FOCUS: In race to move Charleston forward, keep it together

By Leon Stavrinakis, candidate for mayor of Charleston  |  Forty years ago, Joe Riley left the legislature to become mayor of Charleston. We have all been witness to the kind of difference proven leadership can make as we watched him lead Charleston’s transformation into a diverse, economic powerhouse led by thriving hospitality, booming manufacturing, growing knowledge based, high-tech industries and the most unique quality of life anywhere.

Stavrinakis

As Mayor Riley steps away from the stage, it’s time to ask ourselves what we need for our city to continue to be the special place we all love.

To me, the answer is clear: We need a hands-on mayor, a proven leader focused on delivering the best city services and producing results that improve people’s lives through less traffic, safe streets and excellent neighborhoods.

This week I released a comprehensive plan for Charleston. It focuses on six areas that define Charlestonians’ relationship with their city: traffic, crime, schools, government, the economy, and quality neighborhoods.

There was a time when rush-hour traffic was something that just happened in other cities. No longer. As Charleston has grown, frustrating commutes have grown with us. Longer commute times mean less time with family and friends. We must reduce logjams and commute times at known trouble spots like Savannah Highway, Highway 61, Folly Road, Glenn McConnell Parkway, Maybank Highway, Main Road and more.

First and foremost, we must complete I-526. Doing so will have a positive impact on many of our city’s worst traffic areas. I have long been one of the most vocal supporters of this project. As Chairman of County Council, I secured the funding for 526 and as mayor I will work every day to see its completion expedited.

I’ll invest in adaptive signal control technology for better timing of traffic lights on our streets. Using technology will not only cut commute times but it is also cost effective.

And I’ll explore a bus rapid transit system that uses dedicated lanes solely for buses to shuttle passengers quickly through the city to alleviate traffic.

As a former prosecutor, I know the importance of keeping our city safe from crime. I sponsored the body cameras bill this year and as mayor I will oversee its implementation. I’ll ensure that our police and fire departments have access to the resources and training necessary to do their jobs.

As a small businessman, I understand the hard work it takes to create jobs. As mayor, I will make sure city government spends taxpayer money wisely and frugally to help small businesses grow, while maintaining critical investments in roads and neighborhoods. I have balanced seventeen budgets without raising taxes. That strong fiscal record and my proven record on jobs, schools and roads are why the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce endorsed my campaign for mayor last month.

As mayor, I’ll expand the success of Charleston’s Digital Corridor, build on tourism while protecting our neighborhoods, and cut bureaucratic red tape at city hall.

As a product of Charleston public schools with three children currently in public schools, I know how vital a strong public school system is to the success of Charleston’s growing economy. As mayor I’ll be an outspoken advocate for our schools. I’ll fight for universal pre-K and more funding from Columbia. I’ll work alongside our city’s high schools to make sure students have the necessary training to work summer jobs and are ready to meet the employment needs of our local businesses. I’ll partner with our local colleges to make sure the degree programs match up with local jobs so graduates can stay right here in Charleston.

Plans are easy to make but hard to make happen. The difference in this year’s mayor’s race is I have a proven record of balancing budgets, cutting taxes, managing growth, and successfully funding roads, transit and schools.

My parents taught me the value of hard work, service and respecting everybody. I learned at an early age that in order to get things done you need to roll up your sleeves and take a hands-on approach to any challenge. I’ll continue that approach at city hall to keep Charleston moving forward, together.

• Read more about my plan for Charleston at www.LeonForMayor.com

Leon Stavrinakis, a state representative since 2007, is a Charleston lawyer who lives in West Ashley. Learn more about his campaign here.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Charleston Currents has offered this space to each of the Charleston mayoral candidates to share their views with readers. Click the “2015 Election” tab at top to see pieces by William Dudley Gregorie, Maurice Washington and Toby Smith. Next week: Ginny Deerin, followed Sept. 28 by John Tecklenburg.