To The Editor:
Usually when I attend county council meetings, there may be only one or two others attending. However, at this past January meeting the council room was crammed (even had several standees) with lawyers and representatives of the historical society. It appeared both groups were there for self interests.
First the lawyers wanted to retain some facets of the courts to remain in the courthouse and not move them to the new judicial center. Reasons cited that it was too far out and second, some inconveniences had to be worked out or repaired to the justice area. One of the comments was that some of the attorneys had purchased their offices near the courthouse, and it would be inconvenient to travel out to the justice center. Whoa!! Ladies and gentlemen, going that extra distance might be beneficial to head, heart and health. Where were all of you when the justice center first became a viable idea? It seems that self interests have overcome practicality. Perhaps the historical society could work with both the city and county to enhance the courthouse building and its famous urinal to put it to a practical self funding viable use.
Next the historical society has come, hat in hand, asking for monies as assistance to partially cover the up front needs of $62,700.00 to start on a JV Martin project which they broke down as follows: initial expenses of $5510.00, initial security of grounds and buildings of $6250.00. In addition, $26000.00 for initial security and weatherproofing the auditorium, then funding for an architect’s preliminary feasibility study of $25,000.00. They iterated such pie in the sky aims as state wide tournaments, exhibits, grandiose meetings. Sounds like champagne tastes on a beer salary. Some $20,000.00 of this funding to come from the accommodations tax fund.
Is this the same group that took up much needed customer parking spots and restricted modernization, upgrades and viable assistance to downtown businesses and property owners?
Maybe they can come down to earth and do something realistic and economical with the courthouse. Perhaps the state tourist bureau could co-sponsor exhibits leaning towards law, justice and trials from throughout the state.
We have had some really interesting trials both state and local.
Dan E. Gruzka
1224 N. 24th Ave.
Dillon, SC