Stroupe addresses issues facing county: airport, land use, taxation

DENNIS STROUPE The next representative for Cherokee County Council District 7 must be a VOICE for those represented. We need someone that is involved in and cares about the community, and one who will stand up for the needs of the residents of this district. We need someone that will not continue to play politics but instead will work to move our county forward. As that person, I will work tirelessly to meet the needs of our district and county and will be proactive in speaking out for our district.

I am a life long resident of this county and live in the city of Blacksburg with my family. My wife is Jenny Collins and we have three children- J Andrew, Jackson, and Josie. I currently work for Duke Energy and previously worked for the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office for approximately six years. I am the Vice Chairman of the SC Peach Festival and the Second Vice Chairman of the Cherokee County Republican Party. My wife and I are also involved in various other civic organizations as well, continuously working to see our county move forward. As an employee of Duke Energy, I have helped to provide community service grants offered by the company to eligible organizations. As a part of each of these groups, I always work to make each as successful as I possibly can. I feel that involvement is more than just joining an organization but working to accomplish the ultimate goal.

There are many issues that face Cherokee County Council in the coming months and our next council member has to be ready to face the challenge. While a county employee, I feel that I gained an important perspective that is needed for this seat. I see that there are many needs for the employees and residents of the county. Some of the issues include the airport debate, the need for zoning, double taxation of city residents, and, of course, the landfill. These are not the only issues but are the most talked about presently.

I support the airport and will work to move forward with this project. The airport is one of many items needed to recruit and retain new and progressive industry. The airport, in combination with tax incentives, a more advanced infrastructure, and an educated workforce will help to see the creation of new jobs in Cherokee County.

Our county is going to grow in population, land use, as well as industrial growth. This growth is inevitable-our decision regarding how we address this growth is critical. Zoning is an issue that has to be addressed before land use is beyond our control. As a county we need to identify the areas of our county where we want industrial growth as well as those areas that should remain rural and residential. In doing this, it allows us to resolve issues over controversial development before it arises. We must plan for the future in order to control growth before the growth controls us.

As a resident in the city limits of Blacksburg, I feel the pinch and pain of double taxation. This is an issue that will have to be addressed by both city councils along with county council. This will require a compromise between the two governments and a willingness to work together.

The landfill was, and continues to be, a very divisive issue. I feel this issue was much too important and controversial for seven people to decide. I would have preferred that this HUGE issue went to a referendum for the residents to determine the outcome.

I look forward to the opportunity to serve this district and Cherokee County. The only true promise that I can make is that I will be an ACTIVE VOICE for the citizens of Cherokee County and District 7. Thank you for your consideration and your vote on November 10.

Dennis Stroupe