Blacksburg councilwoman intends to seek third term

In most cases, business and pleasure do not mix effectively. But don't tell that to members of the Blacksburg Town Council.

"We don't always agree, but we love each other," said Blacksburg Town Councilwoman Janie Wilson. "All of us have had a good relationship through the years and a lot has been accomplished."

"They work real well together," said Blacksburg Town Clerk and Treasurer Dell Bagwell. "They think of the town's residents in their decisions and are professional about it."

A lot has been done for the town during Wilson's two terms as part of the town's governing body, but she knows in order for her and the council's vision to continue to take form it will take the help of the people she represents.

Wilson does not plan to let her constituents down any time soon, preparing to run for a third term as representative of Blacksburg's 4th District. Her seat is one of two being put on the line in March, along with that of District 3 councilman Steve Wilson.

At the moment, it is unknown whether Steve Wilson will run for a second term. On the other hand, Janie Wilson said she is "100 percent" sure of her intention to try and keep her council seat. And, she said, she hopes her fellow council member will do the same.

"Oh yes, I love (Steve Wilson) with all my heart," Janie Wilson said. "I don't know what his plans are but I hope he does come back to work with us."

One of the items on the town's "to-do" list is completing the sale of the Blacksburg Gas Company to York County Natural Gas. Voters approved the sale in a Nov. 4 referendum.

"The sale of the gas company, in my opinion, is one of the first things we have to get done," Janie Wilson said. "A lot of things are important, but I believe that is up there."

Luring businesses to the town is also a priority, though the country's current money crisis is taking its toll.

'Right now, our deal with Bojangle's is on hold because of the economy," Janie Wilson said. "But we'll continue to keep trying to get businesses here despite those issues."

S.C. Highway 5 also has the potential to be a hot attraction for businesses, Janie Wilson said.

The councilwoman ran unopposed the last time her seat was put up for election in 2005, while Steve Wilson won the District 3 seat over former councilman Jack B. Borders.

Offices held by Blacksburg Mayor David Hogue and councilmen Joe Ross (District 1) and Mike Patterson (District 2) will not be up for election again until 2011, which will be the first to coincide with that of the Cherokee County School Board.

Candidates for district council seats must reside within the district in which they plan to run. There is a mandatory filing fee of $100.

If you have any questions on which district you live in, call the town office at (864) 839- 2332. Candidates wishing to file or who have questions may also call the town office.

Voters must be registered to vote at least 30 days before the election date. To register, contact the Voter Registration Office inside the Peachtree Centre at 1434 N. Limestone St., Gaffney. The voter registration office telephone number is (864) 487- 2563.