Meet Ken Matesevac and Alex Reynolds, candidates for Greenville County Council District 20, generally representing the Taylors area and some of Travelers Rest. 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. Also running is incumbent Steve Shaw, but after scheduling for an interview twice and missing the first and canceling the second, Mr. Shaw declined to participate. Links: Ken Matesevac: https://ken4district20.com/ Alex Reynolds: https://www.votealexreynolds.com/ Steve Shaw ..read more

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 ..read more

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 Ru ..read more

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 registration status See who is on the ballot in Greenville County _ Produced by Podcast Studio X ..read more

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 ..read more

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. Supp ..read more

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 Grea ..read more

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 ..read more

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 Gree ..read more

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 Coun ..read more