What a great time to be a Republican! What a great time to be a Florentine!

It appears the conservative wave is starting to spread across South Carolina and the rest of the country. We are poised to retake control of our personal futures, our State and our country. However, we can not sit back and watch the wave. We must be part of it to ensure the momentum continues.

In Florence County, there are several issues in the news that concern citizens.

First is what has become known as "Rustygate". I have gone on record stating that I do not know Rusty Smith on a personal basis. We have passed "How do you do's" when seeing each other and that's about it. Many people say they have personal issues with the County Council Chairman. That's their issues. My primary concern is the process and wanting to make sure the best qualified (hands on, related experience and training) gets the job. We do not need any more scandals and bad press in Florence County.

It's time for us to take care of our own house.

Second, is jobs. The next time you drive around Florence, pay close attention to the number of small businesses that have closed. There has been some new business openings, but I think more have closed. It's always the small local businesses the get hurt the most in slow economies.

Third, most of our schools were amoung the group that did not meet standards and educational goals of several measurement groups. The Timmonsville school system is still in disarray.

The Florence City Council has issues. There is a lot of "fractures" in working relationships on the council. There is distrust and "games played" which harm the overall effectiveness of this body. Council members are all ready lining up to "replace their opponents" on the council.

The County Council is wrapped up in City Administrator situation, accusations of misuse of discretioanry funds, wasteful spending and so on.

With all of the above, one would think Florence is a terrible place to live. WRONG!

Florence is a great place to live and work!

Florence is the home of many opportunities. We have a highway system and airport that nost towns our size would love to have in their area. We have new business coming into the area, such as Otis Elevator. We have land available for development. Interstate 73 will soon begin construction opening up new opportunities.

Florence has Francis Marion University and Florence-Darlington Tech. We have created an Arts and Entertainment District that is rapidly becoming a first class area. Take a look at the Doctors Bruce and Lee Foundation Library, Florence Little Theater, not to mention the awesome FMU Performing Arts Center.

Florence has several organizatons working diligently to revive the Historic Downtown Florence area.

What a bright future we face!

But most of all, we have a citizenry that knows what the word WORK means. We have people all across the county who CARE. We have people who are taking notice and action to make life better in Florence. We have YOU!

Thank you for being such a driving force in our community. Thank you for caring and giving of your time, money and talents.

Yours in service,

Bill Pickle, Chairman

Florence County Republican Party (FCGOP)