What will candidates do as the next mayor of Springdale? We asked them
On Nov. 4, voters in Springdale will face a choice. Do they want to re-elect the mayor they chose in 2021 for another term or give the nod to the challenger?
Voters will choose between Mayor Juston Ricard and challenger Chad Owens for the top job in the town of 2,700 in Lexington County, nestled between Cayce, West Columbia and the Columbia Metropolitan Airport.
A four-year term for mayor is up for grabs on Nov. 4, following two weeks of early voting, along with three of six seats on the town council. Early voting started Oct. 20 and runs until Oct. 31.
We asked the candidates for mayor how they saw the issues and what they would do for the town if elected.
Chad Owens
Occupation: Automation Engineer, InSource Solutions Group
Education: B.S. Chemical Engineering from the University of South Carolina
Prior political/civic experience: 3 years on the Springdale Design Review Board, worked with Lexington County Council to address failing roads in Springdale
Website: OwensForSpringdale.com
Why are you running for office in Springdale?
I am running for mayor of Springdale because I believe our town deserves strong leadership that supports local businesses and encourages responsible growth. My goal is to create an environment where businesses can thrive while preserving the close-knit character that makes Springdale special. By working together, we can attract new opportunities that benefit both our economy and our residents. I am committed to making Springdale a place where families, businesses, and community events can flourish for years to come.
If elected, what would be your top two or three priorities?
I would actively pursue businesses to fill vacant spots along the Airport Boulevard Corridor and Platt Springs Road. I would also make community events a priority. I want to create spring and fall events that bring our town together and allow local businesses and artisans a place to showcase their goods. Some good music and food wouldn’t hurt either. Finally, I would like to address the homeless population that has been inhabiting the vacant lots around Springdale. Specifically on Wattling Road. There has been increased foot traffic on Wattling, and this poses a risk to both the pedestrians and drivers on Wattling due to the fact that there are no sidewalks on that road. As Mayor, I will work with our local officials to find ways to alleviate these issues.
Does expanding development around the Columbia Metropolitan Airport pose a challenge for Springdale? Does it present opportunities? How should the town address it?
Every change comes with its mixture of challenges and opportunities. The challenge with expansion is how it can be accomplished while maintaining the small-town character of Springdale. I believe this can be accomplished by slightly enhancing our zoning and design ordinances that are already in place. The opportunities are vast. With expansion comes new services, entertainment options and dining options for the area. As business in the area grows the town can also offer additional services to our residents through the increased revenue collected. New growth brings demand for housing, which in turn increases property values in the town. As Mayor I want to ensure that we can strive to achieve these opportunities responsibly. I feel that Springdale must drive the growth that it wants to see rather than taking a back seat and watching it happen without our input.
Is the landscaping plan along Airport Boulevard doing enough to improve the thoroughfare? What more needs to be done?
No. Landscaping alone will not be enough to create the type of environment we want to foster for our residents and visitors to our area. It is, however, a good first step. It shows potential businesses that we are willing to do work to enhance the corridor. As Mayor, I will work to attract hotels and restaurants to the area to fill in vacant lots and abandoned buildings. If we are successful in attracting those businesses it will spur growth along the corridor that will motivate the renovation or replacement of businesses in that area that may be behind the times.
Juston Ricard
Occupation: Heavy Equipment Operations, Dominion Energy
Education: Airport High School, Associates Degree in Construction Management
Prior political/civic experience: 20 years of service on town council and 4 years serving as mayor of Springdale, SC.
Website: JustonRicardForMayor.com
Why are you running for office in Springdale?
Springdale is important to me because it is the only home I have ever known. I have always wanted to serve my community and ensure it is the best place to live, work, and raise our families. It has been my privilege to serve as a council member for the past 24 years and to currently serve as mayor. During this time I have worked hard building relationships with community members, business owners, employees and elected partners. Because of my experience and relationships, I would like to have the opportunity to continue working hard for Springdale.
If elected, what would be your top two or three priorities?
1. Carefully considering growth while preserving our established residences and businesses.
2. Continue seeking potential grant money to help fund various infrastructure projects, park improvements, and additional work on our town complex.
3. Maintain the highest level of services our town provides (ex. police department, sanitation, and parks).
Does expanding development around the Columbia Metropolitan Airport pose a challenge for Springdale? Does it present opportunities? How should the town address it?
I’m sure there will be some challenges, including the potential for increased traffic, challenges can turn into opportunity. For instance, increased traffic could mean potential opportunities for Springdale businesses. Springdale needs to continue being proactive both within our limits and with our neighboring partners.
Is the landscaping plan along Airport Boulevard doing enough to improve the thoroughfare? What more needs to be done?
I’m excited about the beautification project, this was certainly help boost visual appeal both coming into and leaving town. I am also excited about the potential to boost property values and business growth. I look forward to this improving our community pride with everyone involved. There are opportunities for improvements with existing businesses and vacant structures that hopefully this project will help with.
.jpg)