Who's Running for Irmo Town Council?: Sarah Watson

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 Sarah Watson

Name: Sarah Watson

Age: 54

Occupation: Consultant (25 years  as an insurance adjuster and financial services representative)

Years on Council (if any): 0

Prior Experience (any governing board): Central Midlands Council of Governments, The Auntie Karen Foundation (executive director), Citizens Advisory Board for the Savannah River Site, Richland County Accommodations Tax Board

Family: Single

Education:  Bachelor's degree in sociology from Furman University; several certifications in insurance

Web site: http://sarahforirmo.webstarts.com/

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

Watson: “I want to see Irmo build on the fiscal responsibility that has defined the town in the past 20 years. I want to bring a fresh voice to council. I want to be more responsive to the citizens’ needs. I would like council to be more reflective of the community the town of Irmo has become. I would also like to take the lead in the greening of our community. I would like to continue on our recycling and build on that. I don’t think council does enough or takes a strong initiative in the recycling effort of the community.

I’d also like to see Irmo develop community gardens. Irmo Elementary (School) is poised to become the benchmark in this community. I’m working with an organization that’s starting a community garden at Irmo Elementary School. I serve as the executive director for the Auntie Karen Foundation. The foundation has gone into Irmo Elementary and we have a project called “Gordon’s Garden.” I have this background working with this organization in instituting community gardens and I would like to be on council so that I can bring that to Irmo. I just think that there isn’t enough being done and I think there is an interest within the community. 

I think council needs to be able to promote that and put that out front in caring for the citizens of the town.”

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

Watson:  “We frequently hear council speak about what a great place Irmo is to live in and how people love to move here, but according to the 2010 U.S. Census (Bureau) between 2000 and 2010 the population of Irmo increased by .5 percent. We’re talking from 11,039 to 11,097. In essence that’s a negative growth. The town that does not grow will die.  We can’t afford to continue that negative pattern.

We rank high as far as Lexington-Richland 5. In the next five years, I would like to see us build on that. I would like to see us forge a bridge with the school board and being a vocal advocate for improvement of our educational system, and improving promoting the school district. 

I think we need to bridge the gap from council to our children. They’re our future. They’re the future council for Irmo.”

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

Watson: “I have lived in the town of Irmo for more than 20 years. I do support the Okra Strut. I think the Okra Strut is a festival that is unique to the identity of the town of Irmo. I think it’s a major event to attract people to the town. It’s a major to place Irmo on a national level. We’re already ranked on a national level as a place to move to for retirement, raising your kids and families. The Okra Strut can be a tremendous tool to continue that. It is part of our history and part of the town’s history. Mistakes have been made and there are a lot of negatives surrounding the festival whether it’s coming from council or different organizations in the community. I think that council needs to step up to the plate and take charge because the festival is directly linked to the town. I understand it’s not profitable at this point and hasn’t been for the last several years, but there is a way to make it profitable.

I have more than 15 years in planning major events. I have the history and the experience. I would like to share that with council and the Okra Strut Festival Commission. I think that in order to continue the festival the commission needs to have an open mind and recognize that there are entities in this community that are not being tapped.

I would also like to see the festival reflect the diversity of the community.”

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

Watson: “I hear that it is a concern for the community, but I recognize the fact that there are ordinances governing non-domesticated animals. Then you have homeowner associations that have their own rules and regulations as far as non-domesticated animals. There really isn’t an opportunity to step in and change those things.

One way that we may be able to handle is to institute community gardens and allow chickens near the garden. That may be an opportunity where you can satisfy the need for doing that. It’s also a means or opportunity to control it. Regulate it and say we would allow this at our community garden sites but you could only have a certain number and you must care for them so you can provide that regulation that council would be looking for. Also not have it as an eyesore in the community.

That’s a suggestion. In order to hear both (those for and against it) I offer that suggestion.

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

Watson:  “I also want to continue to build on annexing commercial property into the town but I also want us to annex subdivisions. We will end up being the doughnut hole for the city of Columbia if we don’t make an assertive effort to annex people into the town and to change those numbers that the U.S. Census has shown for the town.”

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

Watson: “Fiscal responsibility is the catchphrase right now, but the key word is responsibility. Our values, our commitment to our constituents and our willingness to work towards what will make Irmo a strong community must guide our actions. I will be responsible for maintaining the stewardship of town finances while keeping an open mind towards spending on those things that will insure that Irmo’s citizens are safe and that Irmo’s future is open to growth.

I think you have to be concerned about the current economic environment and not spend money frivolously but at the same time you must provide for growth. To do that you have to manage responsibly.”

Patch:  Anything else you want to add?

Watson: “There are 6,000 registered voters in the town of Irmo. Only 2,000 of those voters decided the last election. Council meetings are usually empty and it’s often difficult for the community to juggle their professional time, their family time and provide for time to go to council meetings. We have to step into the age of technology and use the opportunities that are available today. One of those things would be to stream council meetings live via the Internet. Many of the boards I sit on stream meetings for all citizens to see. I want the same for our town. This level of transparency in government is essential to establishing the conduit that will allow citizens to become vested in the town and our council members to be accountable to their constituents.

I applaud council for taking the step (to record the meetings). Let’s continue and do more.”