Apr. 10—The North Augusta municipal election is Tuesday, April 25. Four names will be on the ballot for three seats on City Council: Democrat Richard Adams and Republicans David Buck, Eric Presnell and Kevin Toole.

Post and Courier North Augusta asked each of them a few questions and these are their answers, edited only for spelling and grammar.

Additional questions will be asked of the candidates during a forum being held at North Augusta Community Center on Thursday, April 13. The forum is from 6-8 p.m. and is being moderated by North Augusta Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Terra Carroll. The forum is free and open to attend.

Richard Adams

Democrat Richard Adams, II, 39, is a South Carolina licensed barber and instructor. He was a 2021 North Augusta Mayoral candidate and currently serves as an Aiken County planning commissioner. He is a 2002 graduate of North Augusta High School and has also become a certified life coach through Triune Coaching in Kernersville, N. Car. Adams counts business, learning and research, and personal growth and wellness among his interests, as well as relaxing with family.

Why are you running for North Augusta City Council?

This is home. I'm looking to add the voice of a new generation. I want to provide insight into some factors impacting citizens my age and younger. This includes parenting, home affordability, and establishment in our municipality. Representation and inclusion remain topics of discussion across the nation, even the world, and it's the responsibility of our city leaders and citizens alike.

I want to create a space for engagement with the leaders and education for the citizens so they can learn exactly how the municipality works. I want to ensure that these experiences and further insight are included and represented as a member of city council while we work to build the future of North Augusta.

What in your background makes you a good candidate for North Augusta City Council?

I'm a husband, father, business owner, instructor and mentor. I've served in positions of leadership since a kid in church as the president of the youth choir and ministry, opening my businesses and educating and employing men and women in barbering. Most in the beginning were convicted felons, and I assisted them in their reentry to their communities on the positive side of the law.

As an instructor, certified life coach and mentor, it's most rewarding to see the work you've done and impact on the lives you've touched, particularly the ones who have stepped away from a life of crime.

In May of 2021, I was appointed by our county councilman Sandy Haskell to the Aiken County Planning Commission, where I currently still serve. The training, modules, zoning and regulations I had to study and learn in order to not only effectively serve and vote according to law but also communicate to the citizens why I voted the way I did.

Having been the newest and youngest member of the commission, I was able to speak to and for the citizen who otherwise wouldn't have shown up for the meeting or asked a question that affected their property, livelihood and legacy.

This past fall, I completed the North Augusta Department of Public Safety's Citizen's Police Academy. I attended council meetings and watched online when unable to [attend]. I've fostered and maintained relationships with citizens and leaders across the aisle. I was appointed to the planning commission by a Republican county councilman; Republican Congressman Joe Wilson reached out to congratulate me on the appointment.

I believe it is paramount that we do not box ourselves in on party affiliation and get to know our neighbor, especially those in pursuit of leadership roles, so that we ensure that we have the best individual for the position.

North Augusta has grown in population by 14% between 2010 and 2020 and is only expected to continue growing. What do you see as the biggest challenge for North Augusta as the city continues to grow and how would you meet this challenge?

Having grown up in North Augusta, I know the special and unique quality of life we enjoy and hope to preserve here. Growth is positive, but we will have to monitor and maintain it with a focus on retaining our hometown charm, character and community appeal. We need a solid plan and strong support system for our infrastructure, neighborhoods and families.

Education is key, citizens' understanding of how our municipality and city policy work is going to be vital to ensure there's a balanced approach to economic development. I would meet this challenge by involving the citizens.

The city's Parks, Recreation and Tourism hosted an open house just a few weeks ago for citizens' input on future parks, green spaces and activities. That was a grand idea, and I would continue to offer opportunity for the citizens, however, I would do my best to garner more participation from citizens; sometimes it takes a bit of a nudge to encourage those who otherwise wouldn't engage to come out and get involved.

Of the city's 25,000 residents, only 1,000 responded to the [parks] survey. We must be proactive and creative in our efforts to reach the people. We can incorporate the local businesses by placing QR codes for patrons to scan when visiting, having a text thread for the city to disseminate information in addition to the social media marketing.

With growth, there are sometimes concerns about safety. I will work to enhance community and police relations. Strong neighborhoods make strong communities. Community policing and connection to neighborhoods will help the citizens feel secure.

When it comes to development, should the city be involved in encouraging any particular type of development? If yes, what kind of development should the city pursue and how? If no, why not?

Yes. We need more small business. With all the growth coming, our locals shouldn't be choked out by big business and corporate entity. I can't emphasize enough the importance of unique small business development, and entrepreneurship in our community.

I want to focus on the local with opportunity zones, grant initiatives and other support programs for local business. We're not the first town to attract this kind of growth. Having been an entrepreneur and business owner my entire adult life, I am quite familiar with the nuances of business operation.

I will be the councilman who assists locals in pursuit of business ownership and operation in our city and ensure that their vision is brought to fruition. The state is growing as people migrate for warmer weather and lower taxes. North Augusta is one of the hottest markets in the nation. I think we should look for municipal models comparable to ours, build relationships with those towns for models and mentorship on exactly how to manage growth. It must be a balanced approach.

Riverside Village was created as a public-private endeavor, but portion of the development have failed to manifest and the properties there have routinely underperformed. How would you go about ensuring that North Augusta taxpayers get the full return on their investment?

To my understanding, the project is paying for itself, and the stadium is carrying itself as it's used year-round, not just during the baseball season. So, I believe this to be the beginning of the taxpayers' return on our investment.

Education is necessary here. As a business owner, this project and its current state does not scare me. In business there are times where you are operating in the red and every dime you make must go right back into the business, sometimes just to keep the doors open; all the while all you need is the right moment, opportunity, next or new client, and business takes off to never be the same again.

The average citizen can't receive that. They're receiving their tax bill and looking at the momentous stadium, parking decks and amenities, exclaiming where's the beef? I get it. Unfortunately, this situation is not so cut and dry.

There are contracts in place, and they speak to the $750,000 maintenance bill; that figure didn't just come out of nowhere or even one year. The city is responsible for $250,000 annual upgrades to the ball club's standards. We cannot, not pay it. That jeopardizes the taxpayers' investment, and a strong performance from the stadium in conjunction with the ball club, I believe, is vital to our success.

The private company has complete control of the vacant properties, there are four parcels that have yet to be developed. My thoughts are to revisit the contract and hold the developer accountable for what's already agreed upon. I don't believe any more extension or grace should be given.

As council and city we have a responsibility to the taxpayers to ensure that this project is properly funded and completed and not at their expense. The MID fee on undeveloped property has been agreed upon already, and it increases annually by the county not the city.

David Buck

Republican David Buck, 45, is part-owner of VUE Real Estate in Augusta. He earned his degree in finance from the University of South Carolina Aiken. Buck has volunteered at TrueNorth Church since it opened in 2004 and has also coached youth sports for 22 years. He serves as board member for both the Riverfront Theatre Company and North Augusta Booster Club. His interests include traveling with family, playing golf and skiing.

Why are you running for North Augusta City Council?

First and foremost, I love this city. My wife and I, who is a kindergarten teacher at Hammond Hills, are born and raised here of 45 years. I have raised my kids here, attended TrueNorth Church here, and I have been a volunteer coach here for 23 years. I want to see this city to continue to be a wonderful place to live and raise a family in.

What in your background makes you a good candidate for North Augusta City Council?

As a finance graduate from USC Aiken, I am committed to being fiscally responsible with the city's finances. As a communicator and someone that gets things done, I believe in being transparent between city government and its citizens. And lastly, by being a real estate broker, I understand development and I want to see controlled growth and see current projects finished.

North Augusta has grown in population by 14% between 2010 and 2020 and is only expected to continue growing. What do you see as the biggest challenge for North Augusta as the city continues to grow and how would you meet this challenge?

We need to plan 10-20 years ahead in regards to infrastructure, public safety and schools. These will be the biggest challenges, and we need to stay ahead of them. We have to plan for the future and not just tomorrow.

When it comes to development, should the city be involved in encouraging any particular type of development? If yes, what kind of development should the city pursue and how? If no, why not?

We need to finish Project Jackson. It is too big to fail. We need to get the public safety headquarters finished. Our public safety deserves better than what they currently have on Buena Vista. I would like to see blighted areas improved. I would like to see the Greeneway expanded through downtown North Augusta.

Riverside Village was created as a public-private endeavor, but portion of the development have failed to manifest and the properties there have routinely underperformed. How would you go about ensuring that North Augusta taxpayers get the full return on their investment?

Nothing has failed. Number one attended baseball stadium in Single A in the country. It was voted the #2 new stadium in the country. The restaurants stay packed. The apartment complex, Ironwood, is on a waiting list. The hotel stays packed, and I've seen numerous weddings and business conferences there. The Augusta National Women's Amateur players stay at the Crowne each year as well as Division 1 football.

Other portions have yet to be finished, and the city does need to meet regularly with the developer to see how the progress is going.

Eric Presnell

Republican Eric Presnell, 46, currently serves as councilman in North Augusta. He is vice president of Aiken-Augusta Electric and Security and is a graduate of North Augusta High School, class of 1994.

Why are you running for North Augusta City Council?

I love our town of North Augusta. I was born and raised here, just the same as my dad, aunts and uncle. My family has four generations still living in North Augusta.

Growing up, we had limited options for shopping and dining and more than likely we would have to travel to Augusta and Aiken. The growth we have had in the last 20 years has been significant for our community. There is something for people of all age groups, such as our substantial recreation department providing four sports; the Greeneway; and the South Carolina Savannah riverfront with shopping and dining. This has been managed very well by my predecessors on North Augusta City Council, and I want to continue this.

What in your background makes you a good candidate for North Augusta City Council?

I am one of the incumbent candidates. I have learned a vast amount in the last four years serving on council. Previous to my position as councilman, I would feel that the government moves too slow, and my position has taught me why and opened my eyes to a new perspective.

Exceptional projects take time and also ensures that things are not missed. Examples of this would include our new fire station, Sharon Jones Amphitheater and our expected community dock.

My background as an electrical contractor also assists to give me a different perspective on city projects and construction regarding budget and timelines. I also take a "common sense" approach to things presented to council. Recently, city council has been working on a new towing ordinance and this approach has proven, in my opinion, to be helpful. Most cities would write the law and then expect third party companies to comply with that law. I was vocal about us listening to the towing companies' opinion so we can enact something that is useful and works for everyone involved.

North Augusta has grown in population by 14% between 2010 and 2020 and is only expected to continue growing. What do you see as the biggest challenge for North Augusta as the city continues to grow and how would you meet this challenge?

This is a double edged sword in my opinion. Most of the growth is residential at this time. While this is certainly not a bad thing, it does bring a need for more garbage trucks (and workers), as well as more public safety officers, public safety vehicles and fire trucks. It also requires more streets and drain employees and their equipment.

The tax base that residential growth brings is not enough in itself to cover these costs, so this is where commercial growth is essential. We need to attract more commercial growth to help offset the costs in order to keep property taxes low. We also need to be prepared to start planning for our fourth fire station and budgeting for the needed employees and infrastructure.

When it comes to development, should the city be involved in encouraging any particular type of development? If yes, what kind of development should the city pursue and how? If no, why not?

We do encourage new development in our town. The one thing I have heard the most about citizens wanting is more restaurants. We have so many wonderful local restaurants and establishments, but we hear so much about wanting more chain restaurants.

While we will welcome any chain to North Augusta, it is essential to also understand how chain restaurants choose where they will be located. Chains tend to locate where there is population density and also research the median income as well as several other factors.

This is the reason that Augusta and Aiken have more chains than North Augusta. For example, if we look at any chain on Washington Road in Augusta, these restaurants are all within close proximity to North Augusta (as the crow flies, approximately 3 miles or less).

This is just one reason we do not have many chain restaurants. It is not because of the government or city council as we welcome all restaurants and businesses to develop here.

In other matters, some citizens have the desire to establish a public pool, golf course, et cetera. In my opinion, the city should not be responsible for controlling or running these recreational places. Unfortunately, most municipal pools and golf courses commonly fail. These places should be left to other entities to run, such as the YMCA or having privately owned golf courses.

Riverside Village was created as a public-private endeavor, but portion of the development have failed to manifest and the properties there have routinely underperformed. How would you go about ensuring that North Augusta taxpayers get the full return on their investment?

I will begin by saying this, I do not care for the term "underperformed." Many of the local newspapers and news channels have featured news stories regarding this. The revenues that are being collected to pay for Riverside Village are in good shape and just because it's not completely built out does not mean it is failing. At this time, we have enough funds for the next three payments and are even collecting money toward the November 2024 payment.

Concerning the undeveloped parcels, COVID-19 essentially shut down the entire country, including our community, from March 2020 to approximately mid-2021. Businesses and business owners were focusing on surviving and keeping their businesses open, not focusing on expanding. Similarly, during this same time there were supply issues and other factors that led to labor and material costs skyrocketing. Cost to build for businesses is now double compared to that cost before the pandemic. Causing even more increase to cost of building are interest rates from banks, which increased from roughly 2% to 6% or more and have not decreased at all.

Moving forward regarding this topic we have signed a one-year extension on the Master Development Agreement with the developer. According to the developer's statement at a recent council meeting, he is aiming to break ground on another parcel by the end of 2023.

We decided to extend the Master Development Agreement despite some citizens' discontent and objections. The most important reason being that if it was not extended, the developer who owns the parcels could construct anything he chooses without any say from the city. That being said, it is my opinion that it was in everyone's best interest to extend and work together so that the buildout in Riverside Village can continue as initially envisioned.

Kevin Toole

Republican Kevin Toole, 48, is currently serving his first term on North Augusta City Council. He is a credit union executive and earned his Bachelor's in Political Science from the University of South Carolina Aiken. He likes competing in endurance events and learning bass guitar.

Why are you running for North Augusta City Council?

I was born and raised in North Augusta and have been a very active member of the community for many years. I am proud to be from here and am excited about the bright future that we have in front of us.

My primary reason for running for reelection is based on my passion for community service. I love the people of this community and want to serve and be an advocate for them. I believe that my years of service with the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce, the North Augusta Yellow Jackets Booster Club, Leadership North Augusta, and Leadership Aiken County; as well as my professional experience have provided me with a unique perspective and the tools necessary to help guide us forward.

As a parent, it is extremely important to me that we continue to work to preserve those things that make North Augusta unique while providing opportunities for growth that helps us continue to be a place where our kids want to remain and raise their families.

What in your background makes you a good candidate for North Augusta City Council?

I believe that I am uniquely qualified to serve on council based on my educational background, professional experience and extensive history of community involvement. My professional experience in finance makes me qualified to understand the complex finances of city operations.

I further believe that I have proven myself to be open and responsive to citizen input and that I have displayed a commonsense approach to decision making as a member of council.

Additionally, as a member of the North Augusta Development Code Re-write committee for the past two years, I have studied and learned the best practices in community development and look forward to implementing the new code this year. This knowledge of the city's built infrastructure guidelines will help me make the best decisions possible as the city navigates through its current development boom.

North Augusta has grown in population by 14% between 2010 and 2020 and is only expected to continue growing. What do you see as the biggest challenge for North Augusta as the city continues to grow and how would you meet this challenge?

Ultimately, having to manage growth is a good problem for the city to have; however, there are certainly challenges that come along with that. Two of the more significant challenges for North Augusta include infrastructure and staffing.

It is imperative that the city ensures that our infrastructure is improved and maintained sufficiently to keep up with the growth of the city. Council and staff need to continue to identify water, sewer and storm water needs and implement funding plans that align with the city's projected growth. The expanding tax base will help offset some of the costs of these improvements, but we should also consider implementing impact fees from the developers to help fund these needs.

Ensuring that our streets and roads are sufficient to handle the increased traffic must be a focus as well. With a significant number of our roads being owned by SCDOT, the city must work closely with DOT to ensure that they remain ahead of the curve in improvement, maintenance and expansion of roads as is necessary. With the traffic studies for both Martintown Road and Georgia Avenue either complete or under way, we have to work closely with DOT to implement the recommendations from these studies.

Ensuring that city staffing remains sufficient to provide the high quality of service that our citizens expect must be priority. Currently, personnel related costs represent a relatively large portion of the city's budget (approximately 43%), and I would make the argument that we are understaffed in most, if not all, departments.

We must make sure that we fully understand the staffing needs of the city in relation to the growth projections and have a plan in place to fund the necessary staffing increases. Our staff is the most important asset that we have in providing essential services to our citizens.

When it comes to development, should the city be involved in encouraging any particular type of development? If yes, what kind of development should the city pursue and how? If no, why not?

I don't believe that the city should be actively pursuing additional development opportunities at this time. Ensuring the completion of Riverside Village should be the primary "development" oriented focus of staff and Council.

Based on the growth projections, development is inevitable in the city, and I believe that we need to be more involved in ensuring that the development is of a high quality, sustainable, and that the challenges mentioned in Question 3 are addressed.

Riverside Village was created as a public-private endeavor, but portion of the development have failed to manifest and the properties there have routinely underperformed. How would you go about ensuring that North Augusta taxpayers get the full return on their investment?

There is no question that the lack of progress on the remaining undeveloped parcels is disappointing, and we must do everything within our powers to ensure that the developer honors his commitment to complete the project expeditiously; however, what has been built is something that I, as both a member of council and citizen of North Augusta, take pride in.

Ironwood Apartments and the Clubhouse Apartments continue to be desirable places for people to live; the Crowne Plaza is a significant asset to the city as both a hotel and convention venue; we have new places to shop, eat, and be entertained; and the GreenJackets had the highest attendance in Low A baseball last season. Despite the undeveloped parcels, the project is generating sufficient revenue to cover the debt service. Funds collected from the various sources of revenue specific to the project are consistently able to cover payments a year into the future.

The MID fees levied against the properties referenced in the question are in place to ensure that the developer bears the burden of underperformance, not the citizens of North Augusta. I would consider keeping those fees in place non-negotiable to both protect the citizens and maintain pressure on the developer to honor his development commitments. I also think it is important that the city receive quarterly public updates from the developer on his progress toward completing the remaining parcels.