Farmers market intended as 'a new beginning' for area

It's hard to understand how such a good and well-intended idea can get such bad press and be treated like a pariah by the Republicans on County Council.

You see, for over three years, Councilman Curtis Inabinett and I have tried to start a farmers market in south Charleston County.

In January of this year, we contacted the Sea Island Farmers Cooperative with the market idea and they said, "Give it a try." In the beginning, everyone thought this was a great idea.

We met with the Secretary of Agriculture for input. The secretary even suggested the name, Sea Island Regional Farmers Market. All we needed was a little start-up money, some modest advertising and farmers.

We next met with the local Clemson farm agent and he put us in touch with the farmers of South Charleston. We were well on our way. Or soat least we thought.

Along the way we made the mistake of asking for some help from our county government in the form of hotel accommodations tax money. This is money that comes from the tourists who stay in our hotels.

This is where the story starts to go bad.

County Council is elected by single-member districts, so rather than representing the entire county, as it was when I served, members can say things, vote with impunity (it's not their constituents) and stretch the truth.

I say this because of the way Councilman Inabinett and I have been portrayed, you'd think we were terrible citizens bent on feathering our own nest.

Curtis Inabinett is one of the most honorable men I have ever met. He has spent untold hours at the market, cleaning, cutting grass and working on Fridays and Saturdays at the market without pay just to make it a success for the farmers and the visitors who come to shop.

To say Curtis tried to "politick" his fellow council members for their vote is just not true. But if you listen to Councilman Dickie Schweers, you'd think just the opposite.

I think it should be noted that south Charleston County is the poorest area in our county. Student test scores are low, there is no industry and up until recently there was no sewerage.

There is very little for its predominantly black population to do. The market was to be a new beginning.

South Charleston has nothing to show for all the riches Charleston County has to offer. The market was to be that light.

We had hoped to bring in some of the energy that the Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, and the City of Charleston markets offer every week during the season. Each of these markets is supported by their respective cities with locations, employees and advertising. They are a great boon for their communities.

We have been unable to sell these dreams and goals to Messrs. Schweers, Paul Thurmond and Joe McKeown.

To say I am disappointed in some members of council would be an understatement.

CHARLIE LYBRAND
Cloudmont Drive
Hollywood

Mr. Lybrand is Charleston County Register of Mesne Conveyance.