Long for City Council

Last night I attended the critical public schools alternative meeting where the fate of Rivers Middle School Building was discussed. I have been a part of discussions calling for the creation of a Charleston Charter School for Math and Science utilizing the Rivers Building.

If approved, this would give the downtown community a serious and attractive public school option for high school years. This proposal is very important to the entire area.

The meeting was very successful with and recommendation from some 200 + in attendance. This goes to the Chas. County Board as they will consider the next step and the future of public schools in District 1.

JAMES ISLAND

Ernie Long has been active concerning traffic issues on James Island. He attended every Road Wise Meeting concerning the area and discussed the issues with the residents in attendance. It goes without saying that the residents were glad to see a candidate interested in their area and their future.

Ernie has also met with city officials to discuss the McLeod Village project and its traffic ramifications. City officials have expressed that they have made every effort to communicate with the residents concerning the project. However, if you feel you have not been properly informed, please advise Ernie using the email feature on this site.

In addition, Ernie recently met with several individuals in the Country Club concerning street and drainage issues. He is offering his city contact base to assist them in their problems.

DANIEL ISLAND

The entire Long family attended the Daniel Island Garden and Art Tour. They met many new residents, and enjoyed the new homes being displayed and art work on exhibit.

Recently, Ernie had the opportunity to meet once again with D. I. Neighborhood Association President Tim Callanan and discuss many of the latest areas of concern on the Island. Tim and Ernie have been in discussions for well over a year, and Ernie has attended association meetings for a considerable period of time.

It’s worth noting that Ernie has met with a number of business leaders on the island, as well as with Daniel Island Company officials. If you have a business or community issue you’d like to discuss with Ernie, please feel free to contact him directly via this site!

DOWNTOWN

Recently, Ernie presided over a meeting of 120 downtown residents, city officials and consultants to discuss the possible changing of Rutledge and Ashley Avenues from one way to two way traffic. The Director of Traffic and Transportation was in attendance along with his consultants. The meeting was very informational.

Ernie also presided over a meeting with the Director of Planning and Preservation and the City Engineer to discuss the Historic Preservation Plan. This well attended session was informational, but requires an update in the near term.

Ernie has been extremely involved in a new tourism issue affecting historic Ansonborough. Ernie has worked extensively with the city Attorney, Director of Tourism, Charleston Police Department and neighborhood association to obtain resolution to the carriage issues. While progress has been made; there is more work to be done. Long will be initiating a focused effort this month on this project.

Ernie is currently in discussion with the Traffic and Transportation Department concerning the latest traffic problem to hit the peninsula. The peninsula suffered major traffic tie ups resulting from the Tall Ship visit and lack of traffic supervision. Long received many complaints and is aggressively working on the problem.

JAMES ISLAND

Recently , I received a call from former Citadel President and Country Club resident, General “Bud” Watts, to express his interest in strongly endorsing my candidacy for City Council. In our conversation, General Watts asserted that he was compelled to call because he said he is convinced that District 1 needs someone with extensive experience with the city and a strong reputation for representing the citizens in my area. I am honored that the General feels I fulfill these requirements.

In my meeting with CPD Chief Greg Mullen last week, the Chief informed me that while there have not been any alarming crime developments on James Island as of late, the Department’s recent reorganization has put more patrols on duty in neighborhoods and has improved emergency response time and interaction with individuals in the community. I am excited to see how CPD’s new efforts will continue to improve life for everyone on James Island.

I also continue to closely monitor development in the area, including the new McLeod Village development and the effect it will surely have on traffic in the area.

DOWNTOWN

Lately, my meetings with city officials and various community leaders have kept me busy nearly everyday. Last week, the consortium met and we had a very lively and productive discussion concerning the city’s preservation plan. As President of the Charlestowne Neighborhood Association, I am dedicated to addressing all concerns surrounding the plan.

As we all know, since we live in such a beautiful city, tourism is always a topic of discussion. At last week’s Tourism Commission meeting, several issues were brought up that I had been interested in speaking on for some time. As a result of that meeting, a handful of Commission members and I have scheduled meetings with several city officials this week to roll up our sleeves and revive these issues which influence the lives of all District 1 residents.

Already in these past few weeks I have been able to draw on my experience in Charleston to address dozens of the concerns that have developed over the past few years in District 1. I look forward to updating this blog frequently in an effort to let you know what I’ve been up to as the campaign winds on. Thanks for stopping by, I look forward to seeing you here again soon.

Hello friends,
I have decided to begin writing on this blog periodically as a way to keep up with current issues that are circulating among District 1 residents. The blog will be my voice as the campaign continues to unfold in the coming months. I encourage you to visit often and comment on my posts; your comments will be one of many ways that I will be interacting with you through election day. I have some exciting plans in the works for the coming weeks and hope to see many of you very soon. Thank you for visiting my blog, I hope see you back here soon.