Seeking 2nd term as mayor, Hines elaborates on her goals
From Staff Reports
Darlington’s stormwater and flooding issues “are being addressed,” Mayor Gloria Hines said in a statement expanding on her goals if she is elected to a second term as mayor.
Hines filed to run for a second term on Aug. 1. After the filing she issued a statement elaborating on the goals she first outlined when she announced she would run again for mayor March 12.
“My goals for the next four years will be to do everything that God allows me to do to bring Darlington back to the ‘Pearl of the Pee Dee,’” Hines said.
She said she will promote residents’ health, safety and quality of life; promote efficient and effective government “to improve all levels of service”; promote the city’s economy; develop “the public infrastructure” to boost the community’s appearance and development; and improve community involvement and trust.
Hines said she will focus on infrastructure, stormwater issues, annexation, building relationships with businesses, transparency and getting a homeless shelter for the city.
She said she has spoken with residents “trying to find out what their needs are.” Hines said citizens have talked with her about jobs, restaurants, flooding problems, “and getting a quality hotel here in Darlington.”
“The stormwater and flooding issues are being addressed,” Hines said. She said work has been completed in the southwest part of the city, the first of four “quadrants” that a master stormwater plan divided the city into. Also, she said, last year, the city bought a “Vactor Truck,” or “vac truck,” a vehicle that can clean out clogged storm drains and sewer lines.
“The Vactor Truck made a big difference when Hurricane Florence hit the area in September 2018,” Hines said. “ … The Vactor Truck has been used all around town to clean drains and catchbasins.” Hines said she initiated a vote by City Council to buy a camera and root-cutter for the vac truck.
Hines said that since she became mayor four years ago, several new businesses have come to the city, including: Wal-Mart (2016), Tractor Supply Co. (2016), Little Caesar’s Pizza (2016), and the Fahrenheit 225 restaurant on the Public Square. Also, she said, Genesis Healthcare “has almost completed their new project”; new storefronts have gone up around the Square; a new Sonic Drive-In is being completed; construction continues on a new Carolina Bank building; Chianti’s Wings and Things restaurant has opened; and The Phone Doctor has opened.
Hines said she has “worked diligently” to improve residents’ quality of life.
