Elections 2024: Jackson Lollis, Piedmont Public Service District

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Jackson Lollis is a candidate for the Fire District Commission, Piedmont Public Service District.

1. What are the three most pressing issues facing the Piedmont Public Service District (PPSD), and how do you plan to address them?

There is more growth in Piedmont than ever before and it will not stop anytime soon. The Piedmont Fire Department will always be the first to respond in Piedmont if you are in trouble. Therefore, the Fire Department will need more equipment, better facilities, more employees, and better training to accommodate the growth. They are the true heroes of Piedmont and in order for them to be the best, they need the best support. I will enable grant funds to be able to support these great men who save lives every day. 

Homelessness and drugs have spiked over the last decade. Yet, there hasn’t been any solution. To solve the homeless problem, I have teamed up with an outside company that helps people who need shelter, clothes, food, water, and jobs. To solve the drug problem, I will be involved in getting more police from both Greenville and Anderson County to be on standby in Piedmont on both sides of the river 24/7. 

Ever since I have been alive there has only been a few sports available for our youth to play. I believe sports are a great way to bring communities together, promote health, and learn teamwork. I am personally creating a sports and rec team that will compete in both Greenville and Anderson County bringing new sports to Piedmont such as lacrosse, basketball and volleyball for both boys and girls. I will also work tirelessly to ensure that our parks get to great standards so Piedmont can be a community that prioritizes health. 

2. What is your understanding of the PPSD commission and how it works for the community?

The PPSD works as a governing body that oversees/budgets the fire department, lights and signs, and parks and rec. 

3. What would you do to ensure adequate funding and resources for fire services and your other areas of responsibility?

Over the years I have learned the valuable skill of raising money and earning grant funding. I will utilize this skill from day one of being in the PPSD Commission. 

4. What strategies do you propose to improve firefighter training and safety?

Firefighters being involved in continued training throughout their careers is crucial for the job. I will ensure the fire firefighters get new equipment for training, and have continued training based off of new guidelines and studies that may help them to be more efficient on the job. 

5. How would you engage with the community to promote the work and need of support of PPSD? 

I believe having monthly community events is a great way to promote the support for the PPSD to ensure things are getting done in our small community.  We aren’t getting tax money, and 5 commissioners have no chance at really ensuring the best of the best. If our community comes together, we can do anything and really make Piedmont Proud Again. 

6. Is there a single issue prompting you to run for this position? If so, what is it? If not, why are you running?

I am running for the unheard people of Piedmont. I am running to make Piedmont a safer and more attractive community. I am running to make great change that is needed in Piedmont. There are so many issues and to the naked eye it looks like nothing has happened to better the community. I want Piedmont to be respected and have better standards for itself. I believe we have gotten comfortable and it’s time to take it a notch up and make Piedmont a place people want to live and visit. It starts with ensuring Piedmont is safe through our firefighters.

7. What other community service have you been a part of in Piedmont?

I personally have been making plans to do more service in Piedmont. I have been in college and haven’t been able to for the past four years. Although it has been my goal for many years to start serving Piedmont more once I graduated, which was in May 2024. Since then, I have been creating plans to start doing more community involvement and services. Such as more community events, clean up the street, help the homeless have a new plan, help youth with athletics, create a new business organization that is open to all people, and so much more to come. I am really excited to start them and see those plans come to live for the betterment of the great citizens of Piedmont. 

Greg Wilson