Who's Running for Irmo Town Council?: Paul Younginer

Irmo-Seven Oaks Patch is asking candidates several questions to help you make an informed decision about the candidate you want to vote for. Each candidate has the opportunity to answer the same questions.

Here is the lineup of candidates, with the letter "I" noting the incumbents.

For mayor:

• I-Kathy Condom (term ends Nov. 30)

• Suzanne C. Gooch

• I-Hardison “Hardy” King (term ends 2013)

• I-Barry A. Walker Sr. (term ends 2013)

For council seats:

• I-Harvey Hoots (term ends Nov. 30)

• Sarah Watson

• Paul E. Younginer

is not seeking another term and will retire at the end of November.

Today's candidate profile is on Paul Younginer

Name:  Paul Younginer

Age:  51

Occupation:  Senior Manager for the South Carolina Weatherization Assistance Program

Years on Council (if any):  9.5 years (1996 – 2005)

Prior Experience (any governing board):

• Irmo Fire Commission
• Irmo Planning Commission
• Past President of the Lexington County Municipal Association
• Central Midlands Council of Governments

Family:  Wife, Angela; daughter, Anna

Education:  Bachelor of Arts – University of South Carolina

Web site: Paul Younginer for Irmo Town Council

Patch: What’s your vision for Irmo? Why are you running or why should people vote for you?

Younginer: "I am a lifelong resident of Irmo.  As such, I have a unique perspective on where the town has come from and where it should go.

It is important that we maintain the integrity of our neighborhoods.  We are beginning to experience problems with suburban decay.  There are steps that can be taken to reverse existing trends.  I support reasonable efforts to promote and maintain our residential neighborhoods.

I believe the Okra Strut is an important part of our community.  It should be preserved and maintained.  It should be made stronger and should be placed on a sound financial footing.  The volunteers who run the commission deserve our support and our thanks for a job well-done.  They should not be subjected to constant ridicule. 

I fully support the town police department.  It is a fine example of what community policing should represent.  Chief Buck and his officers will have my full support.

I am a member of the Irmo Arbor Day Committee and have been since its inception.  Much has been accomplished in this area and I support town beautification projects as well as the private projects of our Arbor Day Committee.  I am proud of what our committee has done to enhance Irmo using private rather than public funding.

I support the Irmo business community.  I believe in intelligent growth and intelligent development.  Our zoning laws should be enforced in a responsible fashion. 

I believe we are part of an overall community.  The heart of our community is our school system.  We need to support our schools and to do everything in our power to help restore the integrity of Lexington/Richland School District Five.

I believe I have the insight and personality to work in harmony with others.  We need to restore civility to our town government and to work with each other and with others to keep Irmo as a special place to live and to raise families."

Patch: What issues do you see Irmo facing in the next 5 years?

Younginer: "There is no doubt in mind but that we can maintain a zero property tax base.  It is important that we continue to operate the town with no town property tax.  With an uncertain economy, it is important that we maintain responsible financial management."

"There are inexpensive and creative avenues available to fight the problems associated with suburban decay.  To me, the main issue will involve the degree to which we are willing to either face our challenges or to let potential problems fester and grow.  I do not believe we can sit back and do nothing in light of the challenges which appear obvious."

Patch: What’s your stance on the Okra Strut Festival?

Younginer: "The Okra Strut is a unique part of Irmo.  It is important even if it doesn’t make money.  The Okra Strut should be preserved and made better.  With some minor changes, it can be made profitable.  The Okra Strut simply means too much for this community to discard."

"I also wish to express my appreciation to everyone who has worked to make this festival the envy of others in the southeast."

Patch: What are your thoughts about having chickens in your backyard?

Younginer: "The integrity of our subdivisions need to be maintained.  Our residential neighborhoods have enough stress as it is.  I oppose any law allowing farm animals to be placed in our residential neighborhoods.  I will not vote for the chickens."

Patch: What are your thoughts on Irmo growth (zoning, annexation, etc.) ?

Younginer: "I am for responsible growth.  I believe in responsible land use planning. Our zoning ordinance is a good one."

"Responsible growth and planning are important.  Local government can be part of the “solution” as to the problem of suburban decay.  All one has to do to see the benefits of local government is compare Broad River road in town to Broad River road out of town."

Patch: What’s your stance on financial spending? Conservative or liberal?

Younginer: "I am not sure this question is one of conservative verses liberal.  I believe in responsible handling of finances.  The town has to live within its means.  We should not spend more than we take in.  We should not have a town property tax.  To the extent possible, we should continue adding to our reserve funds."

"I am against any form of deficit spending and against any town property tax."

Patch: Anything else you want to add?

Younginer: "I love Irmo.  It has been the home of my family for over 100 years.  If I am fortunate enough to be elected, I will never do anything to embarrass the citizens of Irmo and I will do everything in my power to honor the trust of my office.  As far as I am concern, my seat will not belong to me but will belong to the citizens of our town."