City Council Candidates On the Issues: Jerry Tekac

As we get closer to the April 3 election, Patch is reaching out again to candidates to ask them for their approach to concerns raised by residents in recent weeks. We'll be posting responses as they come in. 

What will be your top three priorities on council?

Jerry Tekac: My top three priorities for this next term include acquiring, constructing and staffing a new Headquarter Fire Station along with re-building the existing Brandywine Fire Station to be utilized as our 3rd Fire Station. Currently the City has sufficient funds to complete the construction phase for both stations but we will need to address the staffing. In addition, the acquisition of the Crowfield Water System and the Oaks Water System from Charleston Public Works (CPW) will need to be addressed during this next term, which will have a dramatic impact on our residents in Crowfield and the Oaks.  While the City is currently escrowing funds from the CPW, the final purchase price will have to be negotiated and a determination on how the City will pay for the acquisition, which will result in lower water rates for our residents in those developments.  Those residents are currently paying 2 to 3 times as much for their water compared to the rest of the City. It is imperative that as your Councilmember, I continue to work to provide those excellent essential services that we have come to enjoy. Finally, I will continue to support our Director of Golf Operations as he continues to turn the Crowfield Golf Course into a successful and profitable asset to our city. Our golf course is huge asset to all of our residents and the success of its operations will provide another reason why our City continues to be recognized as a Great Place to raise a family. 

The council has been split recently on the need to restrict future council actions at the Crowfield Golf and Country Club. What is your position on the course and do you support deed restrictions? 

JT: I have always been firmly behind the operations of the golf course and do support restricting the use of the property with the condition that the control of the deed remains in the hands of City Council. My vote to table the resolution was based on my belief that the deed needs to remain in the control of those that the residents of Goose Creek elect, as they are held accountable to the residents.  I have proposed a compromise to the current deed restriction split and look forward to resolving this in the upcoming months to the benefit of all parties.  In addition, as a member of the golf course, I continue to support the operations of the golf course with my pocketbook, despite the fact it would be cheaper for me to be a non-member, based on the number of rounds I play each year.

Road issues are a frequent concern from residents. But the city isn't responsible for the roads. What role should city council and its members play in transportation?

JT: As an elected official, it is my responsibility to be an Advocate for our residents. We are the ones that our residents should come to, even if we don’t have a direct say in the final decision. We are the elected officials who understand how to navigate the political waters and we have the responsibility to make sure the voices of our residents are heard. The residents that are directly affected by the extension of Henry Brown Boulevard have valid concerns and it is our responsibility to work with the various government agencies to see if those concerns can be addressed and mitigated.

Some residents in Woodland Lakes and Braemore suggested the city purchase nearby commercial property when developers planned a grocery store. Should the city buy land to protect property owners? What else can the city do to address resident concerns?

JT: As demonstrated by the turnout of those residents of Woodland Lakes and Braemorethe City does have steps in place to address the concerns of our residents when development plans are presented to the City. Those concerns are heard and are taken into consideration when projects are presented to the various Boards and Commissions for approval. In addition, City Council will soon be considering a recommendation from the Planning Commission concerning our Buffer Ordinance which will not affect current property owners but future property owners.  At this time, it is not good use of taxpayer dollars to purchase property to avoid development, however if funds do come available that would allow the city to explore this option I would be favor of considering this. 

What else do you want residents to know about your campaign?

JT: I have served the residents of Goose Creek on City Council for the past 4 years in addition to serving on the Planning Commission for the 8 years prior to being elected to City Council. My nearly 25 years of experience in the financial industry has allowed me to navigate the complex finances of the city which will be crucial in the years to come as the City will not have the revenue stream generated from the Tax Increment Financing District that will expire at the end of 2012.

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