The more than 500 1960s graduates of Union High School returning for a “decade reunion” May 8 should be welcomed back and encouraged to get more involved with Union County, says Supervisor Tommy Sinclair.

Sinclair announced the reunion during a meeting of the Downtown Merchants Association on Thursday morning. He said he is part of the group that is organizing the reunion and has been in regular contact with many of those who are planning to attend. Though they’re now living throughout the country and have been away for many years, Sinclair said they remained interested in Union County, its people and its future. That interest, he said, should be encouraged.

“I’ve received many emails from my fellow graduates over the past several weeks,” Sinclair, a 1965 graduate, said. “They all have fond memories of Union and they’re still interested in what’s happening here. Since I was appointed supervisor I’ve gotten emails asking ‘How is it going?’ and ‘Are you taking care of everything.’”

“We need to engage those folks and get them actively involved with this county because they are interested in what’s going on here,” he added. “The message we need to send them is that despite what’s happened we’re still here, we’re open for business, we’re moving forward and we want to engage and involve them in helping us move forward.”

Sinclair said his group is still working out the details of the reunion but it will be held at the Union County Fairgrounds, the only facility in the county large enough to handle such a huge crowd.

Union County Chamber of Commerce Director Torance Inman said the Downtown Merchants Association welcomes the return of the graduates and is looking foward to participating in some form or fashion in the reunion. One possiblity is an event downtown which would focus on 1960s nostalgia. He said there will be future discussions about the involvement of the downtown and local businesses in the event.

Columbia

The message that Union County is still open for business and is moving forward will be carried by Sinclair to the S.C. General Assembly in Columbia. Sinclair said he plans to meet with the leaders of the State Senate and State House in January to remind them despite the scandals that have beset it in recent years, Union County has not only survived it is working to build a better future for its people and their children.

Over the past two years, a total of eight public officials and private citizens have been indicted on a wide array of federal and state corruption charges. Former Union mayor Bruce Morgan and building inspector Jeff Lawson are currently serving sentences in federal prison after pleading guilty to extorting kickbacks from contractors seeking to do business with the city.

Earlier this year, former county supervisor Donnie Betenbaugh, former sheriff Howard Wells, former tax assessor Willie Randally Jr. and two others were indicted on a number of federal drug and/or corruption charges and are awaiting trial. Betenbaugh was suspended from office by Gov. Mark Sanford who appointed Sinclair as supervisor.

Former Clerk of Court Brad Morris was charged by the state with embezzlement shortly after resigning his office. Sanford appointed Freddie Gault to serve as clerk of court.

Leadership Union

During Thursday’s meeting, Inman unveiled plans for the “Leadership Union Class of 2010 Project” which will commence early next year.

The project is sponsored annually by the Leadership Union program which promotes an integrated approach to community development that embraces all aspects of Union County. Inman said the 2010 project will involve an assessment and in-depth evaluation of the buildings in the downtown historic district and their current usage. The goal of the project will be to establish a long-term strategic plan for the downtown historic district. Inman said more details will be announced in January.