Honea Path Mayoral Candidate Dr. Jimmy Smith Says Experience, Wisdom Needed in Office

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Early voting for the July 15 special election to fill the seat of mayor of Honea Path is not open. Voters can cast their ballot at the Anderson County Board of Elections and Registration Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Early voting will end July 11.

The Anderson Observer interviewed the three candidates seeking to fill the seat.

Dr. Jimmy Smith

1. Why do you want to be mayor of Honea Path?

I want to be mayor to guide the Town of Honea Path through the unprecedented projected growth by using common sense, knowledge, experience and wisdom and the ability to form bonds with surrounding cities, counties, state and federal officials.

2. What experience and skill sets make you the best candidate for this position?

My experience with city government for 53 years and 30 as a department head has allowed me to learn and take part in budgets, planning for the future, and developing relationships with surrounding cities, counties and state and federal officials. I have also learned skills to listen to citizens and help with resolutions to their problems.

3. What three things greatest challenges facing Honea Path?

  1.  Economic development

   2. Quality of life

   3. Healthcare access

4. How would you address each of these challenges?

I would address these challenges the following ways:

1. Economic development is imperative to create new jobs and expand the

     Population which will lead to more business, more tax base and a more marketable Honea Path.

  2.  Must maintain a positive quality of life. I.e. Affordable housing for all,

        Improving infrastructure for growth. In order to maintain quality of life the following must be grown as the town grows: Public safety, water/sewer, roads, recreation facilities/parks and town government offices.

   3. Health care access must be improved to include increasing primary care facilities, improved mental health care and adding skilled care facilities.

5. What is your vision for Honea Path for the next 5-10 years?

My vision for Honea Path is to attract new businesses and industry to increase jobs. Also to promote Honea Path as a prime bedroom community due to iur unique location. I want to improve city services with increased growth.

6. What specific, measurable goals do you have for the town’s economic development and how would you track progress?

My plan for Economic growth is to increase both business and residential numbers through controlled and planned expansion. These would increase both the assessed property value and population which are measurable goals.

7. Are there any current town policies or resolutions you would significantly alter or eliminate, and if so, why?

City policies and ordinances will be reviewed and updated as needed.

8. How would you balance quality of life and preserve the character of Honea Path with new development and industry?

Using the Planning/Zoning Commission to plan and control new development with the zoning ordinances.  Also, the central downtown district needs a makeover to preserve the small-town atmosphere and to make it more marketable.

9. What steps would you take to make sure all citizens of the town have a voice in local government?

All citizens will have a voice in local government by the following: transparency, honesty, and an open-door policy to the mayor’s office. Also citizens will be invited to attend monthly council meetings.

10. How would you build collaboration and consensus among council, staff, and the community?

Consensus among the council and community will be done by using council committees which in turn will increase contact with the council. Committees include: Public safety, public works, parks and recreation, and finance.

11. Describe your leadership style.

My leadership style is based on honesty, integrity, and transparency to gain public trust. I will listen to the citizens to get their views  on issues.

12. How do you measure the success of a project?

Project success has 3 phases:

   1. Inception of the project

   2. Planning the project

   3. Completing the project

   To move from inception to completion all boxes must be checked to measure the success of the project.

13. What else do you want people to know about you?

I am a roll up your sleeves and get to work type of person. I will be straight forward, honest, and always willing to listen to all citizens.

1971 graduate BHP, BS Clemson University,  1975, Master’s of Science Clemson 1977, 1981 MD at Medical U of SC at Charleston, 1984 American Board of Family medicine diplomat, Honea Path Fire Dept. 53 years of service, the last 30 as chief. Practiced Medicine for the past 42 years retired 2024. Served 2 terms Anderson County School Board and chaired the finance committee. Served on board of visitors Medical University of South Carolina.