UNSUNG HEROES MADE DECKER CENTER A REALITY

Letter to The State’s editorial board

OCTOBER 08 – COLUMBIA, SC

“While there are numerous individuals who made the incredible repurposing of the two-decade-abandoned Kroger store in Dentsville possible, the two unsung heroes are Richland County Councilman Greg Pearce and Brownstone President Dale Collier. I may have been the cheerleader, but their extraordinary leadership and commitment made it happen.

They ensured that the new Decker Center was completed for $1.5 million underbudget and on time, despite the horrifying 1,000-year flood. They saw to it that the building exceeded all safety standards for a law-and-order facility. They saw to it that the exterior and interior would do our citizens proud. And finally, they saw to it that the water-retention system is the standard for best practices across our state.

This Richland County building will well serve the taxpayers, the employees, local businesses and surrounding neighborhoods for years to come. And many people are to be thanked for this accomplishment, but Mr. Collier and Mr. Pearce should always head that list.”

JIM MANNING
RICHLAND COUNTY COUNCILMAN
COLUMBIA

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