Tinkler: Let’s build on our successes

By Paul E. Tinkler, candidate for mayor | For the first time in 40 years, Charleston will be electing a mayor without the name Joe Riley. I believe it is important to explain why I am running as a candidate to be Charleston’s next mayor and to explain my vision for our city.

Mayoral candidate Paul E. Tinkler

I believe in Charleston. It was here in Charleston that Libby and I raised our family. It was here in Charleston that I have found success as an attorney and small business owner. I know Charleston is the best city in the world. Charleston is both a city that I love and a city that has afforded to me countless opportunities. That is why I am dedicated to seeking new opportunities for this city to succeed and thrive.

This dedication inspired me to run for city council in 1998. Serving on city council became one of the most rewarding eras of my life. Despite early opposition, we managed to push for the passage of Charleston’s smoking ban ordinance. Next, we prudently achieved the highest bond rating possible for the city and ensured its stellar financial stability. My principles of leadership are simple: Seeking practical solutions to make my district and city safer and leading efforts to preserve Charleston as a beautiful place to live and raise a family. Achieving these principles are the reasons I am running for mayor.

Charleston’s next mayor must be ready today to tackle our city’s most pressing issues tomorrow. West Ashley deserves revitalization along the Sam Rittenberg Boulevard corridor. Citadel Mall, likewise, needs to be reinvented to meet the growing needs of a dynamic 21st century community.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Between now and the November mayoral election, we are offering an opportunity for each of the declared candidates to write a column outlining why they want to be mayor. Candidates get to pick their publication date on a first-come, first-served basis. Content related to the race is archived here.

Lowcountry infrastructure requires deliberate forethought to handle Charleston’s continual growth. For example, completion of I-526 is a top priority for many citizens. We must ensure that there is adequate housing available to the city’s workforce. We also must ensure that Charleston is both business-friendly and open to innovation. My goal as mayor will be a simple one: Build on the amazing success that Charleston has already witnessed, so our city can become even better.

I believe, and many agree, that Joe Riley has done a phenomenal job as mayor. Most agree that Charleston would not be the city it is today without Mayor Riley’s tireless efforts. Our city is the best in the world, but Charleston is not flawless. Real issues confront the next mayor that will need to lead the way on finding solutions. West Ashley needs revitalization, our infrastructure must be upgraded and tourism issues require more diligent monitoring.

The good news is that these are achievable goals. We already have the best resource at our disposal to build on the best and to make Charleston everything I believe it can be. That valuable resource is the spirit of Charlestonians. I am stepping forth as a candidate for Charleston’s next mayor because I know how great Charleston is, and I want to leave this great city even better than I found it.

You can learn more about my background and my issues at http://www.Tinklerformayor.com. Please feel free to contact me at Paul@Tinklerformayor.com should you have any questions.

Charleston is a great city, and together, we can build on the best!

Paul E. Tinkler is a King Street attorney with more than 30 years of experience. He and his family live in West Ashley.