Judge sides with town of James Island
Win against Charleston likely means another trip to state's high court
By David Slade
The Post and Courier
For the first time in a series of court battles that began in 1992, the town of James Island has won a ruling upholding its right to exist.
The Post and Courier
'It's been a long journey,' said Karen Clark Thompson (in green) hugging her mother, James Island Mayor Mary Clark, at the town's offices on Camp Road on Wednesday. In a long series of legal battles with the city of Charleston, James Island's on again/off again future as a town took a step forward with a circuit judge's ruling Wednesday.
The town's third incorporation, in 2006, has been upheld by Circuit Judge J. Cordell Maddox Jr., rejecting the city of Charleston's attempt to have the town's formation ruled unconstitutional.
Two previous towns on James Island were dissolved after Charleston prevailed in court, in 1996 and 2005.
"I'm on cloud nine right now," James Island Mayor Mary Clark said after learning of the ruling Wednesday afternoon. "This is a great day for America."
The city plans to appeal the case to the state Supreme Court. The town had planned to appeal if the ruling went the other way.
"Now, I guess we are on to Columbia," Clark said. "We're in a better state than we have been before."
In the previous court fights, the city won at every step. Each contest was different because different state laws were used to incorporate each time.
"We always knew that this is a matter that would ultimately be decided by the South Carolina Supreme Court," Charleston Mayor Joe Riley said. "We believe that our positions are valid and the statutes are unconstitutional."
Maddox heard the case in April in Charleston and had hoped to issue a ruling by June. His ruling was filed Nov. 7, and the town and city learned of it Wednesday.
Read the ruling
Read the text of the ruling by Circuit Judge J. Cordell Maddox Jr. upholding the incorporation of James Island. (PDF)
Riley said the city will continue the fight because "public policy is strongly in favor of preventing duplication of services, and supporting the orderly growth of existing cities."
On James Island, the roughly 18,000 people who are residents of Charleston and roughly 20,000 who are residents of the town will remain so, getting services from the respective governments.
The ruling does clarify that several dozen properties are not part of the town, including Fort Sumter and Morris Island.
Trent Kernodle represented James Island in court, and said the town agreed to exclude the handful of properties that were not within the "meets and bounds" description of the town found in the incorporation papers.
Previous stories
James Is., Charleston still await ruling on incorporation, published 07/07/08
James Island decision now up to judge; Attorney confident island town will win its 3rd battle with city, published 04/04/08
Clark said she still thinks Fort Sumter should be within the town limits, but she was focused on the court victory Wednesday.
"I'm just elated for our people, who have persevered and fought for so long for a town," she said.
The ruling means the town will be able to keep operating as it has been, overseeing functions such as code enforcement and zoning. Most basic government services in the town are provided by the separate James Island Public Service District, just as they were before the town was formed, and police protection continues to be provided by the Charleston County Sheriff's Office.
The existence of the town allowed local residents to have their own elected government, and prevents Charleston from annexing properties within the area that was incorporated.
The previous two towns formed on James Island lasted about three years each before succumbing to Charleston's legal challenges.
Town supporters frequently accuse the city, and Riley, of having territorial ambitions toward James Island.
Charleston argued that the latest incorporation was, like the last one, unconstitutional because it relied upon state legislation tailored to the town's specific situation.
The city also alleged the town's incorporation papers, a more than 500-page document, was full of errors.
"We are not daunted," said Frances Cantwell, one of the city's attorneys on the case. "I don't think it helps, or hurts, in instances like this, whether you have won at the lower court."
Kernodle disagreed.
"The courts of this state have always been loath to reverse a lower court ruling without a strong reason to do so," he said.
TOWN TIMELINE
DECEMBER 1992: By a 52-48 margin, voters in most of James Island's unincorporated area agree to form a new town. The city of Charleston files a lawsuit challenging the incorporation.
OCTOBER 1995: A circuit judge rules the town was incorporated illegally by crossing over marshes and waterways already claimed by the city, but he allows it to stay in business while the case is appealed.
NOV. 18, 1996: The state Supreme Court upholds the lower court and orders the town dissolved.
APRIL 2000: The General Assembly passes a bill that would let a new town of James Island cross over waterways and marshes already claimed by Charleston, addressing the legal problem with the first town. The movement to create a new town soon gathers momentum.
MAY 21, 2002: Voters choose to form a new town by a more than 2-1 margin. The vote creates the second town of James Island.
JULY 24, 2002: The city of Charleston sues.
FEB. 7, 2003: A circuit judge rules the law that allowed the second town to incorporate was unconstitutional special legislation that did not generally apply statewide.
JULY 26, 2004: The state Supreme Court upholds the lower court ruling, ending the second town.
JANUARY 2005: The town is dissolved. Charleston then moves to annex as many properties on James Island as possible, whose owners request to be annexed. Town supporters prepare for a third incorporation try, aided by state lawmakers who approve new incorporation regulations beneficial to the town.
JUNE 20, 2006: James Islanders living outside the Charleston city limits vote by a 3-to-1 margin to again form a town. Charleston sues.
NOV. 7, 2008: Circuit Court Judge J. Cordell Maddox Jr. rules in the town's favor. Charleston Mayor Joe Riley says the city will appeal to the state Supreme Court.
Reach David Slade at dslade@postandcourier.com or 937-5552.
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Comments
Tides (anonymous) says...
Little Napoleon and his Gestapo seriously need to get a life.
After all the baloney with the Charleston Nine, I have no respect for nor trust in the liar.
November 20, 2008 at 2:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tides (anonymous) says...
JUNE 20, 2006: James Islanders living outside the Charleston city limits vote by a 3-to-1 margin to again form a town. Charleston sues.
Riley doesn't care. Riley is an excellent example of why people are sick and tired and fed up with many politicians.
November 20, 2008 at 2:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
carolinapanther (anonymous) says...
Tides, you have no idea about the problems this so called town of james island is causing for the entire charleson county. All you care about is getting away from riley, that just proves you dont have a clue what your talking about. It has nothing to do with Riley but what is best for the citizens of charleston county.
November 20, 2008 at 3:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
carolinapanther (anonymous) says...
This so called fake town is taking money away from all of Charleston county, this affects not only the City of Charleston, but North Charleston, Folly Beach, Mount Pleasant, Isle of palms, etc. And the sad thing is that the people have no idea, they have been brain washed into thinking that Riley is evil and the only way out is to form their own town. Now they have to live with piss poor service from this crappy fake town of james island.
November 20, 2008 at 3:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Creeker01 (anonymous) says...
Spoken like one who would presume their own will upon those who have been attempting to choose their own destiny.... since you know what is best for other people.
Taking $ from all of Chas. County?? Nearly as much as the City of ???
Riley is the Emporer for Life. Can anyone please explain to me how a Real Estate Agent hasn't made any personal profit from inside information about ie, where the next Subdivision will be built... ???
November 20, 2008 at 4:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
carolinapanther (anonymous) says...
Creeker01, you are blinded by your hatred toward Riley, you cant see what is really happening. Quit looking at it as james island vs joe riley. Look at the big picture. The city of charleston has been around for hundreds of years, you are trying to compare apples to oranges. Its to late for people like you, your already brain washed into thinking that this fake town is really going to work. Talk to me when you have your own police department and not begging for help from charleston county.
November 20, 2008 at 6:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
I have no dog in this fight, but the attitude of carolinapanter seems closely matched w/ that of Riley, & frankly, most politicians: A self righteous disdain & disrespect for the opinions & wishes of the regular masses (i.e. the citizens).
The arrogant presumption that all of these thousands of people have been brainwashed ("against Riley") & cannot think for themselves is an interesting perspective indeed.
November 20, 2008 at 6:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
LOL....
CarolinaPanther.....I like your PASSION!! You may want to join ME!!
HOWEVER....!! When this fake town realizes that their trash is ENERGY that will generate TAX REVENUE and that they can LEAD the effort to CLOSE DOWN Bees Ferry Landfill...LOOK OUT !!
Carolina Panther....if you would be so kind as to go to www.startech.net and read about the Plasma machines for generating TAX Revenue for this fake town. This is going to be great to WATCH....! That mayor and council will look at their trash as money and every trash truck as a PIRATE ship!!!
Hmmm... Hydrogen to SELL....Heat for turbine to sell ENERGY.....recycled Heavy Metals to SELL......and Silica sand to help repair local roads to SELL !!!
This is going to be like watching the first SHOTs at FORT SUMTER....only this time is will be against DHEC, BIG RAIL, Electric CO-OPs, County Council, and THIS NEWSPAPER...!!!
LOL....LOL !!! Yee Haa!!!!
This Judge should be kissed...!!!
I may pin a METAL on HIM...!!!
November 20, 2008 at 6:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ColdBud (anonymous) says...
Good Job to the people of James Island!
November 20, 2008 at 6:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
What's even more pleasing is that this will cut out the BIG TRASH haulers..........!!!
LOL ...LOL !!
Think of the FUEL this will save because those trucks will not have to drive all the way up to BEES Ferry..!!! The city just needs to find a Recycling Center location..!!
Hmm....Let me get on Google Earth Right NOW !!! This is NOT Rocket Science !!!! Use a County Tax MAP !!!
LOL ....LOL !! LOL !! I Love IT......!!!!!
When 1 City Does it....the rest will FALL !!!
November 20, 2008 at 6:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
Now....WHAT do you think the city will try to use the ENERGY...FOR ???
November 20, 2008 at 6:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lillycollette (anonymous) says...
Quote: "The courts of this state have always been loath to reverse a lower court ruling without a strong reason to do so," ...
WHAT???
HaHaHaHa!!!
(Confound it all! It really does hurt when ya laugh too hard!)
November 20, 2008 at 7:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cwmcpa (anonymous) says...
Mr. Riley has a (D) by his name and the will of the people means nothing to him, as long as it goes against his desires. He will use the courts to overhtrow the will of the people because after all in his world they are nothing but a bunch of stupid sheep. To assert that James Island should not be a town because it will hurt Charleston county is a fantasy. Mr Riley is more concerned about tax revenue. Beware his next move will be to increase the one half cent sales tax to one percent. This is another issue of Mr Riley's he would not let the will of the people stand but had to keep pushing until it passed. There has never been a tax that JOe did not fall in love with.
November 20, 2008 at 7:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
As a resident of the city of Charleston, I resent joe's interference in the affairs of Jim Island. He has already bastardize JI thru incorporation of many of the more desirable (tax rich) sections and made JI incorporation difficult. I say to joe - clean up your own mess, before you start interfering in other peoples lives. Then if you feel so strongly about this issue, use your own money (not tax payers money) to fight it.
November 20, 2008 at 7:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
cwmcpa.......BINGO...great COMMENT !!
MAYOR RILEY......I highly suggest YOU start looking at a "Interprative" recycling center for the MAGNOLIA Project area near the PLANNED Transit station to let your visiting tourists LEARN of the efforts YOUR city is making in turning YOUR City's Garbage into ENERGY!! to be SOLD back through the POWER GRID !!!! www.startech.net !!!! Are YOU looking for TAX REVENUE Mayor Riley..!! Do you know what TAX FREE Muni-Bonds ARE ??!!! Are You going to EDUCATE YOUR Citizens ??? Yeah...Father knows BEST ??!
November 20, 2008 at 7:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Speedy (anonymous) says...
I'd like to know just how much money Riley has spent on these battles over the years. It will certainly offset the property tax revenue he hopes to gain by snatching up James Island.
As far as I'm concerned, the City of Charleston should be limited to the peninsula.
Just leave James Island alone. If the town can't succeed on it's own, then Riley can offer a hand to residents who want to annex themselves, but not before.
carolinapanther- I'd love to know how JI is taking money from the county.
Please tell me how JI is defferent from McClellanville, Ravenel, Hollywood, Megget, Lincolnville, etc, who rely on the County to provide some services, such as law enforcement.
November 20, 2008 at 7:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
GO ....Neponset...GO!!
We need to get in Riley's Face and let him know that WE are on to this charade...!! He knows his TRASH is ENERGY and that Bees Ferry and the Incinerator are HISTORY ...!!! This is a struggle between BIG RAIL, DHEC "BRASS, Waste Management CEO and BOARD Members, Boyz from New Jersey, Electric CO-OP CEO's, Campaign FUNDING Lobbyists, and BIG Diesel or OIL !!!!!
NEPONSET.....our budget for diesel here on FOlly Beach is roughly 500K I think. I wonder what it is for the City of Charleston or James Island?? What if that diesel was GROWN by SC FARMERS ???...instead of sending that money to Chavez or Ahab the Arab ?? Watch this neponset.....
http://cc.pubco.net/www.valcent.net/i...
Did you hear OBAMA or McCain talk or STUMP on this at all during the campaign ???
Neponset.....get ready for the biggest FIGHT since the CIVIL WAR between city, county, LOCAL Judges and DHEC...!! We will see just how much of a "FREE" Judicial system we have when this goes all the way to the State Supreme Court in Columbia. Honorable Jean Toal (Chairwoman of the SUpreme Court) will come out looking like JOAN of ARC !! If she survives.....
November 20, 2008 at 7:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
a_set_love (anonymous) says...
Posted by a_set_love on November 19, 2008 at 9:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by carolinapanther on November 19, 2008 at 5:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The so called town of James Island is a big joke. They dont even have police service, they rely on Chas County to bail them out on many issues. This so called town dont have any leadership, or even provide the services that a town should provide. The real losers in this case is the people that live in this so called town. They are the ones that are not getting the proper service that they deserve. They got brain washed into thinking that they dont need the City of Charleston, they will soon find out if they have not found out yet that they are getting screwed.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Seems the city of Charleston residents are the ones getting screwed.
50+ million to stop flooding in the city of Charleston.... most spent south of broad, for the rich and famous.
The City of Charleston residents pay a minor fortune for Charleston and Berkley County Sheriffs Dept - police protection but the City wont allow them to work within city limits..... They have to make do with Charleston P.D.
High taxes are forcing good jobs to flee the city of Charleston.
November 20, 2008 at 7:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
DAVID SLADE.... we have to have a cup of "Pipin' HOT Joe" here soon !!!
You are all over the DART Board.....keep it up though !!!
Who was that reporter that broke WATERGATE ??
Will You be the one to break TrashGATE, DieselGATE, ...and what ELSE ?? Come ON ?!!
I know you can do it !!!!
November 20, 2008 at 8:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
a_set_love (anonymous) says...
City of Charleston residents - You have to ask yourself the big question.
Why is the City forceing you to pay for a city police dept, a duplication of services, when you allready are paying for Charleston and Berkley County Sheriffs Dept police protection.
Are the residents of the City of Charleston, so rich, that they don't mind or notice the monies spent and wasted on attacking the Town of James Island.
I hope you do realize that maintaining a seperate city police, for the pride of Charleston is costing you MILLIONS of dollars.
The Town of James Island is doing it the right way.
November 20, 2008 at 8:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
Mrs. Mary CLARK..... NOW comes the EASY Part of Educating your Residents on generating TAX REVENUE instead of imposing MORE property TAXES !!!
I'm sure you do NOT want to do that ??!!
Come on Mary.....look at your Trash !!! When can you get a BOND referendum on the BALLOT after you educate your Citizens...??? Isn't there a couple of CHURCHES and Bishop Gasden on Camp Road ??!! I think you might want to get out and take a WALK up and down Camp Road on Sunday Morning??!!
Mary....what a PERFECT name you were BLESSED with.....!
The Lord works in wonderful ways..........
November 20, 2008 at 8:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nelsnjef (anonymous) says...
It's just a shame to me that Mayor (Been In Office To Long)Riley doesn't respect the will of the people who have voted as well as the rest of you on here who have posted as being against the Town Of James Island. It's a shame that these people have consistently voted to have a town of their own and everytime their will has been thwarted except this time and I pray the State Supreme Court will uphold this latest decision and I say to Mayor (BIOTL) Riley you can't take care of downtown and until you can leave James Island alone !!!
November 20, 2008 at 8:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
Zoomru
Thanks, I think.
I listened to the video and it sounds interesting. I didn't like the part about the process producing lots of CO2. We have a new president and he is committed to alternate fuels, lets see what he and the folks with the sharp pencils (business people) come up with. At the present time, up to 10% of our gasoline is alcohol, presumably produced from US cereal grains - not from Brazil. There is a cost here to the consumer in the form of higher costs for cereal based food stuffs.
November 20, 2008 at 8:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
Residents of JAMES ISLAND.....it is your DUTY to educate YOURSELF.........!!!!!!!
Government OF the people, By the people, and For the people.......NOT
OF oil, by OIL, and FOR oil....!
OF rail, BY rail, and for RAIL....!
OF coal, by COAL, and for COAL....!
OF lobbyists, BY lobbyists, and FOR lobbyists...!!!
NOW is the TIME......UNITE !!!!
N O W !!!! (Fist POUNDS, POUNDS, POUNDS!!!!)
All Subdivisions......
All Churches.........
...educate yourself...!!!!!
www.startech.net
www.valcent.net
www.unimodal.com
www.selsam.com
...is DHEC looking OUT for YOU ???
...is OUR state Leaders looking OUT for YOU ???
...is Mayor Riley...????
..WILL..Mary Clark ?????
November 20, 2008 at 8:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
Neponset...... please listen to it AGAIN !!
IT TAKES CARE OF...CO2 !!
It actually solves that PROBLEM too !! Trees are green and use CO2 and so does ALGAE !!!
Watch it again...
November 20, 2008 at 8:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
Neponset....
Its.. sequestering Carbon Dioxide !!!
sequestering means "To remove or set apart" !!
November 20, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Larz13 (anonymous) says...
Ways for the City of Charleston to make up for the lost tax revenue from James Island:
1.) Have North Charleston annex Westside and North Central and parts of Eastside and West Ashley.
2.) Put a toll booth at the end of the James Island Connector to enter the city. While we're at it, stick it to the folks in Mount Pleasant and put one on the Ravenel Bridge too (just because!).
3.) Place a tax on all non-city residents that use its medical facilities.
4.) Sell off the public housing project between Beaufain and Queen Streets at market rate.
5.) Sell the naming rights to Joe Riley Stadium to Piggly Wiggley or Johnny's Suzuki. 'The Gene Reed Toyota Field at Joe Riley Park'--there we have it!
November 20, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlestonian (anonymous) says...
If corrupt Joe would let the citizens vote on whether or not they want to continue spending there money on fighting James Island, I'm sure he wouldn't like the results. Corrupt Joe should be brought up on corruption charges and misuse of city funds.
November 20, 2008 at 8:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nelsnjef (anonymous) says...
It's a shame that the Mayors of Charleston and N Charleston want to annex every piece of land they can get their hands on when they cannot manage the crime and poverty stricken areas in their own cities!!! Shame on Them !!
November 20, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
Zoomru
I looked at it again and it did say sequestered. I guess we are off topic, but I will pursue biology 101 - plants absorb CO2 and produce O2. Too bad we produce more CO2 than the plants seem to want. Don't forget that when these fuels are used they will produce CO2 and it won't be sequestered.
Back on topic, JI - I hope you prevail.
November 20, 2008 at 8:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
Charlestonian.....
When residents learn about their Tax Revenue from their TRASH not being used; but instead having rail, coal, developer, and lobbyists funds coming around the backside to fund campaigns and Bribe officials to keep OUR landfills OPEN....LOOK OUT !!!
Lawyers on both sides will have a field day on whose DIME ??!!
We are getting CREAMED both ways..!!!!
November 20, 2008 at 8:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
Neponset....THANKS for watching..!!
Now we just need to educate the REST of the STATE; since the Post and Courier doesn't seem to want too! ...Nor does THE STATE newspaper or the Greenville NEWS or any other Newspaper in the STATE.....I WONDER WHY ??!!
Hmm.......
November 20, 2008 at 8:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eatmorecollards (anonymous) says...
I hope the SC Supreme Court takes into consideration the piecemeal annexation of James Island by the City of Charleston which has created a unsafe situation for the citizens of James Island. One look at a map showing the boundary lines will explain the situation. Its only a matter of time before someone suffers tragedy due to a confused emergency responce.
November 20, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
Wow. Idiocy reigns supreme in my hometown area. I hope James Islanders are happy in 10 years when the town starts flexing its bureaucratic muscle by heavily taxing them to obscene levels, claiming that it had to raise taxes for more "services". Same thing happened in N. Charleston. Look at the monster it is now.
Here's hoping saner heads will make the right decision at the higher court.
November 20, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MP (anonymous) says...
Carolinapanther, you are not too up on economics and taxes, are you? If the Town of James Island- and these are people who voted for THEMSELVES- wants to become a town, it affects Charleston County no more than if the City of Charleston annexes this area. It is their right to choose their destiny, not yours or the bullies, Riley and Charleston City Council, to decide for them. Last I heard this was still a democratic republic we live in. Of course, we'll see what happens over the next four years with professed socialists running the US government.
November 20, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
Well...Look who is on the Charleston Regional Developement Alliance Board.??
A who's WHO of .......
How do they get their funding ???
What does their businesses USE ???
ENERGY...!!!
COAL is 38% of OUR state's energy..!! How does the Coal get here ?? BY diesel Fuel or OIL !!! Hmm....what if that diesel was GROWN right here by ALGAE Bio-diesel FARMERS ??? Instead of Chavez or Ahab the ARAB ??
Who is holding UP Mass transit in OUR state? RAIL, DHEC, CO-OPS, and SC Dept of Education "Brass" that are protecting a single revenue stream right back to foreign OIL !!!!
Who is holding up the CLOSURE of all Landfills in this STATE...?? The exact same Cronies and trial Lawyers that We KEEP RE-ELECTING !!!
November 20, 2008 at 9:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
a_set_love (anonymous) says...
Posted by icbmman on November 20, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow. Idiocy reigns supreme in my hometown area. I hope James Islanders are happy in 10 years when the town starts flexing its bureaucratic muscle by heavily taxing them to obscene levels, claiming that it had to raise taxes for more "services". Same thing happened in N. Charleston. Look at the monster it is now.
____________________________________________________________
I know that the taxes in the City of Charleston are really high. Thanks to retail and industry, taxes in the City of North Charleston are a lot lower.
The Town of James Island is doing it just the right way.
November 20, 2008 at 9:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wjhamilton3 (anonymous) says...
Charleston County suffers through massively fragmented government. We have over 20 municipalities and special purpose districts, including five on James Is. (if you include Folly Beach and the County. Six if you include the school District. There are Six municipalities East of the Cooper.
I think James Island would have been better off if they had incorporated back in the 1970s. At least the entire island would be under one Government.
In the end, all of this confusion makes it hard to hold any one government or official responsible for the condition of the community. There are over 10 police and fire chiefs, each with their own office staff, in the county. At least 13 different planning departments and zoning systems.
If you're conservative and like efficient government, the total overhead for this is huge, though each part appears small. If you're liberal and like government that is competent and has resources, this isn't that either. If you want to be sure your cousin has a job, this gets that done, but it can't recruit high paying jobs.
What are the chances of filling 150 to 200 representative seats in municipal governments with first rate talent, plus the huge number of boards and commissions each government has?
The Town of Mt. Pleasant is broke, and planning massive budget cuts. It's recruited almost no industrial or employment producing tax base in the last eight years and lost a considerable part of what it had to other communities in the area. With the building boom ended, it's only real industry is at a standstill.
If there is a big winner in Charleston County, I can't find it. Four or five major municipalities would have probably served the area better.
November 20, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
iceman1978 (anonymous) says...
I live on James Island but I'm in the Charleston city limits. I'm glad that the ruling went the way it did. The main purpose for the Town of James Island surviving is to prevent overdevelopment on the island itself. It would be nice if all of James Island could be its own town. King Joe was on the news last night and he just seems to cocky and arrogant that it makes me sick. Of course, I have no respect for the man ever since the Sofa Super Store fire.
November 20, 2008 at 10:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LEYH (anonymous) says...
Congrats James Island! Let's hope this one sticks. If you want to get out from under King Riley's thumb, you have every right to.
OK now how about Johns Island? I would love to see the same thing happen here. Now that King Riley has done almost all the damage he can on James Island, he is now sucking up Johns Island property and trying to force a toll road right through the middle of the island against the residents approval. Johns Island unite.
November 20, 2008 at 10:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
a_set_love (anonymous) says...
After all the smoke has cleared .... there are methods in state law to leave the city of charleston and join up to the Town of James Island ..... Developing Story...
November 20, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
a_set
As a WA guy, I like that news.
November 20, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mkris (anonymous) says...
Why should the plantations not support the city house? its been this way forever. Joe just wants to farm James Island.
November 20, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tides (anonymous) says...
carolinapanther,
I see you are another psychotic that loves to attack other posters (including me). Please, get help.
November 20, 2008 at 11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Trapper81 (anonymous) says...
Well, fellow James Islanders it looks like we will continue to get no public services or basic town amenities as we have not gotten any since this "town" was incorporated. For any of you who live on a dirt road, as many James Island residents do, you better set aside enough money to buy a new set of shocks every 6 months. Also, you better hope that you don't need an ambulance to pick you up, have a fire at your home, or get a delivery from UPS or FedEx... neither ambulances, fire trucks or delivery trucks can venture down the destroyed and neglected dirt roads found on James Island.
For whatever faults the City of Charleston may have, I will say this for it... when we were part of the City of Charleston, our dirt roads were in great shape and were graded on a regular basis. Now I am going to need to get dentures in the next few years because my teeth are going to be shaken out of my gums due to driving to and from home.
A question for the "Town" of James Island... where did all of our tax money go to? Were we James Islanders not promised that we "would get all of the property tax money that the City of Charleston had been taking back in our pockets because the "Town" believed that the people should not be taxed so much"? I don't know about anyone else, but I have not seen a dime of this tax money and I am not sure what the "Town" is spending all of our money on other than expensive legal battles. The money sure has not been spent on James Islanders.
November 20, 2008 at 11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tides (anonymous) says...
lillycollette,
It's no secret that the SC Court System doesn't abide by the rule of law.
Remember, Senator Glenn McConnell got involved to put that little tyrant in his place.
What is it about short people that makes them so overly aggressive anyway? I don't care what Riley has done in his 30 years. He gets a paycheck from all of us for doing a job. Riley, however, is NO saint.
November 20, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Trapper81 (anonymous) says...
WAKE UP CALL: For everyone posting about people being "pro Joe" or "anti Joe", please look past the politics here. Many of us actually LIVE on James Island and this actually affects our lives. Look past all of the political bickering and side-taking and see that the Town is not doing its job for those of us that actually live here.
This is not a political candidate issue - this is James Islanders not getting any services and getting thrown to the side by this new town. If the town did its job, kept its roads in decent shape and quit spending all of our tax money on expensive litigation, then I would be all for the town.
At the end of the day, however, the town of James Island is neglecting those that it claims to be fighting for. My road is in shambles because there is no money for town upkeep - all of the town's money goes to the mayor and the town's attorneys. How is this helping James Islanders? Please elaborate.
November 20, 2008 at 11:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
a_set_love (anonymous) says...
Trapper81 - "when we were part of the City of Charleston" I still don't understand what you are attempting to say. If you were annexed into the city of charleston and "they" came out to grade your street what is different?
You are still in the city of charleston.
For now.
November 20, 2008 at 11:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
>
No, they're not. At least the north city has uniform boundaries and no confusion to its geographic area (unlike JI). The north city is also relatively self-sufficient with its own police and fire...all those services had to be achieved through raising taxes. One of the original arguments to found N. Chas was to prevent higher taxes. They came anyway. The north area is also the center of crime in the Chas metro region and has virtually uncontrolled development throughout its city limits, which you and others here usually abhor.
The support for this pseudo-town defies complete logic, especially since it comes from supposed conservatives who usually prefer beneficial, unfragmented, and unnecessary government. Instead, we have significantly redundant bureaucracies, on JI and throughout Chas County. Other similar-sized cities in the state like Columbia and Greenville don't even have the same amount of redundant governments in their areas.
As Trapper correctly pointed out, the pseudo-town will basically sit and do nothing while taking revenue from the local sales option tax that is given to ALL COUNTY CITIES (sorry to totally disprove your argument MP, but facts sometimes hurt). The bureaucracy will take another chunk from the pie while doing nothing to improve the quality of life around JI.
November 20, 2008 at 11:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
And as far as the initiative for current city residents on the island to annex out of Chas and into the pseudo-town, I can't find another piece of legislation more idiotic. What the hell, let's just ban cities altogether!
It is no wonder this state still revels in mediocrity and stupidity.
November 20, 2008 at 11:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Trapper81 (anonymous) says...
Posted by a_set_love on November 20, 2008 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Trapper81 - "when we were part of the City of Charleston" I still don't understand what you are attempting to say. If you were annexed into the city of charleston and "they" came out to grade your street what is different?
You are still in the city of charleston.
For now.
a_set_love: Last summer, when the Town of JI began operating, the County of Charleston stopped grading any and all dirt roads on JI. They informed James Islanders that the Town would be responsible for such maintenance to roads. Apparently the Town did not know exactly know the level of responsibility that they were taking on and they have not graded the roads since last summer. Some have been graded once, some have not been graded at all since last summer.
Call Charleston County and they will tell you this. Call the Town of James Island and they will tell you this. The Town will also tell you that they realize that the roads need to be graded, but that they do not have the money to do it.
There are over 90 dirt roads on James Island. All of them have been affected by this. And when I say that the roads have potholes that are 2 feet deep I am not exaggerating... go check some of the roads out.
When I say that UPS will not deliver packages to my home, I am not exaggerating... they will not deliver packages down my road because the road is too difficult to navigate.
This is a serious matter that requires serious attention. It will be too late to address the problem when someone is not taken to the hospital soon enough because the ambulance could not get down their road to pick them up.
November 20, 2008 at 11:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
FOLLOW the MONEY ..Citizens !!
In the grander scheme of things; its all about ONE FORM of ENERGY !!! OIL !!!
If James Islanders LEARN about the Tax Revenue from the selling of their trashes ENERGY back through the POWER grid to generate City TAXES !!!! Instead of going to a Methane Tapping Landfill (Bees Ferry??) to benefit a business getting free energy at the tax payers expense...LOOK OUT !!! When they look at generating TAX revenue off of the Island's trash.... oh BOY !! When they see those recyling trucks and see city REVENUE !!! What would it help PAY for.??
That's right....FIRE HOSEs!!...Free trash pickup?? ...city Salaries??... BUT maybe, just maybe something ELSE..!!
I wonder how many FARMERS on James Island would want to Start producing OUR own ALGAE Bio-diesel to run the JAMES ISLAND SCHOOLS !!!!
How much is the FUEL Budget ...on JAMES ISLAND..alone ??!!
Come on James Island....I will personally get out and get the support of FOLLY BEACH RESIDENTS !!!!
We sure would like to PLASMA-fy our TRASH to generate ENERGY to sell back through the POWER GRID!! We would love to put ALGAE Bio-diesel fuel in our TRUCKS to bring to YOUR RECYCLING Center instead of trucking it all the way up to Bees FERRY and burning all that Foreign Diesel!!!
Unite..... (Fist POUNDS!)
November 20, 2008 at 11:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
Mrs. Clark and Mr Qualey...(I think)
EDUCATE...your citizens !!! Don't hide under your DESK like RILEY...!!
Don't suck up to WHO...??!!
Get out in front of this issue...!!!
NOW!!!!
November 20, 2008 at 11:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
Icbm man
Looks like the word "idiot" and its various forms is your favorite word. Why don't you lighten up or other folks might resort to some name calling and it might not be nice. May I suggest the word "ringer".
November 20, 2008 at 11:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Whopper (anonymous) says...
Keep up the good fight Mayor Riley. It's clear those scattered properties they call a town are not viable and they only formed to force the rest of us to pay their dues while they drive into the city everyday for their paychecks. Such cheapness should not be allowed--if they were a town, they would have been incorporated many, many years ago.
Spend all the $ necessary to win this one. Ms Clark and her cronies are delusional. She even claims Fort Sumter - - what a joke; she has never studied the history of this area and is an outsider. She could not even run a hot dog stand much less a real city. Fight on, Fight on. Make them pay their fair share and stop sucking off the bossom of Charleston and its hard working class who have provided prosperity to all in the metropolitan area.
November 20, 2008 at 12:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
Neponset, there is no "nicer" term to define what is being seen here as void of any intelligent, or logical thought. And I'm hardly name-calling to any individual. I reserve the word "idiot" and its various forms to describe the policies and ideas of this pseudo-town.
Granted, these are strong words to describe the situation, but there really is no suitable alternative.
November 20, 2008 at 12:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
exorcist_pencocky4u (anonymous) says...
A vast majority of people living on James Island want their own town.
The City of charleston has long since outlived its usefulness.
Step one to improve the Tri-County Metro Area should be to disban the Charleston Police and Fire Department. These workers can easily be absorbed into other more quailified Departments around the Tri-County Metro Area. (50+ unsolved murders in the city of charleston - Way to go CPD)
Step two would be to spread any new hospitals throughout the entire Tri-County Metro Area.
Step three is the eventual unincorperation of the city of charleston.
Step four ........
November 20, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
And yet, the word "idiotic" still comes to mind after this post above...
November 20, 2008 at 12:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gamecockcougar (anonymous) says...
I think Riley should be in Obama's cabinet, he has done so much for this town. He is a great man.
November 20, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
exorcist_pencocky4u (anonymous) says...
The Town of Mt. Pleasant and Charleston both seem to be racing head long toward financial ruin, if they don't change course fast.
Larz13 has some useful points.....
"Ways for the City of Charleston to make up for the lost tax revenue from James Island:
1.) Have North Charleston annex Westside and North Central and parts of Eastside and West Ashley.
2.) Put a toll booth at the end of the James Island Connector to enter the city. While we're at it, stick it to the folks in Mount Pleasant and put one on the Ravenel Bridge too (just because!).
3.) Place a tax on all non-city residents that use its medical facilities.
4.) Sell off the public housing project between Beaufain and Queen Streets at market rate.
5.) Sell the naming rights to Joe Riley Stadium to Piggly Wiggley or Johnny's Suzuki. 'The Gene Reed Toyota Field at Joe Riley Park'--there we have it!"
November 20, 2008 at 1:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
At what point did anyone think that big government considered the wishes of the governed. Big government thinks that they know best. What they have is theirs, and what they do not have is negotiable. If Charleston or any government were so wonderful, people would be knocking down doors to get into their limits.
November 20, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
Icbm man
Not everyone is as articulate as you, and sometimes, in their passion, things don't come out as well as they intend, but to label them as idiots is just a little extreme. This is the playground of ordinary folk - lets be civil, and save your all knowing/superior attitude for another place.
November 20, 2008 at 1:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
Neponset, again, I have not called people names...but I have insulted the things they've said. That should be perfectly acceptable. There are ideas and statements which can be considered unthoughtful or unintelligent. If the person presenting the argument is not articulate in stating their position, that is not my fault; it is up to the debater to present their case in the best possible manner. If all they can do is spout redneck statements and cliches, then they need to educate themselves on improving their presentation.
Sorry, I didn't know that common sense was an "all-knowing/superior attitude".
As I've said many times in my posts, common sense is not so common anymore.
November 20, 2008 at 1:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
exorcist_pencocky4u (anonymous) says...
icbmman - Other similar-sized cities in the state like Columbia and Greenville don't even have the same amount of redundant governments in their areas.
â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'â-'
Silly me, all this time I thought there where 10+ cities and towns within 5-10 miles of Columbia. Places like Lexington, Cayce, W.Columbia, Forest Acres, etc. are functioning towns and cities.
What you been smoking up there, icbmman? Never mind I don't really need to know.
You need not worry, "We" will make the Tri-County Metro Area a better place for "Us" to live in.
November 20, 2008 at 2:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
ICBM man
Just skip the words "idiot" and "redneck" and present your argument. I started my life in eastern Mass and there were town after town leading into Boston. I don't know the details, but I don't think Boston tried to annex Quincy or equivalent. This annexation of areas across the river, thru the woods and in the next county is a bit of a stretch.
November 20, 2008 at 2:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
slimbo6969 (anonymous) says...
I agree with gamecockcougar, Mayor Riley needs to be appointed to one of Obama's cabinet positions. This way he would be out of our business.
The Democratic Party is all about change, and this change would be a great change for the City of Charleston and all of the surrounding areas of Charleston.
At the same time it would be interesting to see how he would fair against the "BIG BOYS" in Washington.
November 20, 2008 at 2:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Uncas (anonymous) says...
Have ya'll ever noticed that Carolinapanther is the first progressive Riley "spear-catcher" to pounce when anything happens that casts Little Joe in a bad light?
I suspect he's also the leader of Riley's "Foot-light Players". Or is that "Light-foot Players"?
November 20, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Rebel_Yell (anonymous) says...
That so called mayor claims Fort Sumter and Morris Island. Now that is absurd. What a moron. No other municipality in the county above 5000 people provides so little in services and mooches off the county for so much. In the end, JI will lose again because it's a scam. Get over it and let's send mayor chunky back to West Virginia where she belongs.
November 20, 2008 at 3:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gmansmom (anonymous) says...
I am just curious to know, did all of you complaining of Joe Riley, actually vote for him? there was an opportunity to have him out if you had only voted for Jimmy Bailey instead..... things could of took a turn in another direction!
November 20, 2008 at 3:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
>
Not much of a stretch as you might think. Charlestown is in the city of Boston, as well as Logan Airport, both of which were annexed into the city by the limits CROSSING OVER BOSTON HARBOR. How about Jacksonville, FL, which has the St. Johns River cutting right through the city? Since when did a body of water actually limit a city's boundaries? If that were the case, even inland cities like Denver, St. Louis, and Houston would never have grown.
Exorcist, let's actually look at your argument. Here's the list of Columbia suburbs that actually surround the city and encompass the urban area:
Irmo
Forest Acres
Aracadia Lakes
W. Cola
Cayce
Lexington (this is highly debatable since it is a county seat and has its own designated urban area, but for fun, I'll include it anyway)
Now let's see the same type of cities in Charleston:
N. Chas
Mt. Pleasant
James Island
Folly Beach
Isle of Palms
Sullivans Island
Summerville
Goose Creek
Hanahan
Quite a significant difference. Even more glaring is the population difference between the primary city and its corresponding suburbs. The Cola suburbs make up about 90,000 people in the urban area while Chas suburbs take about 220,000 people. So, sorry, wrong again.
November 20, 2008 at 3:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
slimbo6969 (anonymous) says...
Gmansmom wrote: "I am just curious to know, did all of you complaining of Joe Riley, actually vote for him? there was an opportunity to have him out if you had only voted for Jimmy Bailey instead..... things could of took a turn in another direction!"
85 to 90% of the ones complaining about Joe Riley, could not vote for him, because we don't live in the City of Charleston.
If we did, he would have been gone a long, long, long time ago:
November 20, 2008 at 3:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
Icbm man
Your doing much better. How about county lines? Should joe anex the entire lowcountry?
November 20, 2008 at 4:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nelsnjef (anonymous) says...
Unfortunately A majority of South Carolinians have trouble voting for anyone new I mean Look how long they kept sending Strom Thurmond back to Washington when he clearly needed life support ! I am beginning to think we are gonna have that same thing happening in Charleston with Riley !Imagine what his eyebrows will look like when he's 100 !!
November 20, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlestonroots (anonymous) says...
The problems on JI are caused by Riley. He took a beautiful laidback Island and developed as much as he could get his grimy little hands on. I have lived on JI my entire 47 years. The home my dad built for me in 1985 was in the City. My property taxes on my home and vehicles were much higher because I paid County and City taxes. I now live in my family home where I was raised and it is in the Town of James Island! I no longer bear the burden of Little Joe's taxes. The damage he has done can not be undone but at least now he is unable to take another piece of our Island to develop.
True justice would be to have James Island made whole again by taking the City out altogether. Now go away Little Joe Riley and stop throwing away the tax payers money with your nonsense lawsuits. You lost, be a man, wish Mayor Clark the best, and get the hell off our Island.
November 20, 2008 at 4:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
slimbo6969 (anonymous) says...
I commend the Mayor and Council Members of the Town of James Island for the hard work that they do for the Town.
I also commend them on the efforts that they do to try to accommodate the Citizens of the Town. This is very hard when you don't have the funds to do all of the work that everyone wants.
If you haven't noticed on your tax bill, the amount you pay Charleston County for services that you do not get.
This is "Taxation without Representation". Several hundred years ago our fore fathers fought a war to become an independent nation. This nation was founded on a principle that any individual could determine who would govern them. Not just one individual but a group of individuals. This is not the case when you have an individual who is set on destroying the very idea this nation was founded on.
Abraham Lincoln put it this way in his Gettysburg Address:
"this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
This is true today just as it was when Abraham Lincoln stated it.
The Town of James Island has been given a "New Birth of Freedom", and that the government (Mayor Clark and the Town Council), by the people (who elected them to office), for the people (citizen's of James Island), can now get on with governing the Island as they have wanted to for over one and a half decades.
I hope and pray that the Supreme Court of the State of South Carolina sees that the Citizens of James Island have voted on three separate occasions to form its own Town and that we want just to be able to decide our on fate. Not the fate of someone else who does not have the best interest in what we want on OUR ISLAND.
November 20, 2008 at 4:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
Hey... check this POLL out...!!
http://www2.beaufortgazette.com/node/...
November 20, 2008 at 5:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
>
I see the point you're driving with county lines, but keep in mind that cities have even extended across state lines. Take Kansas City, for example. County lines are moot, especially if they're within the urban area. Daniel Island was a legit annexation.
I don't think Riley should annex the entire Lowcountry. There are indeed very different towns with different aspects, even different cultures, that the city could not legitimately combine in its city limits. I do think that the entirety of JI, the north area, and West Ashley should all be one merged city. That being said, I would be more than happy to oust Riley from the mayor's office and get somebody in who would govern with the ENTIRE city in mind. Riley did have some good ideas in the past, but it is time for someone with vigor, HONESTY, and vision to come in and take his place.
November 20, 2008 at 5:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wonderdog (anonymous) says...
Exorcist, one of the many reasons my neighbors and I chose to join the city of Charleston is that we wanted to be in the jurisdiction of CPD. A vast majority of the "unsolved murders" in Charleston are drug and/or gang related, and though there are many people who witness the crimes, they didn't see anything, if you know what I mean. Why don't you sign up to do a citizen ride along with one of the Team 1 officers so you can see what it's really like?
I can't stand Joe Riley, but he is not going to be around forever (it just seems like it). The biggest developers of James Island are not city boys - they are home grown James Islanders who have lived on the island almost all their lives.
I really don't care whether JI is a town or not.....I am in the city of Charleston and am pleased with the services (I was NOT pleased with the incompetence of JIPSD).
November 20, 2008 at 7:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BILLYBOB (anonymous) says...
WHEN I WAS IN THE BOY SCOUTS ON JAMES ISLAND, 1960, YOU COULD WALK TO FT.SUMTER AT LOW TIDE FROM FT.JOHNSON. THE WATER WAS ABOUT WAIST HIGH SO IT WAS AND IS PART OF JAMES ISLAND.THEN CAME SEVERAL STORMS THAT REMOVED THE WALKWAY.
I HAVE LIVED ON JAMES ISLAND FOR 59 YEARS.I VOTED ALL THREE TIMES FOR THE TOWN OF JAMES ISLAND.YES NOW IT IS ALL SPLIT UP BY MAYOR JOE - BUT WE WILL RETURN IN TIME TO BE A WONDERFUL PLACE AGAIN.JUST GIVE IT SOME TIME.
November 20, 2008 at 8:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
exorcist_pencocky4u (anonymous) says...
Wonderdog - I'm glad you were able to choose were you wanted to be and you were left alone with that choice.
Tens of thousands of your neighbors made their choice and Riley ran over them with a bulldozer. Thats not very American, wouldn't you say.
I must say that the CPD seemed so incompetent with the reports of 50+ unsolved murders, unsolved robberies, being sent to trouble people sipping wine looking at art, tailgater's at Brittlebank park.
Over the last year or so we learned how bad and ill prepared your fire dept was all this time.
You and all the other residents of the City of Charleston are paying heavy taxes to support CFD and CPD. You are also paying for Charleston and Berkley County Sheriffs department police protection but are denied this right by the leaders of the City of Charleston.
While the residents of the City of North Charleston do get coverage from Charleston County and Dorchester County Sheriffs Department as well as NCPD, better value for the money. (Only a few unsolved murders in the City of North Charleston)
November 20, 2008 at 9:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
exorcist_pencocky4u (anonymous) says...
You know what icbmman, you seem to be one of the few on this post or in the Tri-County Metro Area, (Berkley, Charleston and Dorchester Counties), that believes the City of charleston will one day swallow up all of James Island, the north area and West Ashley into one greater city of Charleston.
We should accept your diminished abilities and welcome your posts, no matter how silly. Everyone has something to add and you do make me laugh.
Using the term, the north area, are you attempting to refer to the Greater City of North Charleston.
November 20, 2008 at 9:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nelsnjef (anonymous) says...
Like I have said before Riley cannot take care of the peninsula let alone any other area he is anxious to annex look at the poor impoverished neighborhoods in the downtown area and the crimes that are continually comitted down town .... don't hear a lot about murder on James Island !!
November 20, 2008 at 9:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wonderdog (anonymous) says...
I repeat: NOT a fan of Joe Riley; I chose to be in the city, and I don't care if JI is a town or not (i.e., I made my choice, they can make theirs). I did not say that JI should be annexed into the city of Charleston; I simply said that I chose annexation and that I am satisfied with my choice as are my neighbors.
I believe there are many differences (including socio economics, educational background, etc.) between the areas where most of the murders in the city take place and James Island or Mount Pleasant or Summerville, etc. Apples and oranges. According to you, there are fewer unsolved murders in North Charleston......I'll take my home on James Island in the city of Charleston any day.
Why don't you do a citizen ride along with CPD on the Eastside (midnight shift, preferably) and then tell us if you think they are incompetent?
November 20, 2008 at 10:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
Wonderdog, please do not try to reason with exorcist. He really is nothing but an anti-Riley, anti-Charleston troll, who is bereft of intelligent ideas and vision. He virtually has no clue to the history of this area and how the logistics in the metro area are screwed up. It's ALWAYS "Riley did this" and "Riley did that". It's like trying to reason with a petulant child.
November 21, 2008 at 8:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
exorcist_pencocky4u (anonymous) says...
Ha, good news, VA Hospital is moving from the City of Charleston. At least now our hero service will escape that hell hole down there.
If thats all right with you, icbmman.
November 21, 2008 at 9:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
OK, exorcist, where did you see that news? I don't see it anywhere on this website, and I actually work for a living, so I can't spend my entire day making foolish arguments, unlike you, apparently.
November 21, 2008 at 12:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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