Council Chairman Clarifies Comments on Integrity

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Anderson County Council Chairman Tommy Dunn issued a statement today to clarify his comments from last night's meeting regarding the rejection of a requested zoning change on Hurricane Road.

Dunn said that the two councilmen who recused themselves from the vote, Council Vice Chairman Brett Sanders and Councilman John Wright, Jr., are "men of high integrity, as anyone in the community who knows them can confirm. They are two of the most honorable and ethical people I’ve ever known. They are public servants, and there is no doubt in my mind that they always put the citizens of Anderson County first in everything they do. Because of their integrity, they recused themselves from the vote last night. I would never expect any less of them."

Dunn praised Sanders as a "once-in-a-generation entrepreneurial and business mind...one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the history of Anderson County," and Wright for his wisdom, business acumen and for exemplifying "everything that is good about our community."

Here is Dunn's complete statement:

"At last night’s County Council meeting, Council denied rezoning around 35 acres at Hurricane Creek Road and Pine Lane in the Sandy Springs area from C-2 (Highway Commercial District) to IZD (Innovative Zoning District). Due to conflicts of interest, Vice-Chairman Brett Sanders and Councilman John Wright, Jr. recused themselves. The rezoning failed on a 3-2 vote.

Regarding this vote and any confusion about my statements during the meeting, I want to make clear that Vice-Chairman Sanders and Councilman Wright are men of high integrity, as anyone in the community who knows them can confirm. They are two of the most honorable and ethical people I’ve ever known. They are public servants, and there is no doubt in my mind that they always put the citizens of Anderson County first in everything they do. Because of their integrity, they recused themselves from the vote last night. I would never expect any less of them.

Mr. Sanders is a once-in-a-generation entrepreneurial and business mind. He holds three degrees, including a master’s degree from Clemson in financial management, and has done post-graduate work in entrepreneurial leadership. He is one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the history of Anderson County, and he is well-known as a man of his word. To say we are lucky to have him on Council is an understatement.

Mr. Wright has also found great success in business, and he, his wife, and his family exemplify everything that is good about our community. Mr. Wright is wise far beyond his years. He approaches every issue that comes before Council with a carefulness and a steadiness. He does his constituents proud, and the future of Anderson County is brighter because of his commitment to moral and purposeful leadership.

I look forward to working with Vice-Chairman Sanders, Councilman Wright, and all of Council in the months and years ahead. We have accomplished a lot on behalf of the citizens of Anderson County, and there is still much work ahead to be done."