CARLISLE — Mayor Mary Ferguson-Glenn, as well as council members Maxine Spencer and Ronnie “Motorcar” Lyles, officially began their new terms for the Town of Carlisle during a swearing-in ceremony held Saturday afternoon at Town Hall.
Saturday’s ceremony began with a prayer from council member Spencer, just before Union County Clerk of Court Freddie Gault did the honors of swearing in Ferguson-Glenn, and then Spencer and Lyles.
Following the official swearing-in, Ferguson-Glenn addressed those in attendance at Carlisle Town Hall. She said the Town of Carlisle was able to meet the needs of its citizens, despite budget cuts.
“Even with budget cuts, we were able to get jobs for youth in our area, and we were able to employ a student from USC Union here,” Ferguson-Glenn said. “These things were paid for with federal money. They didn’t cost Carlisle anything.”
Ferguson-Glenn also discussed the ongoing Cane Creek Bridge project.
During 2012, Ferguson-Glenn learned that the DOT’s replacement of the Cane Creek Bridge could have cost the town more than she initially realized. A water line was attached to the bridge, and the town would have to foot the bill.
“It was short notice, and we had to dig deep,” Ferguson-Glenn said, explaining that she had begun looking into various loans. “But I didn’t want to take out a loan and burden the people with that.”
Another solution soon came for the town.
“Fortunately, we were able to hook up with the USDA,” Ferguson-Glenn said.
Through the USDA, the Town of Carlisle was able to get a Rural Business Enterprise Grant in the amount of $35,000 for the project. Myrick Dixon of the USDA said the project qualified for the grant because the water line supplies water to a business.
Spencer and Lyles also briefly addressed those in attendance, thanking them for continued support. Spencer pointed out the continued success of Carlisle’s food distribution program, and Lyles assured citizens that he is available for help.
“If you need anything, just call me,” Lyles said. “The ones that know me know what I do.”
Ferguson-Glenn also said on Saturday that she had been thinking about the 35th president of the United States, John F. Kennedy. She asked those in attendance to think about one of his famous quotes, but on local terms.
“Ask not what Carlisle — or Union County — can do for you, but ask what you can do for Carlisle,” Ferguson-Glenn said, encouraging citizens to take action and become more involved in the community.
“It’s not always about money. It’s about giving of yourself.”
Staff Writer Derik Vanderford can be reached at 864-427-1234, ext. 29, or by email at dvanderford@civitasmedia.com.
Post a Comment
