6/29 NEWSBREAK: Mace celebrates CARTA funding despite voting against it

U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., was on the defensive Wednesday for touting a $26 million Charleston area transportation project — after voting against the bill that enabled its funding and initially calling it a “fiasco.” The project will build a regional transit hub and help the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority transition to an electric bus fleet.

Mace’s remarks during a press conference drew criticism from constituents and political opponents.

“It’s a little disingenuous to me that someone would come here and try to take credit for something they initially voted against,” voter Gloria Aslanidis told WCBD-TV. “She also said that once the funds became available, she would advocate to get it in the Lowcountry. Well, I appreciate that, except that the funds would not be available, had the vote gone her way.”

Meanwhile, in a separate press conference in Orangeburg, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., highlighted a $23 million redevelopment project that includes connecting the S.C. State University and Claflin University campuses via a pedestrian bridge over busy roadways and railroad tracks.

When Buttigieg was asked what he thought about GOP members who voted against the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law who now are applauding it, he welcomed Mace aboard now for supporting the CARTA project.

“It’s true that not every member of Congress was there with us when we were working to get this done and it turns out that is no barrier to them being glad to see that funding come to their districts. A good project is a good project, and we’re not going to hold it against the constituents of any member who was short-sighted enough to vote ‘no.’”

In other headlines:

CP: Experts say to create a summer social media plan. Middle and high school students might be spending too much time on their phones during summer break, some Charleston experts say, which can affect kids’ perception of the world and their own confidence.

CP: Jack’s Cosmic Dogs to open 2 new locations. Jack’s Cosmic Dogs was purchased by Jarrett Hodson in April 2022 from longtime owner Jack Hurley. Under the new leadership, Jack’s Cosmic Dogs is expanding to two new locations on James Island and in West Ashley just in time for the summer. Meanwhile, more restaurants are slated to open in the Charleston area.

CP: Charleston musician Garwood debuts solo project. Singer-songwriter Brooke Garwood performed as Brooke & Rattle for years leading up the 2020 pandemic shutdown in an alternative roots ensemble with percussionist/guitarist Johnny Holiday. And with the April release of her first EP, “Everything,” Garwood has struck out on her own and launched her new solo project, Sun Child.

Charlestonians celebrate Carolina Day with celebration, parade. Carolina Day, an ode to the American victory over the British in 1776 that turned the tide of the Revolutionary War, was celebrated with a parade down Meeting Street and program at White Point Garden in Charleston.

West Ashley residents back Sumar Street redevelopment in letter. West Ashley community members are showing their support for the redevelopment of Sumar Street through a letter, calling for community leaders to hold a meeting in West Ashley to discuss the possibilities of the area.

Charleston’s IAAM reflects on bondage, bravery, resilience. The International African American Museum officially opened doors to the public June 27 after nearly a quarter of a century of work. Inside, visitors are met with more than just information about slavery, and are shown Africans and African Americans around the world, past and present.