Raise South Carolina cigarette tax to align with region
Editorial urges SC lawmakers to raise the cigarette tax from five cents to 30 to 35 cents per pack, arguing high healthcare costs from smoking justify the hike. It cites NC increases, Medicaid costs, and calls for fiscal realism and public health benefits.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
North Carolina
South Carolina
Palmetto
Washington, D.C
State House
Mike Easley
S.c.’S
Rhode Island
Georgia
Kids
No Child Left Behind Shows Modest School Choice Uptake
The No Child Left Behind Act aimed to expand school choice rather than guarantee better results. In South Carolina last year only 1,150 students left neighborhood schools, about 3 percent of those in 90 schools offering choice, with no mass exodus from failing institutions. The reform remains vital by broadening options for parents and students who opt in.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bush
South Carolina
Interest in local elections varies in Aiken County towns
The article notes voter registration is essential to influence elections. It reports Burnettown shows high candidate interest, while other municipalities in Aiken County display average or historically typical levels of interest for this November election.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Aiken County
Burnettown
Citizens debate protectors versus developers in local zoning
A letter details 2002 Planning Commission votes allowing Shellhouse Funeral Home to appeal zoning restrictions for a Hayne Avenue crematorium. It argues Jane Vaughters should be elected for protection, while criticizing Kay Biermann Brohl and council members for promoting developer friendly zoning funded by taxpayers.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Kay Biermann-Brohl
Planning Commission
Shellhouse Funeral Home
BZA
Board of Zoning Appeals
Jane Vaughters
Hayne Avenue
Tax money for project a bad idea in Aiken County
A resident argues against a pending county ordinance to fund 36.3 million dollars of infrastructure for two private parcels Sage Creek and Trolley Run Station. The writer says Fine Deering would finance the rest and questions the need for taxpayer welfare, claiming development will proceed regardless.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Fine/Deering
Chuck Smith
Smith
Gary Bunker
Scott Singer
Houston
Aiken
Ten Facts for Car Drivers About Motorcycle Safety
A safety notice urges car and truck drivers to watch for motorcycles after another rider was killed. It lists ten facts to prevent crashes, including checking intersections, recognizing blind spots, and giving extra following distance to motorcyclists.
County council urged to oppose TIF bond for 5000 homes
Thomas Egan warns that a 36 million TIF bond to aid a developer will raise costs for schools sewers roads and services while harming air water quality and community life. He invites residents to attend the Sept 20 public meeting and contact their councilperson.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Thomas Egan Aiken
SPCA rules and local shelters urge pet adoption and neutering
Aiken County Animal Control neighbors SPCA on Wire Road and accepts city or county dogs but animals released may be put to sleep. Advertise to find homes, spay or neuter to curb overpopulation, with reduced fee programs at CSRA Life Saver and SPCA. Call 803-215-0559 for appointments.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
SPCA
Aiken County Animal Control
Wire Road
Iwanta
CSRA
Wal-Mart
Belvedere
Aiken
Csra Life Saver
Molly’s Militia
Aiken Standard
Don Wells for Aiken City Council
A local candidate promotes traditional values and family leadership. Don Wells, owner of Park Avenue Paints, frames himself as a community ally who will preserve Aiken’s character and support small businesses as the economic backbone.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Aiken
Don Wells
Park Avenue Paints
Treatment denied over $200 debt blocks shoulder care
A wife recounts her husband’s car accident and a separated shoulder. After ER at Aiken Regional, a rheumatology bill allegedly $200 blocked an orthopedic appointment at Carolina Musculoskeletal Institute, delaying urgent care. The note accuses local providers of using debt to hinder treatment.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Aiken Regional
Carolina Musculoskeletal Institute
University Parkway
Also Mentioned on This Page
Editorial
S.C
Scott B. Huntershunter
Aikenstandard.com
Jeffrey B. Wallace
Arthur T. Zappa
Azappa
Ellen C. Priestpriest
Timothy E. O’briant Tobriant
Aikenstandard. Com
Phillip Yates Byates
Scot Newcomsnewcom
J. David Boyd
Letitia Jefferson Jefferson
Stuart Bedenbaugh
A.C. Voter Registration and Elections
Bedenbaugh
Aiken Tech
Gerry Lynn
Martha Aiken
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