Honea Path Mayoral Candidate Tina Scott Promises Accountability

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

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

I'm running for mayor because I care deeply about our town and the people who call it home. Honea Path has so much heart – but we also have real needs. We need safer sidewalks, better parks for our children, more opportunities for our youth, and leadership that listens and leads with fairness, not favors. I want to bring a fresh perspective - one that's practical, honest, and community-focused. I believe we can do more without always asking for more. By using what we already have more wisely, involving volunteers, and supporting each other, we can move our town forward without leaving anyone behind.

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

I bring a strong combination of community involvement, practical skills, and leadership experience that make me ready to serve Honea Path as mayor. I've taken business courses in college, giving me a solid understanding of budgeting, planning, and efficient use of resources. I also served as the Adjutant for the Upstate Young Marines, where I handled administrative responsibilities and saw firsthand the importance of good record keeping, organization, and accountability — skills that directly apply to the work of managing a town.

Beyond the paperwork, I've spent years working with people – encouraging young people, supporting families, and being a steady voice in the community. I listen, I follow through, and I don't make empty promises. I believe leadership should be fair, transparent, and grounded in common sense. This isn't about politics for me — it's about people. I'm not seeking a title. I'm stepping up to serve, and I'll do it with both my head and my heart.

3. What are three greatest challenges facing Honea Path?

1. Financial Management and Accountability. Our town's budget needs closer attention and clearer oversight. Tax dollars must be used wisely, with transparency and better planning. We need leadership that asks tough questions, tracks where every dollar goes, and finds ways to stretch our resources without burdening residents.

2. Attracting and Retaining Local Businesses – Especially Downtown. We've seen too many small businesses open with hope and close just a few months later. We need to make Honea Path a place where businesses not only want to start, but are able to stay. That means listening to their needs, offering fair support, and creating a downtown environment that draws people in – to shop, walk, eat, and stay a while.

3. Community Involvement and Trust in Local Government. There's a disconnect between the town's leadership and the people. Many residents feel left out of the process or unheard. To move forward, we need more open communication, regular updates, and chances for people to be involved in decisions - not just during elections, but every day after. Trust has to be earned, and it starts with being visible, honest, and accountable.

4. How would you address each of these challenges?

1. Financial Management and Accountability

If elected, I will push for better oversight of how town funds are used. I'll work to:

• Review the town budget line by line with staff and council

• Make sure each department is spending responsibly and with purpose

• Advocate for regular financial reports to be available to the public

• Encourage a more efficient use of what we already have, before asking for more.

2. Attracting and Retaining Local Businesses – Especially Downtown To make downtown Honea Path stronger and more business-friendly, I would:

• Talk directly with new and current business owners about what they need to succeed

• Explore incentives for long-term investment - like discounted utility rates for year two instead of month one

• Focus on beautifying downtown and making it more walkable and inviting for shoppers and families

• Work to host more events, markets, and community gatherings downtown to keep foot traffic consistent

3. Community Involvement and Trust in Government

If elected, I will make it a priority to rebuild trust between the people and the town hall by:

• Communicating regularly through public updates, social media, and open forums

• Welcoming citizen input and ideas-not just during elections, but all year round

• Holding monthly "Mayor's Table" meet-ups for people to speak directly with me

• Setting the tone for open, fair, and respectful leadership that serves everyone — not just a few

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

I see a Honea Path that's growing – not just in size, but in spirit, strength, and opportunity. I see a town where families feel safe and proud of where they live. Our sidewalks are walkable, our parks are updated and full of laughter, and our kids have safe places to grow, learn, and lead. Youth programs are thriving, with mentorship, service projects, and community involvement shaping our future.

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

1. Increase the Number of Active Small Businesses in Town Goal: Grow the number of small businesses operating in Honea Path by 20% over 4 years.

How to track it:

• Track business licenses and permit applications yearly

• Monitor openings/closings with a quarterly report

• Use a simple "Business Retention" list to follow up with new businesses at 6, 12, and 24 months

2. Revitalize Downtown Storefront Occupancy

Goal: Reduce vacant storefronts downtown by 50% in 5 years.

How to track it:

• Start with a visual count of vacant vs. occupied buildings now (baseline)

• Work with the Chamber or business groups to track rentals/leases

• Publish a simple "Downtown Status" update twice a year

3. Host Regular Events to Increase Foot Traffic and Local Spending

Goal: Establish 4 consistent annual events that draw locals and visitors into town (e.g. fall festival, spring market, youth showcase, sidewalk sale day).

How to track it:

• Track event attendance

• Survey local businesses afterward to measure traffic and sales changes

• Use simple social media polls or town feedback to gauge interest and growth

4. Create a Small Business Welcome & Support Program

Goal:

Launch a new-business "check-in" system with a resource packet and town contact to assist all new businesses within 30 days of opening.

How to track it:

• Keep a log of new businesses contacted

• Track how many accept support

• Follow up with them at the 6-month mark to ask about their experience

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

• Policy and Ordinance Review. At this time, there are no specific policies or resolutions I'm looking to change — but I do believe it's time to review and modernize our town ordinances, especially those dating back to 2010. Laws and guidelines need to reflect the town we are today, not just the town we were 15 years ago. If elected, I would work with council members and town staff to go through these ordinances carefully, update outdated language, and make sure they align with current needs, values, and standards. This isn't about creating unnecessary rules — it's about clarity, fairness, and keeping our local government up to date and in touch.

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

I believe Honea Path can grow without losing who we are. If elected, I will work to support development that brings opportunity-but not at the expense of our small-town values, our neighborhoods, or the quality-of-life people moved here for. We need industry and business that fits with the character of our town, not against it. That means:

• Encouraging clean, community-minded businesses

• Prioritizing development that respects our environment and neighborhoods

• Keeping public spaces safe, clean, and family-friendly

• Protecting our town's history and identity while preparing for the future. I want Honea Path to grow in a way that feels right - thoughtful, steady, and centered on the people who already live here. Growth should make life better, not harder.

9. What steps would you take to make sure all citizens of the town have a voice in local government and how would you build collaboration and consensus among council, staff, and the community?

If I'm elected Mayor, I want every citizen in Honea Path to feel heard - not just during election season, but all year long. Here's how I'll help make that happen:

1. Monthly "Mayor's Table" Chats I'll hold informal gatherings where people can speak directly with me — no microphones, no pressure. Just honest conversations.

2. Public Input Before Big Decisions

Whether it's a town project, ordinance, or spending plan, l'll push for public comment to be part of the process before votes are taken - not after.

3. Open Communication Channels I'll keep people informed with regular updates through the town website, social media, and posted bulletins-because knowing what's going on is the first step to getting involved.

4. Supportive Relationship with Town Council

I want to work with the Council, not around them. I'll encourage collaboration, mutual respect, and make sure both council members and citizens have opportunities to bring ideas forward.

5. Citizen Committees and Volunteers

I'd like to invite residents to take part in community committees — from beautification to youth outreach – so folks can be part of the solutions they care about most.

10. Describe your leadership style. My leadership style is people-first, practical, and grounded in fairness. I lead by listening, building trust, and finding real solutions - not just talking about them. I believe in collaboration over control, and I value honesty, transparency, and follow-through. I'm not afraid to ask questions, roll up my sleeves, or speak up for what's right. I treat everyone with respect, regardless of background or status, and I make decisions with both my head and my heart. My goal is simple: to serve the people of Honea Path with integrity and common sense, every single day.

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

How I'd Measure the Success of a Project:

1. Did it help the people it was meant to serve?

2. Was it done on time and within budget?

3. Are people satisfied with the results?

4. Will it still matter a year from now?

5. Was the process open and transparent?

Success isn't just about finishing a project — it's about doing it right and making a real difference.

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

Our youth are the future of Honea Path — and the Rec Center should be a place where they can grow, learn, and belong. Right now, the money it raises goes into the town's general fund. If elected, I'd like to create a separate account so every dollar earned goes right back into youth programs, equipment, and events. With the help of volunteers and the community, we can make the Rec Center stronger - and give our young people a better future.

Let's invest in what matters most: our kids.