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Imagine driving on smoother roads, spending less time in traffic, and sending your children to safer schools — all made possible by voter-approved investments.
Many South Carolinians have taken the first step, but will their trust in government leaders be rewarded?
Voters in 12 counties and three school districts spoke loudly and clearly in this year’s general election, approving over $8 billion dollars in bond and sales tax referendums.
These decisions represent more than just a financial commitment — they’re a collective vote of confidence in government leaders to address critical infrastructure needs.
From crumbling roads to overcrowded schools, voters have signaled their willingness to invest in their communities. But with this trust comes a responsibility: Governments must deliver on their promises with transparency and accountability.
These votes, which dictate the ability of local governments to borrow or raise taxes, are pivotal to improving infrastructure and public services.
“Vote Yes” campaigns are run by local chambers, businesses, and supportive politicians while opposition typically stems from environmentalists, not in my backyarders, and anti-tax fiscal conservatives.
It is easy to understand why voters might support these referendums.
South Carolina, like many states, faces a substantial infrastructure backlog, with deteriorating roads, bridges, and schools that need immediate attention.
The ongoing population growth has forced the state’s Department of Transportation to focus on major infrastructure improvements such as highways that benefit the largest number of people.
This focus, while warranted, puts less heavily traveled state-maintained roads far down on the priority list. Counties can allocate sales tax funds to improve local roads and intersections, while leveraging these funds to prompt the DOT to prioritize upgrades to state-maintained roads.
The counties and third-party support organizations that passed referendums were successful in telling their story, helping link infrastructure funding to safety improvements, economic opportunity, and a better quality of life for area residents.
Failed referendums often reflect a lack of voter confidence in the process, whether due to effective opposition campaigns or insufficient clarity about the benefits and safeguards.
In many cases, voters were asked to approve millions of dollars in bonds or sales tax increases without a clear picture of where the money will go or how success will be measured.
Local governments can assuage these concerns by demonstrating to voters the safeguards that are in place to protect against mismanagement, the data that reflects the need for new funds, and the often less cost-effective alternatives.
Ultimately, it’s about trust. When voters approve referendums, they place their faith in government leaders. Conversely, when referendums fail, voters are expressing skepticism.
So how can governments who were successful in their referendums maintain and build upon the trust voters and taxpayers have instilled in them?
The perception is that once the votes are counted, bonds are issued, and sales tax collected, the public has little visibility into how the money is being spent.
Local governments can counteract this by being transparent and accountable from the start. Citizens need detailed, accessible reports that outline the status of funded projects, a breakdown of expenses, and timelines for completion.
Voters shouldn’t be passive observers of how their tax dollars are spent.
Local governments should engage citizens in the planning and oversight processes, ensuring that projects align with the community’s priorities and that taxpayers have a voice in the process.
This engagement fosters not only better outcomes but also greater public trust in government institutions.
In the Midlands, both Richland County and Lexington-Richland School District Five have wisely instituted citizen advisory committees that review, comment on and provide recommendations to their elected bodies and government officials.
South Carolinians in these communities have made their priorities clear, entrusting government leaders with the resources to build safer roads, better schools, and stronger communities.
Now, the onus is on those leaders to prove they are worthy of that trust.
Transparency and accountability are not optional; they are essential to ensuring every taxpayer dollar is spent effectively and earns the public’s trust.
Through detailed reporting, citizen engagement, and a steadfast commitment to openness, local governments can not only deliver on their promises but also strengthen public faith in the democratic process.
This is a pivotal moment for South Carolina’s future. Every dollar and every decision counts.