Last week, at Michael Graham’s farewell stand-up show, three local politicians “called in” to talk to Graham about his final column and the City Paper’s ten-year anniversary.
Here’s what Mayor Riley had to say.
- Stephanie Barna
Editor
I'm the editor of the Charleston City Paper. I also co-own the paper with my husband Blair Barna and the publisher Noel Mermer. I could probably do a blog just about working with your spouse, but I'll spare you. Instead, I'll post random musings, political rants, foodie thoughts, and various other stuff that's relevant to the Charleston community.
Or maybe it will only be relevant to me.
One Comment
Mayor Riley needs to retire and lets begin with a change.Developers need to stop over developing.Its causing more and more traffic,that also brings in more and more corruption.We can’t control what we have now and yet building permits are given out like free business cards.The charm that was once in the lowcountry is now being replaced with fancy condos along the waterfront.The beach communities have lost that ole homey feel.People who grew up on the islands,that are on fixed incomes,are having to sell their homes,and or farms,or file for bankruptcy due to high taxes.You work your whole life getting taxed for everything,and then when you get your social security check,they tax it once again.The federal government gives monies to local and state enties,its always their at their disposal,to better assist them.Shoot we flew money on C17’s by the pallet and threw it out by the bundles to towns people by truck,going through villages,that were bombed by war.But,yet,we can’t seem to help our own when they need it the most.Storms ravage our communities,we give and give,and officials deem what they feel is necessary based on your incomes or job status,but,yet its more important for officials to get much needed raises,and or hold that money for other causes for a later date.Where is the justice??Its not the officials fault that monies weren’t approved for those 9 brave firefighters that lost their lives fighting to save others,maybe even fighting to save your life,in troubling times.So,instead they have produce a scapegoat.Thats what happened to the chief,you can’t let the mayor look bad.Now,this man is banished for life.Why?? The one who has the gold always rules and that my friend is Greed.Now,getting back to Mayor Riley needing to seek early retirement.What were you people thinking??? If thurmond could do it,lets give the torch to riley??For starters,thurmond was way better than riley would ever be.He would have given that money in a heart beat cause he believed in the people,not one who strives on the greed of others.If it results in the fire chief to loose his job based on the mayor’s position.Then let the chief go with a nice retirement and a full pension.We can’t let greed occupy our lives over safety.Its true,they could of easily approved of monies for the fire dept to have better equipment.But officials in city and state governments only appropriate what they deem necessary.But,when it comes time for raises for them,its ok.Our tax money isn’t being used its being abused by all officials of all levels of government.Large corporations feel the need for greed at all levels,except for those on the bottom,and in the field.Corporate officials are given allowances for gas,food,clothing,vehicles,travel,and its no different than our local officials or those on the government level.That also comes with ridiculous salaries.If the workers on the bottom were given better salaries,along with better equipment,they could do their job more efficiently.It all boils down to safety and being considerate of those who work hard for you everyday.Those at the top, double dip, more than once,and expect more,when they leave and then some.When they easily could have bypassed that raise,and given a little extra to the company for raises for the workers on the bottom that need it more,or invested more in better equipment.You wonder where your tax dollars go,our city officials,and government are just like large corporations.