Try to remember the last time that a politician realized an idea wasn’t right and apologized for pushing it.
It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it’s a marvel. And what it shows is good leadership.
Hats off to Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie for pulling a recent proposal to add an extra penny in local sales taxes to fuel infrastructure improvements to boost tourism around the Patriots Point area.
The notion wasn’t necessarily wrong because it is smart to invest more in the business district to make it more attractive for meetings, sporting events and more. But it wasn’t the right time and it wasn’t rolled out properly, which Haynie figured out after a noisy town meeting.
Rather than hemming and hawing, he did what a good leader should — drop the plan, apologize and move on.
In fact, he was admirably frank in holding himself fully accountable. “I come before you today to take full responsibility for the shortcomings and the bad optics of the rollout of the plan the town is considering for the Patriots Point district, and to ask for your forgiveness,” he said at a recent press conference. “I’m also announcing that the controversial funding mechanism, the 1% retail sales tax, will not be considered, and that the idea will be dropped completely, including any discussion about a referendum since that tax will not be used regardless.”
Refreshing, right? We need more of that kind of candor in our leaders.
In North Charleston, new Mayor Reggie Burgess also seems to be listening. Not only did Burgess call in a third party to help vet candidates to be police chief — without automatically picking an insider for the job — he is getting credit for a recent city reorganization. And he shows up a lot for community events, regardless of whether there are television cameras around. He’s there because he knows it’s good for his city.
Contrast this style with what’s happening in Charleston and on Charleston County Council.
Freshman Charleston Mayor William Cogswell also reorganized, but in such a way as to put all city departments under a newly-hired, non-elected chief of staff. Only two other people now report to Cogswell, compared to more than 20 with the previous mayor. Additionally, Cogswell and his team continue to wage a battle of silence with the local press. He hasn’t, for example, agreed to an interview with the City Paper since he was elected in November 2023 when a spokesperson said the newspaper wasn’t a priority for him. And it’s not just us: Other outlets also have complained about Cogswell’s lack of accessibility and transparency.
As for county council, it seems to operate as if cloaks and daggers were all the rage. Members generally seem unable to pivot on a failed plan to extend Interstate 526 after voters overwhelmingly canned a half-penny sales tax referendum that would have sent more than $2.3 billion toward building the road.
Good leadership often centers on pushing smart proposals that move a city or county forward. But as Haynie’s recent mea culpa proved, good leadership also is realizing something ain’t right in Dodge, backing off and looking for a new solution.
Help keep the City Paper free.
No paywalls.
No subscription cost.
Free delivery at 800 locations.
Help support independent journalism by donating today.