Willis, Holland, Woodard leave city of Florence in good shape
Published: November 20, 2008
Florence Mayor Frank Willis and city council members Bobby Holland and Rick Woodard have ended their careers serving the city on council.
And all three have done a good job, and the city is better off for their service.
And everyone should thank them for all the time and effort they have spent to make city government better and the city a better place to live.
And it was good to hear them tell the Morning News that they still want to work to make this a better place to live and try and find a different way to do that as they move forward.
That’s good news for all us.
It’s certainly worth a review of things accomplished during their time in office.
There are certain projects that it’s hard for some to understand their impact — such as the efforts to build new water and sewer treatment plants.
Without those, future growth not only in Florence but also in surrounding counties wouldn’t be possible.
They cost a great deal of money to build, and it took much foresight to do that.
The water treatment plant is completed, and work continues on the sewer treatment plant.
That’s two huge projects that the new council members and mayor won’t have to deal with as they move forward.
Things are moving forward, slowly, downtown — there have been more than $60 million in projects approved with most of them east of Palmetto Street.
The completion of the Drs. Bruce & Lee Foundation Library and the Florence Little Theatre are two major projects that will have an impact way beyond just those who use them.
There will be groundbreaking in January for the new Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center — a building that wouldn’t have happened without Willis’ leadership and council approval.
City council also worked to get property for the county to use for a new museum.
That’s another linchpin for downtown.
There have been many retail improvements that help build Florence’s tax base.
Willis is also proud of efforts to build a new Florence Area Humane Society animal shelter and more affordable housing built in the city’s low-income neighborhoods.
Woodard told the Morning News he hopes to be able to continue efforts to help those less fortunate in our area.
Holland says he would be happy to use his expertise and experience on a city board.
There are plenty of challenges left for the new and old members of council and the new mayor.
But before too much time passes, it’s worth a review of what has been accomplished and to recognize Willis, Holland and Woodard for their part in bringing it about.
Advertisement
Reader Reactions
To the three “former” elected officals…We don’t want you serving on anything that has to do with the city’s future. Thats why you weren’t elected again…WE DON’T WANT YOUR HELP ANYMORE!! If we did we would’ve voted for you. So you three don’t let the door hit you in the behind on the way out! Ed you are next, you filthy animal. Your the main attraction in the Florence Zoo. Be proud…Give us some more laughs, please.
“...with most of them east of Palmetto Street.“
Palmetto street runs from east to west, so I’m curious how one can build “east” of it? Perhaps you meant east of Irby Street; or perhaps “ON” East Palmetto Street. I find your confusion about this indicative of the inner turmoil you are obviously suffering regarding the defeat your political favorites have suffered. It also shows that you know Florence about as well as you know your readers…which is to say not very well at all. I didn’t comment on the story when it was written out of respect for their contributions, but I feel obligated to do so now since you’ve resurrected this dead horse in the form of an editorial rave, which makes it fair game. Their time was past, and the people have spoken. What the people said is that they want Florence to be made ONE community where ALL citizens can live in peace & harmony. Mayor Wukela is, in the words of the truly Honorable Ralph King Anderson, “a stalwart warrior for progress” who’s been given the opportunity by the people to make this community a better place. That begins with unity & security for all. Let’s give him a chance, shall we? In the times which we find ourselves currently, I believe we have to fix the issues neglected by the previous council (employees, infrastructure, crime, to name 3) before we build anymore temples downtown which only make it easier for the criminal element to network, or find victims on which to prey. Fix things first, then secure what we have, then afterwards continue to build. There’ll be tons of room once the vacant structures start to come down. No one can do everything, and no one expects the council to do it all, either. But they didn’t even try on some issues, or try hard enough. People are very forgiving if they see that you are trying your best, not merely making a show of it. Never forget that the outgoing personalities didn’t get it right enough to satisfy the electorate, or they might not be out of their seats.
This constant clinging on to the “greatness” of former mayor Willis is as sad as a heartbroken teenager writing his ex girlfriend love letters. She has moved on, so has Florence. Willis wasn’t kicked out of office you know. He was voted out. Ask your local police officers and firemen what they think of Willis. Find me one that would endorse his stagnant ideas. Consider this; Buying up land and annexing additional property for the poilce to patrol and protect while letting the workforce stay at mid 1980’s levels was pushing them to the breaking point. His approval of expansion way out past the mall and beyond without breaking ground on a new fire station geographically close to these new homes and businesses. The police never got the 18 officers that he himself said he would approve.
Downtown revitalization has got to be put on hold. It is a 3 headed monster that is eating up time, money, and valuable city council attention. We said goodbye to Frank Willis on Nov 17th. He is gone.
Listen very closely, Harry and the rest of FMN…Willis lost. He’s gone. I know it hurts, but just let it go. There really is no need to run this past weekend’s article all over again as an editorial. We all get it. You wish Frank was still here. You already misse him. It will get better with time…I promise.
Advertisement