Spartanburg City Council race down to last week

By Colin Riddle  

OCTOBER 30, 2011 10:32 a.m. (0)

For the first time since 2003, each of the Spartanburg City Council seats to be decided on Nov. 8 offer voters a choice.

Two candidates in each of the three districts.

“Having contested races is a good thing.  It shows that people care about the city and gives people choices to express their interests in the city,” said Phillip Stone, 39, an archivist at Wofford College who is challenging District 3 incumbent Robert Reeder, 57.

District 1, which includes the westside, finds incumbent Joe Spigner, 56, challenged by Sterling Anderson II, 38, an attorney for Anderson, Lapham, & Moore and JAG officer for the USAF Reserves.

In District 2 on the eastside, City Council member Renee Cariveau decided not to run again. Vance Hammond, 43, and Jan Scalisi, 56, will be on the ballot for that district.

The desire for economic development has been a major catalyst for a renewed interest in local government, community leaders said. During the past decades, Spartanburg has grown with new businesses downtown and more activities.

Yet, the candidates say there is work to be done.  Many buildings remain empty. Few people live downtown. And recreational areas are limited.

“I think there’s a renewed interest across the board.  There’s more than there has been in the past due to the economic climate and the political issues we face every day,” said Hammond, of District 2.

“It’s encouraging to see people wanting to get involved with the process,” said Spigner of District 1.

The most prevailing issue among the candidates is the growth of the downtown area.  The downtown is seen to be the economic center for Spartanburg and will encourage further growth throughout the city.

“It’s important to have a vibrant heart of the city,” said Scalisi of District 2.

District 3 Councilman Reeder believes by strengthening Spartanburg’s downtown the surrounding communities will follow suit, which will help build a stronger city.

Community leaders say an interesting facet of this year’s election is the diversity and variety in candidates.  Each candidate has a particular skill set.

“Every person has something different to offer.  I bring the willingness to listen to my constituency,” said Spigner.

 

District 1

 

Spigner has been living in Spartanburg since 1987 and serves as a district sales manager for Kimball Midwest.

He said he has long been an advocate for active living, the downtown airport, and the downtown area.

His opponent, Anderson, decided to run after moving back to Spartanburg from Washington, D.C. where he served on active duty for the Army for six years.

“When I got back, I saw some things I didn’t like.  We’ve made some great steps and I want to help make that next step,” said Anderson.

Anderson also attended law school in Birmingham, Ala. and practiced law in Columbia.

He believes his experience living in three larger cities has given him the perspective needed to help Spartanburg thrive in its own unique way.

 

District 2

 

Hammond, a Dorman and Clemson University graduate, is the area director for the Boys and Girls Club of the Upstate.

He would like to ensure Spartanburg becomes a safe community for families and businesses alike, which would allow Spartanburg to grow significantly.

“I’m running to represent District 2 and to represent the people of Spartanburg,” said Hammond.

Scalisi is a resident of Converse Heights and serves as a communications consultant, which includes freelance writing, planning and graphic design.

She believes her experience in business and communication along with her knowledge of the city will allow her to market the city for potential residents and businesses.

 

District 3

 

Reeder has served on the city council since 1999 and is a full-time instructor for Sage Automotive Interior.

“We have to go out and sell our city to get businesses to come downtown,” said Reeder.  “I don’t mind going out and working to bring things into the community.”

Stone serves on the board of Architectural Design and Historic Review.

He said he has long been an advocate for using Spartanburg’s historic buildings as well as the creation of new historic communities.

Stone also utilizes the public transit system every day on his commute to work and would like to focus on its expansion.