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: Register to vote and check your reg...
Apr 02, 2024•16 min
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 communi...
Mar 26, 2024•19 min
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 Podcas...
Mar 19, 2024•21 min
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 ...
Mar 12, 2024•26 min
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 ...
Mar 05, 2024•32 min
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 Green...
Feb 27, 2024•24 min
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 VI...
Feb 20, 2024•16 min
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...
Feb 13, 2024•18 min
Today we hear from local officials about the realities of public service, revealing the demanding nature of their so-called part-time roles. Councilman Benton Blount, Councilman Karuiam Booker, and Trustee Anne Pressley share insights into the learning curve, community impact, and the importance of engagement in governance. Through their stories, we gain a deeper appreciation for the dedication required to make a tangible difference in the lives of constituents. Listen as they reflect on the cha...
Feb 06, 2024•25 min
Today we talk with Jason Zacher on the Greenville Chamber's role in policy and advocacy in Columbia. We discuss the significance of community involvement in policy-making and the importance of personal advocacy in informing legislative decisions and how small businesses are often on the front lines of understanding pain points for residents and the business community at large. Links: Greenville Chamber Legislative Agenda Jason Zacher on the intersection of business and nonprofit interests Jason ...
Jan 30, 2024•25 min
Today we interview three Greenville County student body presidents, exploring their perspectives on school pride, leadership, and community impact. These leaders from Greenville Senior High Academy, Carolina High, and Eastside High School share insights on their diverse schools, mental health, and community engagement in shaping a student's journey. Discover how these students are not just future leaders, but influential voices in today's educational landscape. Links: Launch Greenville Internshi...
Jan 23, 2024•29 min
Today we look at how you can have an impact by serving on local boards and commissions in the City of Greenville. Join us as we explore how residents like you can actively shape our city's future without running for public office. Councilwoman Dorothy Dowe shares insights on the importance, process, and rewards of civic engagement, highlighting the various boards and commissions you can join. Whether you're a Greenville local or just passionate about community involvement, this episode highlight...
Jan 16, 2024•21 min
Today we look at the world of recycling with Wendy McNatt, Greenville County's Recycling Coordinator, as we uncover the realities of landfill waste and explore effective recycling methods. Learn about local options, correct practices, and the impact of your choices. Join us in committing to reduce, reuse, and recycle in 2024, as we strive for a cleaner, greener community. Take a listen to find out how your everyday choices can make a significant difference! Learn more about Fluor's commitment to...
Jan 09, 2024•19 min
Happy 2024, Simple Civics listeners! We have a jam-packed election year ahead of us and wanted to give you a preview of things to come on the podcast. Expect in-depth discussions and interviews with key candidates, offering a closer look at the personalities shaping our political future. Tune in to learn about key voting dates, what we can anticipate in the 2024 elections, how to get involved, and more! Links: Check your voter registration status. _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Simple Civics: G...
Jan 02, 2024•11 min
In this episode, Liam McCormick discusses the importance of intergenerational conversations about family stories to build resilience in families and to prepare for the transfer of wealth. We look at the crucial, yet often overlooked, conversations about legacy within wealth transfer. McCormick offers unique strategies to bridge generational gaps, turning complex wealth planning into opportunities for meaningful family bonding. Links: Tales Life Story Interview Kit Story Worth 20 Questions articl...
Dec 19, 2023•23 min
Discover what sets Taylors apart with Alex Reynolds, president of Taylors TownSquare. We delve into the community's unique identity and the role of Taylors TownSquare in fostering a sense of belonging. Whether you're a long-time resident, a curious neighbor, or just passionate about community dynamics, this episode offers a glimpse into the heartbeat of a community that's more than just a place on the map. Links: Taylors TownSquare Alex Reynolds Bio Greenville County GIS Tool _ Produced by Podca...
Dec 12, 2023•18 min
Municipal elections just happened in the six cities in Greenville County! Join us as we explore the varied voter turnouts in each city, decode the reasons behind these patterns, discuss the pros and cons of off-year election timings, and more. _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville . Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution. Email us: [email protected]...
Dec 05, 2023•16 min
Get ready for year end with strategies for charitable giving, maximizing your IRA and flexible spending accounting, giving to family and friends, and donating to a young person's 529 plan. We're joined by Caroline Van Hook with Elliott Davis and Gina Blohm with the Community Foundation of Greenville to explore savvy giving tactics and the interplay between charitable contributions and tax planning. This episode is your guide to making informed and impactful decisions in your philanthropic and fi...
Nov 28, 2023•26 min
Greenville is a hub for both business and leisure tourists. How do we benefit from this, what challenges does the tourism and hospitality sector face, and what's next for our community? Tune into this episode with Heath Dillard, President and CEO of VisitGreenvilleSC to find out. Links: Heath Dillard Bio. VisitGreenvilleSC annual report, 10-year destination strategic plan, and brand evolution. _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenvill...
Nov 21, 2023•26 min
In this episode, we're joined by Lindsay Zika, Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year, who shares her journey in education – a story woven through different cultures and countries and now rooted in Greenville Senior High Academy. We explore the profound influence of family and passion for language that propelled her into a career with multilingual learners. Lindsay is interviewed by Catherine Schumacher with Public Education Partners. Lindsay and Catherine discuss the unique joys and chal...
Nov 14, 2023•17 min
It’s election day 2023 for the 6 cities in Greenville County ! Voters have the responsibility of getting to the polls if they haven’t already, but there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes for election officials, candidates, and campaign volunteers. This episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look from pre-dawn to finalizing election results. Election Resources: Check Your Voter Registration Status View Your Sample Ballot Look Up Who Represents You _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Simple C...
Nov 07, 2023•25 min
We've brought you candidate interviews for all Greenville County city elections. We hope you heard from candidates you'd like to support. Of course, your vote is the most important way to do that. But there are many more ways to get involved and multiply your impact. On today’s episode, we’ll talk about how to do that. Our producer, Nathaniel DeSantis, who is a newer voter, interviews Derek Lewis, who has run two successful races for Greenville County school board. They have great tips for how t...
Oct 31, 2023•17 min
Dive deep into the City of Mauldin's upcoming elections on November 7 as we sit down with the candidates vying for your vote. Today, you’ll hear from City Council Seat 6 candidate Mark Steenback. Discover why he is running for office, what he thinks are the biggest issues facing the City of Mauldin, his priorities if elected, and more. We’ve included a lot of helpful links below. Please take a listen and share with your neighbors. Candidate Links: Mark Steenback LinkedIn Election Resources: Chec...
Oct 24, 2023•11 min
Dive deep into the City of Travelers Rest's upcoming elections on November 7 as we sit down with the candidates vying for your vote. Today, you’ll hear from City Council special election candidates Jeffrey Hyten and Catherine Stanford James. Discover why they are running for office, what they think are the biggest issues facing the City of Travelers Rest, their priorities if elected, and more. We’ve included a lot of helpful links below. Please take a listen and share with your neighbors. Candid...
Oct 17, 2023•18 min
Dive deep into the City of Greer’s upcoming elections on November 7 as we sit down with the candidates vying for your vote. Today, you’ll hear from District 3 candidate Mark Hopper. Discover why he is running for office, what he thinks are the biggest issues facing the City of Greer, his priorities if elected, and more. We’ve included a lot of helpful links below. Please take a listen and share with your neighbors. Candidate Links: Mark Hopper Election Resources: Check Your Voter Registration St...
Oct 10, 2023•13 min
Dive deep into the City of Fountain Inn's upcoming elections on November 7 as we sit down with the candidates vying for your vote. Today, you’ll hear Ward 6 candidates Mack Blackstone and Bill Smith. Discover why they are running for office, what they think are the biggest issues facing the City of Fountain Inn, their priorities if elected, and more. We’ve included a lot of helpful links below. Please take a listen and share with your neighbors. Candidate Links: Mack Blackstone Bill Smith Electi...
Oct 03, 2023•13 min
Dive deep into the City of Simpsonville's upcoming elections on November 7 as we sit down with the candidates vying for your vote. Today, you’ll hear from Janice Curtis and Paul Shewmaker, who are running for Simpsonville City Mayor. You’ll also hear from Ward 1 candidates Erin Medlin, Chad O'Rear, and Skip Strong. Lastly, you'll hear from Ward 5 candidates Tim Pinkerton and Jermaine Smith. Discover why they are running for office, what they think are the biggest issues facing the City of Simpso...
Sep 26, 2023•1 hr 4 min
Dive deep into the City of Greenville's upcoming elections on November 7 as we sit down with the candidates vying for your vote. Today, you'll hear from Michelle Shain and Mayor Knox White, who are running for Greenville City Mayor. You'll also hear from Dorothy Dowe, who is running for the Greenville City Council At-Large seat. Discover why they are running for office, what they think are the biggest issues facing the City of Greenville, their priorities if elected, and more. We've included a l...
Sep 19, 2023•27 min
Ready to cast your vote but feeling lost in the maze of local government? We've got you covered. In this episode, we break down the essentials of Greenville County's upcoming municipal elections. From the unique forms of city government to the candidates vying for your vote, we're here to make sure you're not just a voter, but an informed one. We also dive into the nitty-gritty of voting logistics. Whether you're a seasoned voter or a first-timer, we'll guide you through registration deadlines, ...
Sep 12, 2023•14 min
Today we explore the rich tapestry of Greenville's textile history with Don Koonce, a leading expert on the subject and a seasoned filmmaker. From the rise of 18 mills in a mere three-square-mile radius to the indelible impact on local communities, we unravel how textiles have shaped Greenville's economy, governance, and even its neighborhoods. Don shares captivating stories of entrepreneurial brilliance, community spirit, and the transformation of empty mills into bustling hubs of modern activi...
Sep 05, 2023•18 min
