Mike Courtney, Activist?

Those of you who know me know that I prefer to keep a low profile. More like an invisible profile. But after watching a crew fill the same potholes for the third time, and after watching the city repave the streets leading to the Country Club but not the smaller streets I figured that someone had to step up and since no one else volunteered, that someone evidently is me.

I'm ashamed to admit that I didn't know who my District 10 council person was until a few minutes ago. I might have voted for him in the last election. Or not. (Local politics in Charleston only get attention when there is a controversy. Or when there are potholes.)

As I walked down the street taking photos, not only of the recently filled potholes but also of the numerous cracks that someday will be potholes, several neighbors came out and asked me what I was doing. After I explained they all said, "I'm glad someone is doing that." I can't fault them. Before today I had hoped someone else would do that.

I don't want Councilmember Riegel to think that this is just about my street so now that the rain seems to have stopped I'm going to go out and take photos of and make notes about other side streets.

I realize that budgets are tight and that the city is doing the best it can with street maintenance. All I want to know is if streets like mine are on the list. If now I want to know how to get them on the list.

And before anyone asks, I will not be running for office in the next election. Potholes have given me more exposure than I wanted.

Comments

[Ally Bean]

Well, aren't you having an adventure? In city politics, even.

I respect your desire to make things right on your street. Potholes are just plain stupid. No one who pays taxes need put up with them. So I say, badger the heck out of city hall until your potholes are filled-in to your satisfaction.

And please be sure to write about what happens along the way. There's no better blog fodder than city politics.

[Margaret]

I love the idea of Activist Mike! So, it takes some potholes to get you going, eh? There is a monster one on my way out of school! If I don't avoid it, I'm afraid I'll break an axle.

[Echomouse]

Haha! Good for you :-) It starts with little steps....