Community Corner

Letter to the Editor: Bill Hearn

Dorchester County Councilman Bill Heard writes Patch about his primary campaign.

I have during the course of the campaign wiped the mud that was slung in my face off and carried on representing the citizens of District 6 as I have done for the previous three years. My belief has been to allow all citizens to question their government and vent their frustrations. As such, I’ve never been one to respond to a letter to the editor, but, unfortunately, it’s come time when my opponent has finally provoked me with lies, deception and unfounded accusations to the point where I feel I need to set the record straight.

I was elected in 2008 to represent District 6. In that time, I’ve fought against increased taxes and fees, the expansion of government and worked to reign in regulations that harm our small businesses as I, myself, have been a small business owner for the past 13 years and know the dangers of big, oppressive government.

Our road projects are taken off – we have no fewer than 7 road improvement and intersection improvement projects that have been completed or are scheduled to be completed soon throughout our district, which includes multiple projects on Highway 78, Central Avenue, Orangeburg Road and Butternut Road.

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Within District 6, we’ve added a new EMS station – that is also the hub for the entire county and made upgrades to the Summerville airport, which is essential to attracting industry and new jobs to Dorchester County. In addition, , which will primarily serve Pine Forest Country Club.

While we’re living in the worst economy in our life time, and the United States has seen its debt rating decrease – Dorchester County’s debt rating has actually improved because we’re doing more with less and setting an example of an efficient and lean government evidenced by our fuel savings and having a better reporting system for take home vehicles of county employees. More importantly to me, I’ve tried to lead by setting an example. I felt as we can’t afford to implement a pay study for our own county employees and as teachers were not receiving cost of living or step increases – it wasn’t right that County Council increased their own pay by 33%. So, not only did I try to have the pay raises rescinded (they were voted in before I took office), I refused the pay increase.

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While I’m not one to attack anybody, especially a political opponent, I feel the need to point out some very clear distinctions. My opponent Roger Goodman has two pending lawsuits against the Dorchester County Magistrate’s office. He has publicly said he would take the pay raise. Even a letter writer just a few weeks ago said, Mr. Goodman has a “sour grapes vendetta.” My opponent himself has said he is only running because I didn’t bend the rules and unethically help Mr. Goodman when he was fired from his county job. I must say if that decision drives an opponent against me — that I ethically acted in good faith — then so be it. I have the faith of the voters to see through Mr. Goodman’s personal attacks, lies and promotion of his own self interest on Tuesday.

Bill Hearn
1712 Congressional Blvd.
Dorchester County Council, District 6


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