Monday letters: Mayors, council members trying to help

I’m not an elected official or other “government type,” but I recently attended a S.C. Municipal Association conference, and I was shocked and excited to see 1,300 people trying to figure out what they can do for us in our own communities. Mayors and council members were all saying the same thing over several days: “I am humbled to serve, and how can I do it better?” Really.

Service was the focus of the meetings. I even learned there is a phone app just for average citizens to volunteer for their own block. Mayors and council members have all stepped up to the plate just for us, and it stunned me to see how happy they were to speak up for us. Even ex-mayors say that now that they have a higher position they will fight the good fight for our towns because they have been in the trenches and know so well that we are the backbone for the state.

Several officials talked about the possibility of lowering taxes by getting average citizens to take on some small projects. Perhaps the next time we see a mayor or council member we could say hello and “What can I do to help?” You will be stunned to see the delighted response. South Carolina showed the world this summer just what civility can do for a community during tragedy. I definitely witnessed high hopes.