Editor’s Note: A few weeks ago, the Dillon County Council approved the members of the Dillon County Public-Private Partnership Economic Development Board. There was some controversy over the matter because while House Representative Jackie Hayes proposed Bo McInnis’ name as his designee for the board, Hayes himself was approved. McInnis has withdrawn his name from consideration. The following is McInnis’ statement on the matter:

I have removed my name from consideration to serve on the new Dillon County Public-Private Partnership.
My appointment by the Dillon County Delegation has caused nothing but controversy within the political circles of the county and has become a distraction that is keeping the county from doing what they should which is recruiting industry with high quality jobs.
Wednesday’s County Council meeting was the latest example of the council not placing emphasis on the importance of the mega site and following through in an expedient manner.
It is not good for anyone when our elected officials put their personal feelings ahead of the citizens just to make a point.
I have made it clear that I oppose the politics of several of the council members, but never have I put my personal feelings ahead of what is right for the citizens of the county as they have.
Our new certified Mega Site is under attack from within. There are certain people in the county and elsewhere that are fighting to keep this from being developed. I wish I understood their motive but I do not. Some will even serve on the new Public Private Partnership.
We can not and will not let them achieve their agenda. I strongly believe that we can get high quality industry here.
It is my opinion that the Mega Site could be the last chance we ever have of fixing our problems of high unemployment, 30 percent poverty, not enough money for our schools, and crumbling infrastructure.
If Dillon County doesn’t step-up and help promote the project and soon the people responsible to making it a reality will go somewhere else that wants it. I promise to fight each obstacle they put in our way until the Mega Site is a reality.
I plan to devote my attention to making PAC (the Dillon County Political Action Committee) as diverse and stronger than ever to fight the people who want to keep Dillon County from being all it can be.
We will get jobs here, and we will allow our children the opportunity to stay and raise their families if they choose.
Join me if you want to see this happen.