Simple Civics: Greenville County

Latest Episodes:

District 18 - Meet your Candidates for Greenville County Council Apr 16, 2024

Show notes

Meet Mike Barnes and Kelly Long, candidates for Greenville County Council District 18, generally representing the Greer area. In this episode, each candidate has 10 minutes to introduce themselves to the voters. Your vote is so important! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors.

Links:

Mike Barnes: https://www.facebook.com/VoteMikeBarnes/

Kelly Long: https://votekellylong.com/

Sample Ballot: www.scvotes.gov

Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.

Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.

Everything You Need to Know about Special Purpose Districts in South Carolina Apr 09, 2024

Show notes

Have you ever wondered about the special purpose districts that operate behind the scenes in South Carolina? In this episode, we sit down with C.D. Rhodes to shine a light on these little-known but vitally important entities. From fire protection to water and sewer services, special purpose districts play a crucial role in our communities - but their origins and operations remain a mystery to most. Join us as we explore the history and complex challenges facing these districts today, and discover how they shape the future of local governance in our state.

Links:

C. D. Rhodes Episode on Home Rule

Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.

Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.

Who Will Be on the Ballot? Apr 02, 2024

Show notes

37 candidates have filed to run in June 11th primary races touching Greenville County, SC for offices like County Council to Sheriff to state House, Senate, and Congress. Almost HALF of them will have no competition in November, meaning your primary votes are tremendously important. But in 2022, only 14% of voters turned out in the primary. This episode runs through some of the details around our statewide primary, how it works, and who's on the ballot.

Links:

See who is on the ballot in Greenville County

Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.

Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.

Home Rule: Understanding the Legislation that Created Local Government in South Carolina Mar 26, 2024

Show notes

Are you curious to learn how South Carolina's counties evolved into the local governments we know today? In this episode, we take an in-depth look at the groundbreaking Home Rule Act with special guest C.D. Rhodes, a partner at Pope Flynn and a leading authority on local government powers. Discover how the events of 1973 and 1975 drastically reshaped the political landscape, shifting power from state senators to local citizens, and learn why understanding Home Rule is crucial for engaged community members today.

Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.

Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.

Annexation in South Carolina: How Cities Grow Mar 19, 2024

Show notes

Ever wondered how cities grow? In this episode, we explore annexation in South Carolina with Scott Slatton, an expert from the Municipal Association of South Carolina. Scott breaks down the process, benefits, and challenges of annexation, sharing insights about donut holes, land use, and the tug-of-war between rural and urban interests. Join us for an engaging look at the little-understood but crucial topic of how cities expand!

Links:

Municipal Association of South Carolina

Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.

Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.

Serving Up Hope: Innovative Nonprofits Responding to Growth and Nourishing Our Community Mar 12, 2024

Show notes

How are nonprofits dealing with growth in Greenville? In this episode, we sit down Tobin Simpson of Project Host and Catriona Carlisle of Meals on Wheels to learn how these leaders are rising to the occasion with creativity and collaboration. Discover the secrets behind their innovative approaches to fighting hunger, from serving up hot meals and social connections to empowering unemployed individuals with culinary training and how you can get involved.

Links:

Meals on Wheels Greenville

Project Host

Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.

Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.

From Classroom to Career: The Power of Public-Private Partnerships in Education Mar 05, 2024

Show notes

Partnerships between schools and industry are the best way to prepare students for the careers of tomorrow, and thanks to partners like Fluor, Greenville County Schools is offering cutting edge opportunities to students from preschool through graduation. Today, we talk with Katie Porter, Greenville County Schools CTE Innovation Center Director, Thomas Riddle, Assistant Director of the Roper Mountain Science Center, and Torrence Robinson, Senior Corporate Philanthropy and Foundation Executive at Fluor, and explore how these partnerships create hands-on learning opportunities for students at facilities like the Roper Mountain Science Center and the CTE Innovation Center. We examine how these programs develop critical problem-solving skills and help students see their own potential in STEM fields. We also highlight the vital role businesses play in shaping curriculum and offering real-world experiences that ignite curiosity and inspiration.

Learn more about Fluor's commitment to communities like Greenville.

Links:

CTE Innovation Center

Roper Mountain Science Center

Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.

Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.

Seen, Heard, and Valued: Painting Stories of Hope Feb 27, 2024

Show notes

Today we explore the making of Greenville's "Seen, Heard, and Valued" mural, a nearly 50-foot-tall artwork celebrating stories of hope from those who have experienced homelessness. We hear from the artist, Nick Burns ("Ninja Picasso"), Triune Mercy Center Facilities Manager Don Austin, and Triune Mercy Center Pastor Jennifer Fouse Sheorn about the mural's message and its role in sparking conversations about compassion and action. They are interviewed by Susan McLarty, Executive Director of Greenville Homeless Alliance which spearheaded the project. Join us as we explore how this extraordinary mural is driving change and inspiring hope for those facing homelessness.

Links:

Meet the men and women featured in the Seen | Heard | Valued mural

Greenville Homeless Alliance

Triune Mercy Center

Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.

Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.

VITA: Your Free Tax Preparation Solution Feb 20, 2024

Show notes

Put more money in your pocket this tax season, and help your neighbors file their taxes for free! Today we're talking with Cody Carver, Director of Community Initiatives and Investments at United Way of Greenville County, about the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and how it offers free tax preparation help to those who qualify. Find out if you're eligible, what documents you'll need, and how to schedule your appointment. We'll also hear from Cody about the tremendous difference VITA volunteers make in our community and how you can get started volunteering.

Links:

United Way Greenville County

MyFreeTaxes.com

SC 211

Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.

Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.

The Reedy River: Past, Present, and Protecting its Future Feb 13, 2024

Show notes

The Reedy River plays a vital role in Greenville County's history and its ongoing development. Join us as we speak with Scott Butler, President of the Board of Friends of the Reedy River, to explore the river's geography, its role in economic growth, and the ongoing efforts to protect its health. We'll discuss the importance of environmental policy and how you can take action to help preserve this beautiful natural resource.

Links:

Friends of the Reedy River website

Don Koonce episode on textile mills

Boyd Millpond information

Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.

Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.