Gary Santos: I believe in conservation easements. In fact, I attempted to place the marsh in our new Shem Creek Park into a conservation easement but was voted down by Town Council.
Billy Swails: This is ideally what will be done to preserve land in Mount Pleasant and other local municipalities. Because of a reduction in available land, property values, and poor economic conditions, it is becoming more difficult. As with many other desirable projects, private/public ventures in land acquisition will probably be necessary.
What actions do you believe the Town of Mount Pleasant should take to permanently preserve the sense of place and the natural and scenic character that still exists in Mount Pleasant?
Joe Bustos: Mount Pleasant should use conservation planning where possible and not overdevelop areas such as Shem Creek. The town should also support the efforts of organizations such as the Mount Pleasant Land Conservancy and use them in an advisory role to protect natural areas.
Gary Santos: Utilizing conservation easements whenever possible. Utilize tree bank funds to plant as may trees as possible in areas that are preserved. Work with State & Federal Officials to have easements along the highways landscaped in a way that promotes green space initiatives.
Billy Swails: We must be aggressive in working to preserve the sense of place and character that is uniquely Mount Pleasant. Since the Mount Pleasant Open Space Foundation has now become the Mount Pleasant Land Conservancy, a private entity, the Town should maintain a close and mutually beneficial relationship with the Land conservancy.
How do you think the Town of Mount Pleasant should spend the approximately $4.6 million remaining in the Urban Incorporated Greenbelt funds that have been allocated to the Town of Mount Pleasant?
Joe Bustos: This money should be used to acquire a mix of active and passive green areas.
Gary Santos: These funds should be spent in areas that promote the best green space use. There are not many areas that are affordable in Mt. Pleasant. I would like to see these funds spent to purchase as much green space as possible. Our green spaces are dwindling rapidly and we need to preserve as much as possible for future generations.
Billy Swails: We should spend our money wisely, trying to get more bang for the buck. Property values are down, but it is difficult to purchase any raw land. Before we spend a dime, we have to thoroughly evaluate any and all opportunities. The Land Conservancy will be invaluable in addressing these options.
What collaborative opportunities do you see available between the Mount Pleasant Land Conservancy and the Town of Mount Pleasant?
Joe Bustos: The Town of Mount Pleasant should use the Land Conservancy in an advisory role to help identify and acquire open space. It should also be used as an advisory partner when dealing with stormwater and other conservation related issues.
Gary Santos: We need to continue to work together on issues that support preserving land in Mt. Pleasant. Clearly, there are additional parcels of open space available. However, we need to locate them and, through the assistance of other governmental agencies and the Mount Pleasant land Conservancy, secure them for protection.
Billy Swails: As stated above in #2, we need to maintain a working partnership. There will be many opportunities in the future to work together, and we will do just that. Parks, waterfront vistas, and many other options are there if we work together.
General Comments:
Gary Santos: I have worked harder that any other candidate in securing open space for preservation. I pushed to support Green Space down at our new Waterfront Memorial Park. If elected Mayor, I will push hard to get that Green Space back into the Town of Mt. Pleasant.
Billy Swails: I am a Charter Member of the Mount Pleasant Open Space Foundation. I will continue my financial and personal support of the Mount Pleasant Land Conservancy. As Mayor, I will also ensure the support of the Town.
