Posted by dannyabtl (anonymous) on October 8, 2008 at 8:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Not the outcome I'd hoped for here, but I think it at least sends a message. Perhaps the real question is, "Is Mayor Lowe listening?"

If these results end up standing, surely he must understand that nearly half of the active voters in Columbiana do not approve of his record.

If nothing else, this is a mandate from the people that things must change. This is a challenge not only to Mayor Lowe, but the incoming councilmembers.

Posted by smalltownresident (anonymous) on October 8, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You would think our current mayor is getting the picture but no one can be certain of that. If things remain the same we can count on one thing, more rehabilitative facilities in Columbiana, less places for actual "shopping", more families moving to our area that are in the low income bracket, and a crime rate increase. Too bad the housing market is in a slump because now would be the perfect time to look into residency elsewhere. How sad. Where can we buy one of those "Columbiana-The City of Rehabilitation" bumper stickers?

Posted by jmom03 (anonymous) on October 8, 2008 at 11:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

smalltownresident,

I don't live in the city limits but your remarks about families moving into the area that are in the low income bracket is uncall for. These people have to make a living and spend there money in the same town as you. Most people that live here in Columbiana are in the low income bracket but that does not make them any less of a person as those who have more. I agree with you about having more places to shop, more grocery store options. With the ecomony like it is, guess who will come out to the good. those low income families that you are talking about. They know how to make it on nothing now, so they will be able to make it on nothing later. what are you going to do stand at the city limit signs and ask for a resume before they can move into the city.

Posted by dannyabtl (anonymous) on October 8, 2008 at 3:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

In theory, there would not be more low income families moving to Columbiana. There is no place for them to move. In fact, there's no place for anyone to move into Columbiana!

As Gregg Rushton pointed out at the public forum, there are very few new homes that have been built in the city in recent years.

We've had a city hall that has been averse to growth for decades. If you need evidence, just drive by the intersection of 26 & 70 and think of how long that sub-division has been on the drawing board. (If it ever is built, I'm sure people will flock to it considering we're getting the Bradford clinic right across the street!)

Posted by coontownnag (anonymous) on October 8, 2008 at 3:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope he does win. So many people do not know the real Gregg. Does he even live in Columbiana? (stays in his aunts basement) He says he going to build a house here. I guess we will see after this is over if he really does.
We do not need any more new homes (subdivision) built in Columbiana. If you want that then move to Calera, Alabaster or Helena.
Yes we need another grocery store, but we need people to support it so it will stay here also.
I know people that did not want the new rehab center but did not have any problem with the Home for Boys that is on the same street the Mayor lives on.

Posted by southtowngirl (anonymous) on October 8, 2008 at 4:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

@ coontownnag - how do you expect to support another grocery store (or any business) if you do not let people move into the city? if they are going to have to move to calera, alabaster or helena (at your request) they might as well shop there too! we need growth - slow and moderated. we are no longer quaint, we are stagnant.

Posted by observer (anonymous) on October 8, 2008 at 8:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

To "Smalltown Resident"- These times place us in a buyer's market. You should really consider Pea Ridge or Calcis. They are ready to sell. Or, if you prefer a shopping community, you might consider moving to Sterrett or Vandiver. They have the "cloth barn" now. Otherwise, count your blessings for the City you live in. It could be a whole lot worse.

Posted by tcollum1821 (anonymous) on October 9, 2008 at 11:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope Greg gets the votes. A Lowe is all about himself and those salary increases for him and not the employees. ALowe is about what can I get away with and hide from the residents. Greg has seen what goes on as most of you have. Even if the out come isn't what you wanted...meaning Greg in office. Go to the Council meetings-take a stand. Voters - you have proven you do and can make a difference. ALowe went back on his original campain of 8 years ago...no more Good Ole Boy system - everyone has to abide by the City Ordances...but he obviously learned how to play and try to hide his actions. By voters turn out - I would say alot of you have realized that....

Posted by dannyabtl (anonymous) on October 10, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Granted, it's been a long time since Mrs. Gilmore's high school biology class; but as I recall, one of the tests to determine whether something is a living organism is growth. The absence of growth indicates the entity is either dead or dying.

That being said, let's hope whichever candidate ends up behind the mayor's desk remembers his biology class. Columbiana has seen little to no growth in the recent past. The question isn't whether or not we "grow or stay the same", it's whether we "grow versus slowly die" as a city.

Posted by Iam4whatisright (anonymous) on October 10, 2008 at 11:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

MAYOR LOWE NEEDS TO BE RE-ELECTED. I HAVEN'T FORGOT WHEN RUSHTON, CHAMBERS AND WILSON WERE ON THE S.C. COMMISSION. THEY ALMOST BANKRUPT THE COUNTY. IT TOOK YEARS TO GET S.C. BACK ON STABLE GROUND. APPARANTLY 1/2 THE CITIZENS WHO VOTED EITHER DO NOT REMEMBER WHAT THEY DID THEN OR THEY REALLY DON'T CARE.

Posted by bamaboy (anonymous) on October 12, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Bet all the drug dealers are glad allen won,now they wont
have to move. mr lowe if you did not know it and im pretty sure you do. The same dealers that are selling to columbiana kids now are the same dealers that was selling drugs 8 years ago. believe me i know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!