We were happy to see the number of candidates vying for the vacant position on Greenville City Council in Ward 3.
Eight citizens chose to step forward to represent their fellow Ward 3 residents in a position that has been sorely without representation for several months now.
In the prior special election to fill that position, there was only one candidate. That candidate would later suffer a medical condition which precluded service of a full term on the council.
Since there was no majority of votes cast for a single candidate, we’ll see a two-way runoff between Vernon Greenlee and Stephen Poole on Sept. 14.
So far, Ward 3 residents have had no representation during the budget phase of council meetings and will yet again wait another three weeks.
While we know the city council cannot delay in preparing the budget for the coming year, we wish city leadership had taken a more proactive approach in seeing the vacant position filled.
Ward 3 residents can still make their thoughts known to other currently sitting council members and we know they will listen.
We now hope those other candidates for the position remain active in their communities. Just because a person is not elected to serve on city council doesn’t mean they can’t still have an impact in the daily life of people in Greenville.
There are numerous non-profit boards looking for those who want to serve on the board.
There are civic clubs who need more members.
There are countless ways to volunteer in this town.
While there is only one city council member from each ward in Greenville, there’s no reason for everyone else not to find a way to be of service.
