Perry Williams, incumbent commissioner for Greer CPW, enjoys watching his family talk politics to visitors at today's forum at Grace Hall.
Jerry Balding chats with Skip Davenport of D&D Motors after the forum for Greer CPW Commissioner candidates at Grace Hall
Mark Tucker
Perry Williams, right, takes his turn providing answers to questions during Monday's forum at Grace Hall. Williams is the incumbent commissioner of the Greer CPW.
Mark Tucker
Jerry Balding answers a question posed by Allen Smith during Monday's forum for commissioner for the Greer CPW. The municipal election is next Tuesday, July 24.
Both candidates had their team of supporters and family members attend the forum for the only municipal election scheduled for Tuesday, July 24. CPW commissioners Eugene Gibson and Jeff Howell attended with a handful of other citizens.
The entire forum is available on GreerToday TV. Click to watch >>
Williams, president of an international textile company, was elected commissioner of CPW in May 2009 and previously served on Greer City Council. Balding is seeking his first public office and was general manager at CPW for over 20 years before retiring.
Both candidates were emailed the questions Friday to prepare for their responses.
Williams and Balding said last week’s announcement of Greer obtaining an inland port was another gem for the area. “It’s another impact like BMW,” Williams said. “It will go on for a long time. It will add manufacturers and industries to the area. It’s incredible.”
Balding agreed. “It (inland port) will never stop. It will provide good jobs for people and add businesses to service trucks, fuel, food and restaurants. It will create businesses on both sides of the J. Verne Smith Parkway.”
Both candidates offered their views on CPW’s utilities – water, electric, natural gas and waste – and how they should be managed. Williams said weather plays a factor in CPW getting projected revenue for selling its services. “While CPW isn’t making money from normal usage of its utilities during mild winter weather, the people of Greer can be happy they are not paying more for the services,” Williams said. Balding offered CPW should have “a cost study for each utility” so one doesn’t have to make up for another’s deficiencies.
Williams and Balding talked about keeping CPW’s rates low while providing reliable services.
The Political Action Committee of the Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce produced the event with Allen Smith, chamber president and CEO, asking the questions and Mark Owens, vice president, monitoring the time limits.
The entire forum is available on GreerToday TV. Click to watch >>