiative involves a cooperative effort between Coker College, the Governor’s School of Science and Mathematics and Yale University’s Comer Project.

“This could put our education system in competition with the best in the state and give our children a better future,” said Pennington.

Pennington said he sees many positive signs in regards to the city’s economy.

“I believe with uncompromising faith that our local economy will get better because of its entrepreneurial spirit,” he said. “We are a city filled with passionate people, and by following that passion and capitalizing on their dreams, we create jobs right here in Hartsville.  Our small businesses provide the city a selling point to bigger business and change the perceptions of what one can expect from a small southern town. Large companies will continue to invest in Hartsville after seeing what we have to offer—dozens of community owned and operated businesses that prove we are capable of sustainability.”

Pennington said the city will continue to pursue private dollars or state and federal money. He said that in 2010 the city was able to secure funds for more than $400,000 for water improvement in South Hartsville.  He said last week the city was notified that the fire department has received a grant tor $95,000 to purchase updated equipment.

“This year we’ve made a commitment to more actively seek outside funding for our city,” said Pennington. “We will be meeting with department heads to see what they need to do their job more effectively and develop grant making strategies.  We also want to better publicize the recipients of those grants, their general approach and the reasons for applying.  By doing this we hope to inspire others in Hartsville who have ideas for a program or initiative.”

Before closing the mayor recognized new City Manager Natalie Zeigler. He said that she “has already done an amazing job getting us refocused.”

He also said the city plans to announce the hiring of a special projects manager and create a public information officer position to help the city better communicate its agenda to the people.

Prior to giving the address, Pennington gave thanks to his wife and daughters for their support. He recognized city council members individually and thanked S.C. Sen. Gerald Malloy and S.C. Rep. Jay Lucas for their support of Hartsville. He thanked Coker College for the use of the theatre and said it was “proof of a strengthening relationship, a bridge between the city and the campus.”

The mayor also thanked Sonoco, HilexPoly and Progress Energy for “their continued support of our city.”

Pennington made it a point to thank Hartsville residents and asked for their support.

“Odds are that if you are here you believe in something greater and more consequential than yourself, that you have a vision for Hartsville,” Pennington said. “By attending tonight, by taking an active interest in the state of your city, you have made a commitment to help realize that vision. You recognize that only together can we move forward. With a sincere and unified effort we can forge an even better place to live, work, study and raise our children.”