COUNTY – In announcing his reelection bid recently, Pickens County Council member Randy Crenshaw said he appreciates the opportunity the people of District 3 have given him to represent them for the past four years.

“It has been a privilege and honor to serve my community in this capacity,” Crenshaw said. “I ask you for your vote as I seek reelection in the upcoming June 14 Republican Primary.”

Crenshaw is a lifelong resident of Pickens County and has a vested interest in the future of Pickens County.

“I am retired from Blue Ridge Electric after 27 years,” he said. “My wife, Sandra, and I own a small cattle farm in the rural area of the county. I serve on the board of directors for the Pickens County Cattlemen’s Association, the Pickens County Farm Bureau and also the Clemson Extension Agency advisory board. I am a member of Mountain View Baptist Church, where I serve as deacon.”

While the area has gone through some difficult times during his time on council, such as the recession in 2008, when the state of South Carolina began making cuts to the funding going to local governments, Pickens County survived in excellent financial condition, according to Crenshaw.

“Pickens County has maintained a balanced budget for over 10 years without a tax increase or cuts in services,” he said. “We have the fifth-lowest taxes of 46 counties in South Carolina. Our county is solvent, and we maintain a healthy reserve. This was accomplished through sound conservative principals.”

Crenshaw said the county maintains 670 miles of county roads and 74 bridges “with a very effective and fair road paving program that we adopted.”

“I know there still some bad roads in Pickens County, but these are not county roads and are not covered by our road paving program,” he said.

Crenshaw said he is aware of the needs of the people in the district, such as high homeowners insurance premiums and better EMS services in the outlying rural areas.

“We also have a situation with serious overcrowding at the county jail,” he said. “County council is currently working to find solutions to these problems, and I will not be satisfied until it is done.”

Crenshaw knows economic development has been slow in recent years, but said he is happy to report that an announcement is upcoming concerning new job opportunities coming to Pickens County in the near future.

“There will be one announcement next week, with more to follow in the very near future. This is good news for everyone,” Crenshaw said.

Crenshaw is particularly proud of the rich heritage of Pickens County.

“Hagood Mill is extremely popular, with improvements being made regularly,” he said. “The South Carolina petroglyphs at Hagood Mill are an amazing piece of history and are a major attraction.”

Crenshaw said his plan is to keep working and fighting for the people in his district and all of Pickens County.

“It is for this reason I am seeking reelection,” he said. “I am asking for your continued trust and support. Please vote on June 14. If you have any questions for me concerning the county, I welcome your calls.”

Crenshaw can be reached at (864) 637-8143.