SwampFox

Raines announces for Mauldin Mayor

Submitted by: John Boyanoski on Jul 18, 2011 at 5:43 pm Tagged with: Dennis Raines, Mauldin, Mauldin Miracle League, Mayor Source: Brett, Inc

MAULDIN, SC – Supporters of former Mauldin City Councilman Dennis Raines cheered this morning as he announced his bid to be the next city mayor.

Raines said it is time that Mauldin creates a serious economic development plan that focuses on creating jobs, making the city part of the region’s growth and bringing business to the Highway 276 corridor, which is the city’s main throughway.

“We need to know why businesses are leaving and why more are not coming in,” Raines said. “The time for consultants is over and we need to start acting on our plans.”
Raines brings a proven track record of service and commitment to the Mauldin community, which he has been a member of for more than 40 years.

He spent 13 years as a volunteer fireman and was a state-certified EMT. In 1989, he was elected president of the Mauldin Dixie Youth League. The organization had 700 children at the time. When he left in 1995, Mauldin Dixie Youth had more than 1,500 children involved, was one of the biggest youth programs in the state and had hosted the first Dixie Youth Pre-Majors World Series.

Raines served on City Council from 1996 through 2001 where he was chair of the finance committee during his second term. As a council member, he played a vital role in the property negotiations for City Hall, construction of the new City Hall building and the creation of the Mauldin Cultural Center. All of this was done without raising taxes.

In 2005, he formed the Mauldin Miracle League, the first ball field and league in the Upstate created specifically for children with disabilities. The success of this program is reflected in the fact that it is now serving over 100 children every season.

Raines said he decided to run for mayor because he wants to see Mauldin grow and expand while continuing to offer great services to its residents. He wants to take a comprehensive look at the city’s budget and make sure residents are getting the most for their tax dollars.

“In these tough economic times, our city needs to be cost effective; socially responsible; responsive and resident centered,” he said. “All fiscal decisions need to be based on a cost-benefit analysis and every possible avenue of revenue generation and expense reductions needs to be analyzed before tax and or fee increases are considered.”

-30-